Comparing Red Light Therapy to Traditional Physiotherapy Treatments

Red light therapy and physiotherapy both have gained a lot of popularity in recent times for their effectiveness. However, how are these similar and what are the differences? The two approaches utilize different wavelengths of light to improve health in various ways, including healing, inflammation reduction, and general wellness. But many people are confused about the advantages of each and how to pick the best one for their own health needs.

Keep on reading to know how red light therapy compares to traditional physiotherapy treatments.

What is Red Light Therapy?

The skin is exposed to low-level wavelengths (usually 620 to 750 nanometers) in red light treatment. It is thought that these wavelengths increase collagen formation, reduces wrinkles, and speed up the healing process of wounds.  

Red light treatment is effective because it uses photobiomodulation (PBM). The mitochondria, which are found inside cells and are responsible for producing energy, absorb light at certain red or near-infrared wavelengths, and this increases their synthesis of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the main energy currency in the body.  

A speedier recovery and better cellular health are the results of this increase in cellular energy, which aids in tissue repair, enhances microcirculation, and decreases inflammation. Red light therapy has several advantages over conventional procedures, such as its lack of side effects, speed, and lack of downtime required for recuperation. Therefore, it has become a popular choice for people seeking a non-invasive solution to address a range of health issues.

What is Physiotherapy?

The goal of physical therapy, also known as physiotherapy, is to enhance a patient's functional mobility. Whether you're dealing with a specific injury or health issue, it may be a component of your overall pain management approach. Additionally, physical therapy is often necessary following a variety of surgical procedures.

In most cases, patients undergoing physical therapy do not spend the night at a healthcare institution. It is possible to get therapy while hospitalized for an accident or surgery and continue it once you return home.

Common Physiotherapy Treatments

Here are some common treatments that come under physiotherapy:

• Kinesio-taping
• Dry Needling
• Physical exercises
• Therapeutic ultrasound
• Therapeutic massage
• ROM (range of motion) exercises
• Electrotherapy

How Does Red Light Therapy Compare to Physiotherapy?

While both of these treatments are effective, one might be better than the other. Some ways RLT compares to physiotherapy are:

Pain and Healing

The efficacy of red light treatment (RLT) and conventional physiotherapy in reducing pain, speeding recovery, and improving mobility depends on the illness. Particularly at the mitochondrial level, RLT promotes cellular repair and reduces inflammation. It promotes the synthesis of ATP, or adenosine triphosphate, which gives injured cells energy and hastens the healing process. Evidence suggests it can relieve different types of aches and pains, including arthritis, muscular soreness, wounds, and persistent joint discomfort.

On the other hand, a more holistic view is taken by traditional physiotherapy. Exercises, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), ultrasonography, and manual treatment are all part of it.

Joint mobility, muscular strength, and blood flow are all enhanced by these methods. When it comes to superficial or localized tissues, RLT can provide quicker pain alleviation.

Convenient Therapy

Red light therapy is getting easier to use, and it's even accessible for home usage with products from suppliers like Sunglor. Those who would prefer not to make regular trips to the clinic can choose a device that suits their needs, since they range from little portable devices to full-body panels.  

The treatments are painless, non-invasive, and take about ten to twenty minutes. For those with chronic pain who want consistent treatments that don't interfere with their everyday lives, RLT is a great option because of how convenient it is.

In contrast, scheduled visits to licensed physiotherapists are typical for traditional physiotherapy.  People in remote places, those with physical limitations, or those with hectic schedules may find this difficult.

Different Methods

There is a difference in the processes that red light therapy and conventional physiotherapy use. In contrast to physiotherapy's emphasis on restoring normal musculoskeletal mechanics and neuromuscular control, RLT operates on a molecular and biochemical level.

Red light therapy stimulates mitochondrial activity by penetrating the skin with low-level red and near-infrared light (600-850 nm). This mechanism, known as photobiomodulation, boosts cellular energy production. By increasing collagen synthesis and decreasing oxidative stress, the enhanced cellular activity facilitates tissue healing.

On the other hand, biomechanical therapies are the backbone of physiotherapy. Physical therapists diagnose dysfunctions in movement and treat them using methods including joint mobilization, resistance training, and posture correction. The impact is not so much cellular as structural.

The passive nature of red light therapy can benefit patients greatly compared to other physical treatments.

Treatment Results

RLT has gained fame as a treatment for a variety of inflammatory diseases, persistent pain, skin problems, and damage to the soft tissues. Numerous medical issues, including osteoarthritis, tendinitis, muscular pain, wound healing, psoriasis, and acne, have responded well to its use.

Because the red and infrared wavelengths of RLT assist in decreasing edema and increasing circulation without physically pressing on the tissues, it is helpful in situations where inflammation is a major issue.

When it comes to rehabilitating from physical injuries, recovering from surgery, neurological diseases, or mobility issues, physiotherapy is considered the gold standard. Rehabilitation from stroke, sports injuries, back and neck discomfort, problems with balance, stiffness following fractures, and many other conditions can benefit from its usage. It may not speed up cellular healing like RLT, but it increases mobility, strength, posture, and coordination with focused physical activity.

Why Should You Choose Red Light Therapy?

The conventional nature of RLT has made it a famous option among users. From smaller to bigger devices, you can now take advantage of this treatment in the ease of your home. Now, the question is where should you buy trusted and reliable products? Sunglor is a name that never disappoints.

From wireless red light therapy masks to other products to cater to your skin issues and pain management, Sunglor has a variety of options. Visit the website today to know more.