Healing with Red Light Therapy: How Red and Near-Infrared Light Can Manage Pain, Combat Aging, and Transform Your Health

by Stephanie Hallett

Overview

Discover the power of low-level laser therapy (aka photobiomodulation) for the pain-free treatment of arthritis, psoriasis, hair loss, acne, and more.

Red light therapy is dramatically changing the world of health care. Studies show using red and near-infrared light can have incredible effects, from managing chronic pain to even slowing the signs of aging. This natural, drug-free, red light therapy treatment can be found at your doctor’s office, spa, and even in the comfort of your own home.

These at-home lights are increasing in popularity as they become more affordable and accessible online, but using them safely and effectively is crucial. With so many different devices, online advisories, and treatment options, this book is your go-to guide to understanding the ins and outs of this revolutionary therapy. Inside you’ll find information about:

• How light therapy works
• Easy-to-understand breakdown of recent studies
• Different light source devices and types
• The importance of correct dosage
• Treatment of chronic pain, skin aging and other conditions, joint pain, and more

With patient testimonials and interviews with leading health professionals, Healing with Red Light Therapy will give you all the tools you need to harness the beneficial power of light therapy.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781646041121
Publisher:	Ulysses Press
Publication date:	06/29/2023
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	192
Sales rank:	922,392
File size:	738 KB

About the Author

Stephanie Hallett is a Toronto-born journalist. A graduate of the University of British Columbia’s Master of Journalism program, she has worked as a reporter and editor at Ms. magazine, HuffPost, and HelloGiggles, and has had her work published by Pacific Standard, BuzzFeed, Modern Luxury Brides California, DAME magazine, and more. Her first cover story, on the FBI’s problematic definition of “forcible rape,” was published by Ms. in 2011 and kick-started a campaign to get the FBI to change its definition—the campaign was ultimately successful. Stephanie lives with her partner and senior dog in Los Angeles.

 

 

Table of Contents

Introduction 1

Chapter 1 The Discovery of Red Light Therapy 6

Chapter 2 The Science of Red Light Therapy 13

Chapter 3 Pain Relief 29

Neuropathic Pain 30

Knee Pain 32

Low-Back Pain 33

Neck Pain 36

Shoulder Pain 38

Tennis Elbow 42

Chapter 4 Athletic Recovery 45

Lauren Fendrick: Olympic Beach Volleyball Player 45

Amelia Boone: Obstacle Racer and Ultrarunner 47

Kevin Clark: Professional Hockey Player 49

Chapter 5 Treatment for Chronic Conditions 52

Rheumatoid Arthritis 53

Osteoarthritis 59

Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction 62

Fibromyalgia 64

Lymphedema 68

Chapter 6 Skin Care 72

Scarring 73

Acne 74

Fine Lines and Wrinkles 75

Psoriasis 79

Chapter 7 Wound Healing 81

Cuts and Scrapes 81

Wound Healing and the Elderly 83

Diabetic Ulcers 84

Cold Sores 85

Chapter 8 Insomnia 89

Chapter 9 Hair Regrowth 93

Chapter 10 Dental Health 99

Sensitive Teeth 100

Dental Surgery without Anesthesia 102

Chapter 11 Smoking Cessation 106

Chapter 12 An Alternative to Opioids 113

Cancer Care 114

From Post-Surgery Pain to Opioid Addiction 120

Chapter 13 Why Isn't Light Therapy in Every Clinic and Hospital? 122

Insurance Coverage Is Lacking or Nonexistent 123

More Research Is Needed, but Funding Is Limited 124

Doctors Are in the Dark on Light Therapy 125

Treatment Protocol Matters 127

Chapter 14 Shopping for an At-Home Light Therapy Device 129

Chapter 15 The Future of Red and Near-Infrared Light Therapy 135

Traumatic Brain Injury 136

Alzheimer's and Dementia 149

Parkinson's 153

Stroke 159

Spinal Cord Injury 162

Depression and Anxiety 164

Dry Age-Related Macular Degeneration 166

Appendix 169

Notes 172

Index 185

Acknowledgments 193

About the Author 195