The Ultimate Guide to Red Light Therapy (2) - Flipbook - Page 21
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The Ultimate Guide to Red Light Therapy
2.2 RLT for Nervous System Health
2.2.1 RLT and Nerve Injury
Scientists in one study investigated using RLT to help nerves heal after injuries.
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They focused on two key
parts of nerve repair: regrowing nerve tissue and the chemical environment around the injury.
In the study, they created a gap in rats‘ leg nerves and used a small tube to bridge the gap.
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Some injured
nerves were treated with red light from LEDs (light-emitting diodes) for an hour each day. After three weeks,
the nerves treated with light showed better healing compared to untreated nerves.
The researchers also studied the fluid that forms around the nerve gap as it heals.
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This fluid contains
important molecules that help nerves regrow. They measured how well this fluid protected against chemical
damage (oxidation), which can slow healing. In untreated nerves, this protection weakened over time.
However, RLT using LED light helped keep the fluid‘s protective abilities strong for longer.
These results suggest that RLT might help nerves heal in two ways: by directly
stimulating
nerve
environment.
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regrowth
and
by
creating
a
more
supportive
healing
The researchers believe the light therapy‘s antioxidant effect,
which protects against cell damage, may be a key factor in aiding nerve repair.
While these findings are promising, more research is needed to see if light
therapy can be used to treat nerve injuries in people.
Another
study
examined
medical records to evaluate
the use of monochromatic
infrared
(MIRE),
photo
a
energy
type
of
light
therapy that uses a single
wavelength of infrared light,
to
treat
nerve
damage
(peripheral neuropathy) in
the hands and feet.
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People
with peripheral neuropathy
often suffer from numbness
and pain.
