About Light Therapy

Lean about the science of Low-Level Light Therapy

What is Light Therapy?

Low Level Light Therapy (LLLT) treats various disorders by exposure to specific wavelengths of light called photons using LED’s. LLLT dramatically increases circulation, reduces inflammation and promotes healing. The photons are absorbed by the photoreceptors within the cell. Photons are absorbed by the damaged tissue cells including skin, blood, muscle, and bone to create a cellular response which reduces pain and jump-starts the healing process.

Light Emitting Diode (LED) Light Therapy is a non-invasive treatment tool for numerous acute and chronic conditions, aids faster healing and provides natural pain relief.

The Science

The science of low level light therapy

Effect of NASA Light-Emitting Diode Irradiation on Wound Healing:

(November 6, 2001)

“LEDs to offer an effective alternative to lasers. These diodes can be configured to produce multiple wavelengths, can be arranged in large, flat arrays (allowing treatment of large wounds), and produce no heat. It is also of importance to note that LED light therapy has been deemed a non-significant risk by the FDA.”

Read the Full Study (.PDF)

NASA LED Pain Relief:

(November 13, 2003)

“Biologists have found that cells exposed to near-infrared light from LEDs, which is energy just outside the visible range, grow 150 to 200 percent faster than cells not stimulated by such light. The light arrays increase energy inside cells that speed up the healing process. In the first stage of the study, use of the LEDs resulted in significant relief to pediatric bone-marrow transplant patients.”

Read the Full Study (Sciencedaily)

Clinical and Experimental Applications of Photobiomodulation (IR LEDs):

(November 2, 2006)

“Low-intensity light therapy, commonly referred to as “photobiomodulation,” uses light in the far-red to near-infrared region of the spectrum (630–1000 nm) and modulates numerous cellular functions. Positive effects of NIR–light-emitting diode (LED) light treatment include acceleration of wound healing, improved recovery from ischemic injury of the heart, and attenuated degeneration of injured optic nerves by improving mitochondrial energy metabolism and production.”

Read the Full Study (.PDF)

LED therapy on the development of osteoarthritis in a rabbit:

(November 23, 2011)

“Five weeks following ACLT, LED exposure commenced at intervals of 10 min per day, 5 days per week for 5 weeks, under awake and alert conditions without sedation, in the experimental group. The light therapy was accomplished on the experimental knees with a very light custom-designed brace fitting comfortably over the knee and was held in place with two Velcro straps (3 M, St. Paul MN). The device applied two sets of LEDs, with wavelengths of 630 nm (red) and 870 nm (infrared: IR). LEDs mounted to the underside of the brace covered 44 cm2, and could treat the entire area of the rabbit knee joint. It alternated at high frequency between two patterns of off and on diodes.”

Read the Full Study (.PDF)

For more studies please see our FAQ section here.

History of Low Level Light Therapy

LLLT has been shown over the last 40+ years of clinical research and treatment to deliver powerful therapeutic benefits to living tissues and organisms. Similar to how plants use chlorophyll to convert sunlight into plant tissue, light therapy triggers cellular stimulation known as Photo-Biostimulation. Photo-Biostimulation was first discovered in the 1960s when European scientists began using light beams of various wavelengths and frequencies to treat damaged cell tissues including arthritis, soft tissue injuries and pain management among a myriad of other conditions.

LED light therapy has become a preferred treatment for pain relief utilized by Veterinarians, Equine Therapists, Chiropractors, Massage Therapists and Physical Therapists. Light Therapy technology has been cleared by the U.S Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use on humans, for many years now. LumaSoothe is not intended for human use. Studies, originated by NASA for use aboard the Space Shuttle and other clinical organizations all over the world have proven that Infrared and other LED light frequencies provides pain relief and aids wound healing for all parts of the body.

Pet Medical Background

Arthritis, or inflammation of the joints, affects dogs and cats just as it does humans. If left untreated, the disease can cause irreversible joint damage, resulting in chronic pain and restricting a pet’s ability to move or sit comfortably.

Because pets, particularly cats, are good at hiding signs of discomfort and because the signs of arthritis can be hard to distinguish from those of other diseases, arthritis is likely more common than currently reported.

Facts:

Arthritis has increased 38 percent in dogs and 67 percent in cats over the past five years.
In 2011, 13 percent of geriatric dogs were diagnosed with arthritis.
Nearly 1 in 4 (22 percent) geriatric large and giant breed dogs are diagnosed with arthritis.
Arthritis affects pets of all ages, the average age of dogs diagnosed with arthritis is 9!
The average age of cats diagnosed with arthritis is 12!

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Why does LumaSoothe use LEDs over Lasers?

LED’s produce non-coherent light which is electromagnetic radiant energy not all of the same phase (not in a narrow column) but an array consisting of various wavelengths. One important feature of LED Light Therapy is that LED diffuses while the single frequency laser does not. With LED diffusion, cells are in control of the treatment absorbing the light that is needed and not absorbing excess light.

Unfortunately with the laser, the cells are no longer in control. The practitioner applying the laser is completely in control of the treatment. If laser treatment is applied for too long or with too much strength it could damage the cells. The use of light-emitting diodes eliminates the drawback that is associated with improperly using lasers.

Is Light Therapy Safe for my Pet?

Yes it is! LED Light Therapy is extremely safe and effective! However, as with any bright light, always avoid direct contact with your eyes and your pet’s eyes. Please note the LumaSoothe Deep Treatment Head (DT) utilizes Infrared Light (IR) and is invisible to the naked eye. You will see the Green LED’s pulsing and the IR LED’s will appear not to be functioning. Rest assured the IR LED’s are indeed functioning.

We have found no reports of adverse side effects regarding Infrared and LED therapy. While laser diodes can be harmful to cellular tissue if not used properly, cells only absorb the amount of LED light that is needed and the cells shed any light that is not needed to benefit the cells.

Why does LumaSoothe's Treatment Light Pulse?

Pulsing LED’s (Blinking/Flashing on and off) at specific rates is known as Nogier frequencies. Researchers have proven that pulsed light is more effective than continuous light. With Pulsed light the tissue healed more rapidly. The Technology behind LumaSoothe’s Pulsed Wave Light has been proven by several clinical studies including specific studies performed by NASA to provide a much better cellular response than non-pulsed light therapy, as seen in other light therapy devices on the market.

What are the benefits of each LED light?

Each wavelength (color of light) posses a unique benefit, learn what makes each unique.

Infrared (IR) LED's

Infrared Therapy or Photo-Biomodulation, is a unique therapy that harnesses the healing powers of infrared light. It emits deep penetration wavelengths of light energy that dramatically increase circulation to injury sites and areas of chronic pain in joints, etc. The result is a rapid relief of discomfort, improvement in sensation, and regeneration of damaged tissues. LumaSoothe’s IR Deep Treatment Mode (DT) features – Infrared, 940nm LED’s. Infrared LED’s frequency is invisible to the human eye.

Red LED's

Visible Red Light Therapy [1] is capable of being absorbed by the molecules of the skin and hair follicles stimulating the growth or re-growth of the cells following a natural biological reaction. Additional benefits include the healing of wounds and various other skin conditions, improves or restores range of motion, reduces inflammation, pain and much more. Red, 650nm LED’s can be found in both of the LumaSoothe 2 Treatment Modes.

Green LED's

Green light targets the cells that produce melanin, called melanocytes, eventually stopping these cells from creating excessive pigments. It also corrects hyperpigmentation, reduces freckling, eliminate sun spots, and is an Anti-Inflammatory which helps reduce pain. In studies the Green light has been shown to lead to an increase in the body’s own production of enkephalins which could have lasting pain relief. The Green, 520nm LED’s can be found in both of LumaSoothe 2 Treatment Modes.

Blue LED's

Blue light therapy [1] is a branch of alternative medicine that uses natural blue or violet light to cure, treat or prevent unwanted health issues including; MRSA, Depression, Sleep Disorders, Periodontal disease (similar to Gingivitis) and it helps regulate mood circadian rhythms while also killing bad bacteria’s. LumaSoothe 2’s Surface Treatment Mode (ST) features – Blue, 470nm LED’s.

Yellow LED's

The Yellow / Amber light stimulants for the sensory and nervous system, increase the body’s energy state while also relieving pain, improving the lymphatic system and more. LumaSoothe 2’s Surface Treatment Mode (ST) features – Yellow, 590nm LED’s.

What are each wavelength's depth of penetration?

Each wavelength of light has a different depth of penetration. This makes them beneficial for different conditions

LumaSoothe Low Level Light Therapy Depth of Penetration

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