Red Light Therapy for ACL Tear - A Recovery Aid

An ACL tear is an injury to the anterior cruciate ligament, one of the main stabilizing ligaments in the knee joint that connects the thigh bone (femur) to the shin bone (tibia). Ligaments are crucial in enabling bones to move while maintaining the stability of the joint. Yet any damage to a ligament can result in swelling, pain, and inflammation.

Because the knees and joints of your legs bear most of your body weight, a tear in the ligaments in your legs can have a tremendous impact on your way of life—you might not be able to walk, run, or stand normally. Those who play high-impact sports such as football, soccer, tennis, and basketball are particularly susceptible to ACL tears.

Most victims of this condition attempt conventional treatment but become frustrated with side effects and a long waiting period for relief. Red light therapy, now available, brings new hope during this challenging phase. Not only does it alleviate symptoms, but it also aids in the healing and repair process of the anterior cruciate ligament.

This post explores the role of red light therapy in healing ACL tear recovery, drawing on scientific observations and practical applications.

Understanding ACL Tears: Causes and Symptoms

An ACL tear is the most frequent knee injury and is caused by the overstretching or tearing of the anterior cruciate ligament. The knee joint consists of three bones: the kneecap (patella), the thigh bone (femur), and the shin bone (tibia). The bones are joined by ligaments that offer stability and support. The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is within the knee and stabilizes the femur and tibia's movement.

Half of the total ACL injuries are accompanied by injury to other structures of the knee, like the articular cartilage, meniscus, or other ligaments. Sports persons and those performing high-demand physical activities are likely to develop an ACL tear.

ACL tears result from pivoting or twisting the knee when the foot is fixed, awkwardly landing after a jump, sudden stopping during running, or a direct blow during contact sports such as football or basketball. These types of injuries can seriously interfere with daily activities, particularly among athletes and active individuals who cannot afford prolonged periods of rest.

The most common symptoms of an ACL tear are a popping noise at the moment of injury, instant pain and swelling, loss of movement, knee instability, a sense that the knee could give way, and walking or weight bearing on the injured leg.

ACL tears vary in severity from mild to severe. A total tear might need medical care, such as physical therapy or surgery. Proper treatment and early diagnosis are the keys to a successful recovery.

Limitations of Traditional Treatments for ACL Injuries

Traditional therapies for ACL tears reduce symptoms but not the cause. Those procedures generate other issues, so additional procedures are required to adapt to new side effects. Patients with this disease desire to heal sooner and do not need to live with added complications.

Tears of the ACL are traditionally treated with medication, rest, bracing, physical therapy, and surgery.  Although they alleviate inflammation and pain, medications such as pain medications and anti-inflammatory drugs cannot heal the ligament.  Therefore, upon removal of these drugs, pain and inflammation tend to recur.

Rest and physical therapy will restore the function of ligaments, but it is a very slow process that will take many months. Bracing allows for joint movement but is not sufficient for ligament healing. Surgery is recommended in severe cases. However, ACL reconstruction surgery also has its own difficulties, and healing will take 6 to 12 months.

The slow healing of the ligament is because the ligament tissues have a poor blood supply.

How Red Light Therapy Supports Healing After an ACL Tear

The Science Behind Red Light Therapy for Tissue Repair

Red light therapy, also known as low-level laser therapy or photobiomodulation, is a promising remedy for ligament healing.  It utilizes specific red and near-infrared light wavelengths that penetrate the skin and stimulate your body's own healing processes.  Red light treatment first makes your cells' power plants, or mitochondria, more active, which results in increased ATP production. The power source for carrying out various cellular functions is ATP.  The tissue cells in the damaged region recover and regenerate faster due to red light therapy, as it boosts energy production.  That is, by enhancing cellular repair, red light treatment contributes to the healing of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL).

Red light therapy enhances blood circulation to the injured area, allowing cells to receive a greater amount of nutrients and oxygen, and thereby promotes healing. Since ligaments are slow to heal due to a lack of blood supply, red light therapy is able to overcome this. Red light therapy also increases the production of collagen, the protein that provides the ligament with its strength and stiffness. Red light therapy decreases pain and inflammation and relieves the symptoms of an ACL injury.

Does Red Light Therapy Work for ACL Tears? What Research Says

Red light therapy for the ACL tear is under investigation, but thus far, the initial findings are promising.  Red light therapy accelerates healing by initiating the body's natural repair systems. Studies have shown its use to mend strained, torn, and stretched ligaments.  Specifically, the wavelengths in red light treatment stimulate collagen production, stimulate cellular renewal, and increase blood supply to the damaged ligament.

Clinical Studies on Red Light Therapy for ACL Injury Patients

Study 1: The Effect of 830 nm Near-Infrared LED Therapy on Accelerating Recovery in University Athletes.

Objective

This research was conducted to determine whether 830 nm near-infrared LED phototherapy can safely facilitate faster recovery from injuries such as sprains, strains, ligament sprains, tendonitis, and bruises in university athletes by minimizing pain and facilitating healing.

Results

Among 65 treated athletes, pain was reduced significantly after 2 to 6 sessions. Return to play time was found to be 9.6 days on average, much less compared to the normal 19.23 days using conventional treatment. Satisfaction with therapy was found in the majority of athletes (78.5%), and no side effects were noted.

Conclusion

830 nm LED phototherapy seems to accelerate recovery safely and decrease pain in injured athletes, allowing them to return to the sport more quickly. Although the study had no control groups and used subjective measurement, the positive results indicate that controlled studies are necessary to verify these advantages.

Study 2: Effectiveness of Low-Level Laser Therapy in Recovery After Total Knee Replacement Surgery.

Objective

This research compared the impact of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) with 804 nm light and Bioptron light therapy on pain reduction, movement of the knee, and recovery following total knee replacement surgery.

Results

Participants who were treated with LLLT exhibited improved movement of the knee (range of motion) and reduced pain during the initial period of recovery compared to those treated with Bioptron light or without light therapy. The LLLT group also consumed fewer opioid analgesics and experienced lower swelling after three months. Differences among all groups were, however, largely levelled out at 12 months.

Conclusion

LLLT, particularly during the initial recovery period, may decrease pain, swelling, and opioid use and enhance knee function and motion following knee replacement.

Note: Although these clinical trials do not specifically focus on the use of red light therapy for ACL tears, they demonstrate its effectiveness in treating various knee conditions. These studies suggest that red light therapy is a promising treatment for healing damaged ligaments, tendons, and other tissues.

Choosing the Right Red Light Therapy Device for ACL Recovery

Key Features to Look for in a Device for Joint and Ligament Healing

You can heal an ACL tear by taking red light therapy either in clinics or at home. When you decide to undergo red light therapy, it is essential to understand that you can safely perform this procedure at home without the need for any professional or doctor. Many people recommend doing red light therapy at home instead of spending money and time on every clinic visit.

However, if you are doing red light therapy at home without any professional guidance, it is extremely essential to have a good device to prevent any harm or inconvenience. For that purpose, you must buy the correct red light therapy device. A good red light therapy device is one that has all the necessary features. These features are:

1) Specific Wavelengths

Your device should be able to emit the therapeutic range of red and near-infrared light. It should emit red light at around 610–670 nm and near-infrared light at around 804, 810, 830, 850, 980, and 1064 nm. These wavelengths have been effective in healing ligaments.

2) FDA-Approved

Your device should be FDA-approved. FDA clearance ensures that the device is safe and effective to use.

3) Size of Device

If red light therapy is applied to a large area of the body, you must buy a large unit. For the hands, face, or feet, which are relatively smaller areas of the body, compact-sized devices are recommended.

4) Power Irradiance

Your device should be equipped with sufficient power irradiance so that there is an unbroken infiltration of light energy into the cells. This makes the therapy effective since it has strong irradiance.

5) User-Friendly Features

Your device should have features that make the red light therapy process easy and convenient. It must include adjustable intensity levels so you can set the light according to your comfort and needs. Additionally, the device should offer hands-free operation, so you do not have to hold it for extended periods.

Total Spectrum Devices: Tailored Red Light Therapy for Injury Recovery

Overview of the Total Spectrum Series for Joint and Muscle Healing

It's not that easy to buy the correct red light therapy device that includes all the necessary features. But thanks to  RLT Home, which has come up with a series of excellent Total Spectrum devices. These devices are capable of emitting certain wavelengths of red and near-infrared light that are scientifically and clinically proven. My concern for purchasing a good red light therapy device is answered because each piece of equipment in this range is excellent and includes high-end features.

These units are FDA-cleared and come with other certifications such as CE and RoHS, which guarantee their safety and effectiveness. They have varying sizes, so you can buy the unit based on your objectives. You can also benefit from the convenient features of these units, such as light intensity adjustment, as well as the portability to be able to bring your unit along with you, so you won't miss your red light therapy sessions, whether you're away for vacation or work.

Best Practices for Using Red Light Therapy for ACL Tear Recovery

Finding the Right Dosage: Frequency, Session Duration, and Device Distance

Finding the right dosage for red light therapy involves knowing how often to apply it, the length of the treatment sessions, and how close to the body the device must be held.  It is recommended that patients start with three or five treatments per week, each lasting ten to twenty minutes, depending on the severity of the issue and the size of the area under treatment. Depending on the strength of the device, the distance from your body to it may be variable, but most of the time it is between 6 and 12 inches.  It's important to follow the manufacturer's recommendations or consult with a medical doctor to avoid abuse and ensure you're getting the greatest benefit in as safe a way as possible.

Conclusion: The Role of Red Light Therapy in ACL Tear Treatment

Why are More People Turning to Red Light Therapy for ACL Tear?

Additional individuals are using red light therapy to heal ACL tears because it is drug-free and non-surgical, which not only alleviates symptoms but also repairs the ligament. It is a fast-growing treatment for ligaments and tendons because it is highly effective in increasing energy, improving circulation, decreasing inflammation, and raising collagen levels.

When should Red light therapy be used after ACL tear surgery?

Following ACL tear surgery, you can start red light therapy after your physician indicates initial healing and swelling have subsided. It's beneficial in recovery to decrease pain, accelerate tissue repair, and enhance blood flow. Always get clearance from your surgeon on when to begin.

FAQs: Addressing Common Questions

Is red light therapy good for torn ligaments?

Yes, red light therapy heals torn ligaments by boosting collagen production, increasing blood flow, and stimulating cellular repair.

What is the fastest way to recover from an ACL tear?

Following your doctor's rehabilitation recommendations, which include rest, physical therapy, and a healthy diet, is the quickest way to recover from an ACL tear.  By decreasing pain and inflammation and promoting tissue repair, red light treatment can hasten the healing process.  For optimal effects, it should always be used in conjunction with expert medical treatment.

Can red light therapy help knees?

Yes, red light therapy can help knees by reducing pain, swelling, and stiffness. It improves blood flow and supports the healing of muscles, ligaments, and joints.

References

1. Low-Level Laser and Light Therapy After Total Knee Arthroplasty Improves Postoperative Pain and Functional Outcomes: A Three-Arm Randomized Clinical Trial.
2. Carpal tunnel syndrome treated with a diode laser: a controlled treatment of the transverse carpal ligament.