Table of Contents Understanding Red Light Therapy The Role of Red Light Therapy in Parkinson's Disease Advancements in Red Light Therapy Technology for Parkinson's Can Red Light Therapy Help with Parkinson’s Symptoms? Can Red Light Therapy Combined with Hydrogen Therapy Reduce Parkinson’s Severity? Choosing the Best Red Light Therapy for Parkinson’s Conclusion Introduction One of the most common and advanced neurological disorders known to man is Parkinson’s disease (PD). It is usually associated with a variety of symptoms and effects such as tremors, rigidity, bradykinesia, and postural instability. Because of that, a person diagnosed with PD is usually experiencing challenges in dealing with basic functions in their daily lives. Despite having advanced studies in the field of medical science, Parkinson remains to be one of the illnesses that doesn’t have a cure and most of the treatments are focused solely in managing its symptoms. There are different types of treatments available for PD patients. One of the most promising methods is the red light therapy for Parkinson. It is recently gaining traction because of its non-invasive way of treating patients. In this article, we will give you an overview on how red light therapy benefits patients as a supportive treatment for Parkinson’s disease. Let’s begin. Understanding Red Light Therapy Also known as photobiomodulation (PBM), red light therapy is a type of treatment that uses low-level red and infrared light to stimulate cellular function. Basically, it treats deep within the skin and energizes the powerhouse of the cells called mitochondria. From there, red light therapy is helping to enhance the ability of a human cell to repair and regenerate on its own. As a result, the treatment is making it easier for an individual to manage different types of pain. One of the impacts of Parkinson’s disease is the deficiency of having a strong neurotransmitter to a patient’s body. With red light therapy, the dopamine production in a human body is improved by stimulating the brain cells. As a result, it is improving a person’s mitochondrial health and reducing oxidative stress. This process helps support the brain health of a person and combat neurodegeneration. The Michael J Fox Foundation red light therapy is one of the most prominent researches that’s exploring the treatment’s impact on individuals with Parkinson’s disease. This research program is focused on addressing specific symptoms of PD such as difficulty in sleep and motor function. The Role of Red Light Therapy in Parkinson's Disease At this point, there’s still continuous research on the overall impact of red light therapy on Parkinson’s. However, the initial findings are already promising when addressing different symptoms such as tremors, stiffness, and slowness of movement. Here is some detailed information on the impact of red light therapy on Parkinson’s disease. Benefits for Motor Symptoms As mentioned above, one of the biggest impacts causing challenges in daily lives of PD patients are the motor symptoms such as tremors and rigidity. Since RLT is focused on promoting cellular repair and reducing inflammation in affected areas, the therapy is showing positive effects on essential tremors. In turn, PD patients can experience changes in their daily lives as well. Advances in Understanding Aside from helping manage the symptoms more effectively, red light therapy is also a more convenient approach. For example, there are a variety of portable RLT devices for Parkinson's disease patients that is currently being developed. This device will directly target the brain which delivers therapeutic wavelengths to areas that are mostly affected by the disease. We will discuss this device further in the succeeding sections. Can Red Light Therapy Help with Parkinson’s Symptoms? It’s common for any individual to question if a new treatment is really effective for illnesses. This is no different when it comes to Parkinson’s disease. As someone experiencing its inconvenient symptoms, you don’t want to end up going through a therapy that can make the situation a lot worse. So, the questions stand: Is there a red light therapy for essential tremor? Can it really help with Parkinson’s symptoms? A groundbreaking study [1] explored if photobiomodulation (PBM) can really improve different Parkinson’s symptoms such as mobility, balance, and cognition. The research also explores if the treatment is effective for other treatments beyond the brain area such as the abdomen and neck. In this study, there are seven participants who underwent the PBM treatment. It was done three times a week for 12 weeks and it is targeting non-brain areas. After the assessment, the treatment showed significant improvements in the motor skills, cognitive function, and balance of the patients. Although some of the participants experienced a few setbacks because of the COVID-19 lockdown, its positive impact continued for weeks after the treatment stopped. Because of that, it can be concluded that the red light therapy may support brain health through indirect pathways. Additionally, it is also a more convenient option because of its non-invasive way for managing Parkinson’s symptoms effectively. Can Red Light Therapy Combined with Hydrogen Therapy Reduce Parkinson’s Severity? Some PD patients are also undergoing different types of treatment such as the hydrogen therapy. If you are one of those patients, you may want to know if RLT can help reduce Parkinson’s severity if combined with hydrogen therapy. In another study [2] it is also recorded that combining both therapies has shown positive effects in reducing the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. Eighteen patients in the moderate stages of Parkinson’s disease participated in a two-week trial involving daily PBM and hydrogen therapy. The researchers measured symptom severity using the Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS). From the first week of the treatments, the researchers were able to observe improvements to the patients right away, and it continued to progress throughout the entire trial period and even beyond. With this result, it can also be concluded that the combination of two therapies helped further enhance the mitochondrial functions and reduce oxidative stress of the PD patient. Additionally, there were no side effects reported which makes the treatment more effective. Choosing the Best Red Light Therapy for Parkinson’s Understanding and choosing the best red light therapy for Parkinson's disease is very important. Some of the things you should consider is the device’s quality, wavelength, and the authenticity of the device. Some devices are also endorsed by medical practitioners which adds to its credibility. High quality devices not only meet standards but also offer consistent performance. Ideally, the wavelength should be between the ranges of 600 to 900 nm to ensure optimal therapeutic effects. It is highly essential to choose the device that has proven effectiveness based on its record and patient reviews. If you want to further explore red light therapy as a treatment for Parkinson’s disease, it’s best to consult your doctor first. This is to ensure that you are suitable to explore this treatment plan. While this type of treatment may work for other patients, it may not necessarily work for everyone. That’s why understanding its usage and capabilities is also very important. Advancements in Red Light Therapy Technology for Parkinson's Since there are more people who are interested in this treatment, red light therapy technology is also advancing to ensure that it will be more beneficial for patients. One of the latest innovations are portable devices such as the red light therapy helmet and panels that are designed for a more targeted and more convenient treatment. Here are some of the things that you need to know: Portable Red Light Devices Accessibility and convenience are very important for patients, especially those that have Parkinson’s disease. It is not advisable to have a treatment that can add to the challenges they experience on a daily basis. One of the best selection of devices is the RLT Home Total Spectrum Mini. These are portable devices that work the same way as the SYMBYX red light therapy helmet but can also be used in different areas aside from the head. The Total Spectrum series was created to deliver the recommended wavelength of red and near-infrared light to any targeted part of a patient’s body. Its aim is to ensure that the treatment will help minimize the patient’s symptoms in a more convenient way. Compared to traditional devices, portable devices can be done at home which makes it easier to have a more consistent treatment schedule. Comparing Devices As the popularity of red light therapy and portable devices increases, also comes the variety of choices available in the market. When choosing from different types of devices, it’s important to consider different factors such as the wavelength, the device’s clinical validation, and the convenience of using it. Every device is designed with different settings and capabilities, that’s why it’s important to know more about them before purchasing one. Each device’s impact may differ depending on the situation of a patient, the severity of the illness, and the frequency of use. You can also read and compare its effectiveness for Parkinson by checking RLT Home and SYMBYX light therapy reviews to see how it fairs in the market. Conclusion Red light therapy is indeed an emerging hope to treat patients with Parkinson’s disease. Because of its positive impact in potentially improving the motor symptoms, cognitive function, and the overall quality of life of the patients, more and more people are considering this treatment. Its non-invasive way of therapy is also appealing to both patients and caregivers. With the research studies mentioned above, you can expect long-term effects when treated properly. Of course, it is recommended to consult your physician first before deciding to use red light therapy as a treatment for your illness. Once you have the go signal, you can start searching and choosing the device that will fit your needs and preference. Devices such as those from Total Therapy Solutions, offered by Total Spectrum, provide innovative and accessible options for patients exploring this emerging treatment. As technological advancements continue, RLT may become a more important part of Parkinson’s treatment, bringing light to an otherwise challenging journey. FAQs Do you have more questions about using red light therapy for Parkinson’s disease? Here are a few frequently asked questions: Does red light therapy increase dopamine levels? Based on studies, the red light therapy may support dopamine production by enhancing mitochondrial function and reducing neuroinflammation. Which therapy is best for Parkinson’s disease? Traditional treatments such as medication and physical therapy are some of the most effective ways to treat Parkinson’s disease. However, exploring a more convenient and non-invasive way of treatment such as red light therapy is gaining positive reviews from patients who underwent clinical studies. Does red light therapy help with tremors? Research indicates that red light therapy can reduce tremors and improve motor control by stimulating cellular repair and reducing inflammation. What is the new light treatment for Parkinson’s disease? Innovative devices like the Total Spectrum devices represent cutting-edge options for delivering targeted photobiomodulation to Parkinson’s patients. References Liebert A, Bicknell B, Laakso EL, Jalilitabaei P, Tilley S, Kiat H, Mitrofanis J. Remote Photobiomodulation Treatment for the Clinical Signs of Parkinson's Disease: A Case Series Conducted During COVID-19. Photobiomodul Photomed Laser Surg. 2022;40(2):112-122. doi: 10.1089/photob.2021.0056. Hong CT, Hu CJ, Lin HY, Wu D. Effects of concomitant use of hydrogen water and photobiomodulation on Parkinson disease: A pilot study. Medicine (Baltimore). 2021;100(4):e24191. doi: 10.1097/MD.0000000000024191.
