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Red Light Therapy for Parkinson's Disease: An Overview
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's. 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.
Table of Contents
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.
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.
Can Red Light Therapy 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. 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?
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. From the first week of the treatments, the researchers were able to observe improvements to the patients right away. With this result, it can 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. 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. For detailed instructions on how to use your device, you can consult our official usage guide. If you want to further explore red light therapy as a treatment for Parkinson’s disease, it’s best to consult your doctor first.
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. 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.
Portable Red Light Devices
Accessibility and convenience are very important for patients. One of the best selection of devices is the RLT Home Total Spectrum series. Portable devices like the TotalSpectrum MINI can 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.
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. As technological advancements continue, RLT may become a more important part of Parkinson’s treatment, bringing light to an otherwise challenging journey.
FAQs
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.
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.
References
- Liebert A, Bicknell B, Laakso EL, et al. 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.
- 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.
