Red Light Therapy for Tendon Repair - Benefits and Effectiveness

Introduction: Red Light Therapy for Tendon Repair

You might be familiar with tendons, which are the tissues that link your muscles to bones. Your ability to move depends on these tissues. However, since tendons are susceptible to overuse, injury, or aging, they can tear or become damaged, hindering the movement of the body part where the injury occurred. When this happens, look for an instant and side-effect-free solution. Luckily, science has introduced us to red light therapy, a safe and non-surgical method for healing tendons. Yet, most people are unaware of its healing effects on tendons, and they often associate red light therapy solely with skin diseases and aesthetic treatments. Read this article to know the efficacy of red light therapy in tendon repair.

How Red Light Therapy Supports Tendon Healing

The Science Behind Red Light Therapy for Tendon Recovery

Red light therapy, also known as photobiomodulation or low-level laser therapy, is a non-invasive and drug-free treatment that is highly effective for repairing tendons. Since it is neither medication nor surgery, there's no concern about side effects or long recovery periods. Red light therapy utilizes specific wavelengths of red and near-infrared light that penetrate deeply into the skin to stimulate the body's natural healing processes.

It does this by stimulating the mitochondria within cells in the tendon, causing it to produce ATP, your cells' energy source. This energy increase enables tendon cells to heal more quickly and effectively, as well as to regenerate more easily. A significant challenge in repairing tendons is that they often lack adequate blood flow, and red light therapy addresses this issue by promoting the release of nitric oxide. This enhances blood circulation to the tendon, bringing more oxygen and healing nutrients. Red light therapy also decreases inflammation and makes the tendon stronger, more flexible, and resilient.

Does Red Light Therapy Work for Tendon Repair? What Research Says

Research indicates that red light treatment for tendon rehabilitation has promising results.  With its effect on inflammation, increased collagen deposition, and enhanced blood supply to the injured site, red light treatment has been found to facilitate tendon healing.  Peer-reviewed articles in journals such as Lasers in Medical Science and Photomedicine and Laser Surgery have demonstrated that the consistent application of red light treatment enhances tendon strength, flexibility and reduces healing time.

Clinical Studies on Red Light Therapy for Tendon Injuries

Study 1: How Low-Level Laser Therapy Supports Tendon Healing at Every Stage

Objective

To explore the mechanisms by which low-level laser therapy (LLLT), also known as red light therapy, assists in the healing of tendon injuries and understand how it works at every phase of the healing process.

Results

LLLT assists in all phases of tendon recovery. It promotes blood vessel formation during the initial stage, increases collagen and cell proliferation during the middle stage, and reduces inflammation during the terminal stage. Overuse during the final stage may lead to tendon rigidity or scarring.

Conclusion

LLLT is very promising in accelerating and enhancing tendon healing. However, more studies are needed to gain a better understanding of how it works, especially as the healing process progresses, so that it does not create unwanted side effects, such as fibrosis.

Study 2: Effect of Ice Application on Laser Light Penetration Through the Achilles Tendon

Objective

This study investigated whether cooling the skin with an ice pack affects the penetration of laser light (wavelengths of 810 nm and 904 nm) through the Achilles tendon.  The objective was to determine whether tissue temperature changes might affect tendon thickness and the penetration of laser light.

Results

Following the 20-minute ice application, both lasers demonstrated considerable enhancement of light penetration through the Achilles tendon. For the 904 nm laser, energy penetration increased from 0.34% to 0.39%, and then to 0.43–0.52%. For the 810 nm laser, it rose from 0.24–0.25% to 0.30–0.31%. The application of ice also resulted in noticeable thinning of tendon thickness on ultrasound, particularly in skin-to-skin and transverse orientations, whereas longitudinal thickness remained unchanged.

Conclusion

Iceing the tendon before laser treatment allows more of the laser light to penetrate the tissue. This could be attributed to the decreased tissue thickness and temperature, leading to speculation that the application of cold might increase the efficacy of laser treatments for tendons.

Study 3: Procedure for Evaluating the Effects of Red (660 nm) and Infrared (890 nm) Low-Level Laser Therapy on Flexor Tendon Repair

Objective

The objective of this study was to determine whether low-level laser therapy (LLLT) with red (660 nm) and infrared (890 nm) wavelengths could improve recovery after flexor tendon repair surgery. Its impact on the movement of the tendon, relief of pain, and satisfaction with treatment were to be determined.

Results

The research discovered that patients treated with LLLT had significantly improved outcomes compared to those who were not. They experienced greater improvement in passive range of motion and less pain. There were no ruptures of the tendons in either group, but only the LLLT group had complete passive flexion. All patients who received LLLT were extremely satisfied.

Conclusion

LLLT at 660 nm and 890 nm wavelengths is a valuable adjunct to flexor tendon repair. It hastens healing, reduces pain, and improves mobility, making treatment easier and more comfortable for patients.

Study 4: Effectiveness of 850 nm Light-Emitting Diode Therapy in Treating Refractory Hand Tenosynovitis

Objective

This research sought to assess the safety and efficacy of light-emitting diode therapy (LEDT) with an 850 nm wavelength to alleviate pain and stiffness in patients with non-responding hand tenosynovitis to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

Results

Twelve patients were treated twice a week for four weeks with low-level laser therapy (LLLT). There were improvements in pain scores by week 2, which were maintained through weeks 4 and 8. Stiffness also improved significantly by weeks 4 and 8. Tendon thickness reduced slightly by week 8, but not to a statistically significant level. There were no side effects. At the cellular level, LEDT increased type III collagen synthesis by a large amount, suggesting better healing of tendons.

Conclusion

LEDT at 850 nm appears to be a good and safe option for the treatment of tenosynovitis symptoms. It is a drug-free solution that reduces pain and stiffness and can aid in tendon repair at the molecular level.

Choosing the Right Red Light Therapy Device for Tendon Repair

Key Features to Look for in an Effective Device

Individuals who are unable to afford frequent clinic visits or do not have the time to visit clinics repeatedly can perform red light therapy for tendon healing at home with the proper device. But when you visit to buy a red light therapy device, there are numerous inexpensive and useless devices that are advertised as therapeutic devices but are nothing more than simple light sources.

A good red light therapy device should contain all the necessary features to provide effective treatment. It should produce clinically established wavelengths of red light—approximately 630–660 nm—and near-infrared light—approximately 810, 830, 850, and 1064 nm—which are established to promote tendon healing. The device must also have sufficient power output to deliver light deeply and effectively; low-power devices can be ineffective in providing therapeutic effects.

Ensure the device is FDA-approved, meaning that it has been tested for safety and effectiveness. Another feature is portability, allowing you to continue your therapy routine even when traveling. Finally, convenient options such as hands-free operation and adjustable intensity make at-home tendon therapy effortless.

Total Spectrum Devices: Tailored Red Light Therapy for Tendon Repair

Overview of the Total Spectrum Series for Tendon Recovery

The Total Spectrum series is a range of red light therapy devices reputed to be safe and effective. They radiate definite wavelengths of red and near-infrared light and are therefore best for treating a wide range of conditions, such as repairing tendons.

What distinguishes these products from other devices is their capacity to emit 1064 nm near-infrared light—a feature which is present in only a select number of high-end devices. They also provide enough power to facilitate efficient light transmission. Furthermore, easy-to-use features such as hands-free operation, intensity adjustability, and portability make them convenient for use at home.

With the Total Spectrum series, you don't have to spend hours searching for a safe red light therapy product. Simply visit the market, select the model, and be assured of its safety and efficacy.

Best Practices for Using Red Light Therapy for Tendon Repair

Finding the Right Dosage: Frequency, Session Length, and Distance

The correct dosage of red light therapy is crucial for achieving optimal tendon rehabilitation results.  Since each session only takes 10 to 20 minutes per area, usually three to five times a week, use of the device is recommended.  The optimum distance from the device to the skin should be between 6 and 12 inches (15 and 30 cm), but this can vary depending on the device's power. For healing to work effectively, it is essential to maintain a consistent routine, particularly in the first few weeks.  Always follow the instructions provided by the equipment manufacturer, and seek personalized guidance from a medical doctor if necessary.

Conclusion: The Role of Red Light Therapy in Tendon Recovery

Red light therapy is a vital part of assisting tendons in healing on their own. Red light therapy achieves this by applying specific wavelengths of red and near-infrared light to the painful area, promoting an increase in cellular energy (ATP), reducing inflammation, and facilitating tissue healing. This results in a painless, medication-free treatment option for individuals who are experiencing tendon pain or injuries, particularly if rest and other interventions are insufficient.

Among all the available options, Total Spectrum devices are among the best for home care of tendons. These devices are programmed to provide the correct amount of light at the most beneficial wavelengths. They're FDA-approved, easy to use, and available in various sizes tailored to your needs. A lot of individuals find them to be dependable for regular tendon support and recovery, straight from home.

FAQS: Addressing Common Questions

Can red light heal tendons?

Yes, red light therapy can aid in healing tendons by stimulating tissue repair and regeneration.

How can I stimulate my tendons to heal?

Keep active with gentle stretching and strengthening exercises to enhance blood flow and assist your tendons in healing.  Apply red light treatment to minimize inflammation and enhance cellular energy.  To support tissue repair, consume a balanced diet rich in collagen, protein, and vitamin C.

Does red light therapy help you heal faster?

Yes, red light therapy helps you heal faster by stimulating the mitochondria, the powerhouses of the cells. This triggers the production of ATP, the cell's main energy source. This energy supports cell function and regeneration.

Can red light therapy repair cartilage?

Yes, red light therapy can support cartilage healing by decreasing inflammation and increasing cell activity. It improves circulation and increases collagen levels, which the joints and cartilage need to stay healthy. It won't necessarily regrow cartilage entirely, but it can help the cartilage heal and become less painful.