Aliquot #86: A Fair Examination of Red Light Therapy
Aliquot #86: A Fair Examination of Red Light Therapy
Photobiomodulation (PBM) involves using light therapy, such as red light, laser, or infrared therapy, to stimulate, heal, regenerate, and protect the body. Factors such as wavelength, power, skin color, and lighting device influence the light's penetration into body tissues.
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Photobiomodulation (PBM) involves using light therapy, such as red light, laser, or infrared therapy, to stimulate, heal, regenerate, and protect the body. Factors such as wavelength, power, skin color, and lighting device influence the light's penetration into body tissues.
In this Aliquot, we explore the complex landscape of PBM science, discussing its potential effects and the varying quality of evidence for its applications. Topics include hair regrowth in androgenic alopecia, pain reduction in rheumatoid arthritis with notable results but occasional study design concerns and conflicts of interest, muscle endurance, post-exercise muscle recovery, wound healing, and skin wrinkling. We investigate whether these effects are genuinely supported by research and examine the challenges faced in this field.
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The many ways light affects the body
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The discovery of hair regrowth
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Power vs. wavelength (why some lights don't work)
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Getting past the dermis — can you go more than skin deep?
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Why light therapy may affect cellular energy production
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Disentangling the mixed evidence
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Is the arthritis relief from light therapy a placebo?
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My impression (as a whole)
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Wrinkles, scars, and redness
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Can red light therapy increase collagen production?
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