The Power of Laser Therapy in Easing Exercise-Induced Chronic Pain
The Power of Laser Therapy for Pain-Easing Exercise-Induced Chronic Pain
Two hours of tennis, running 5 miles, or even a whole afternoon of pickleball. It’s great fun, but you can get sore. The impulse is to grab an Advil, but don’t do it, as the impact on your liver and body over the long term is not too great. My muscles ache, my knees are sore, and that shoulder sounds like it’s moving around in a bowl of rocks.
Cold therapy works as does active stretching; we want to talk about laser therapy for pain in those who engage in high-intensity workouts or strenuous physical activities.
In particular, Near-Infrared (NIR) red light treatment in mitigating exercise-induced chronic pain and how it can be effectively combined with heat and ice treatments to expedite recovery.
The Science Behind Laser Therapy for Pain
Laser therapy, also known as photobiomodulation, utilizes specific wavelengths of light to interact with tissue and is known to help alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, and promote tissue repair. Near-Infrared (NIR) Red Light Therapy, a subset of laser therapy, employs near-infrared wavelengths typically ranging from 700 to 1100 nm. This therapy penetrates deeper into the tissues than visible red light, reaching muscles, nerves, and even bones.
Empirical Evidence Supporting NIR Red Light Therapy for Pain
Numerous scientific studies have underscored the efficacy of NIR red light therapy for Pain in accelerating muscle recovery and reducing chronic pain. A study published in the Journal of Lasers in Medical Sciences highlighted that NIR therapy significantly enhances muscle recovery post-exercise by reducing inflammation and muscle fatigue. Another landmark research in the American Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation revealed that NIR light therapy could substantially decrease chronic low back pain, improving patients’ quality of life.
These studies collectively suggest that NIR red light therapy delivers photons to mitochondria, the powerhouse of cells, thereby enhancing adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production – a critical energy-carrying molecule. This process boosts cellular metabolism, promoting tissue repair and pain relief.
Integrating Heat and Ice Treatments
While NIR red light therapy stands out for its deep tissue healing capabilities, integrating traditional heat and ice treatments can further optimize recovery. This synergistic approach caters to the diverse needs of damaged tissues during different recovery phases.
The Role of Heat Therapy
Heat therapy is beneficial in the initial stages of muscle recovery. It improves blood circulation to the affected area, facilitating the rapid removal of metabolic waste and the influx of nutrients, thus promoting healing. Heat can also relax muscles and reduce stiffness, providing immediate pain relief.
The Efficacy of Ice Therapy
Conversely, ice therapy is invaluable immediately post-injury or after intense workouts. It helps in reducing inflammation and numbing sore tissues, thereby curtailing pain. The cooling effect of ice also constricts blood vessels, which can prevent excessive swelling and bruising.
Kineon, Small and Powerful
I met a CrossFit trainer who loves anything tech and he showed me his Kienon device. There are three pulsating devices attached by a strap. You attach it to your arm, shoulder, or knees or you can you one of these things separately for a focused approach. We’ve ordered one and we will report back here soon on our experience.
The Path to Recovery
For individuals grappling with exercise-induced chronic pain, the integration of NIR red light therapy with heat and ice treatments can be a game-changer. Starting with NIR therapy can kickstart the healing process by energizing cells and reducing inflammation at a deeper level. Subsequently, alternating between heat and ice treatments can manage surface-level symptoms like swelling, stiffness, and pain, providing a comprehensive recovery strategy.
Turn it On with Laser light therapy for pain
Lasers seem high-tech, and yet they seem to smooth out the aches. NIR red light therapy marks a significant leap forward in the management of chronic pain due to exercise and strenuous physical activities.
Combined with heat and ice treatments, it offers a holistic approach to muscle recovery, enabling fitness enthusiasts and athletes to bounce back stronger and with minimal downtime. As research in this field continues to evolve, it holds the promise of even more refined and effective treatments in the future, heralding a new era in pain management and tissue healing.