Allegheny Health Network expert says red light therapy may help ease aches, pains
PITTSBURGH —
Red light therapy is becoming increasingly popular as social media drives interest in at-home products like masks, panels, wraps, and even mattresses equipped with red lights that are absorbed by cells to help produce more energy.
Frank Velasquez, director of sports performance at Allegheny Health Network, spoke with Pittsburgh’s Action News 4 on the scientific backing for red light therapy.
“Most of the scientific research is on skin care. So producing collagen, helping to minimize your wrinkles and improve your elasticity of your skin. After that, there’s lots of research on the red light and its effect on inflammation. So inflammation from aches and pains from running a marathon or working out or just, the wear and tear of everyday life,” Velasquez said.
So how do you take advantage of the benefits? Velasquez says it’s all about staying consistent.
“You want to use it with regularity and consistently to receive the benefits of it. It’s not a one-time deal where, you know, you can use it once, and all of a sudden, your hamstring is going to feel better,” Velasquez said.
He also clarified the limitations of red light therapy.
“You can’t hang your hat on it like it’s a miracle piece. And it doesn’t help you lose significant amount of weight or it doesn’t help reverse the growth of cancer cells. But it does do some benefits for skin care. And in managing inflammation,” Velasquez said.
Velasquez recommended using red light therapy for 10 to 20 minutes per day, three days a week, in addition to maintaining healthy habits like hydration, exercise, and adequate sleep for optimal results.