RED light and infrared light can be used to treat a range of conditions from arthritis to dementia. Recently, Berea Mail visited specialist neurologist Dr Ashleigh Bhanjan at his Glenwood practice to find out more about light therapy and how this technology helps the body heal.
Bhanjan explained that light therapy is the use of light emission from a low intensity laser diode of 250 milliwatts or less, as well as an array of high intensity Super Luminous Diodes which provide a total optical power in the 1 000–2 000 milliwatt range. This is also known as cold laser therapy, or photobiomodulation therapy.
“The technology is about 60 years old. We use non-invasive laser therapy – red and infrared light – to target chronic inflammatory conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, and sporting injuries as well as neuropathic pain,” said Bhanjan.
ALSO READ: Glenwood runner shares benefits of chiropractic care
According to Bhanjan, light therapy is used to reach cells within the body in a non-thermal, non-invasive way, with no side effects.
“It works at a cellular level – we are able to get light through the tissues into the cells. The mitochondria in the primary photo-acceptor cell – the cell that absorbs the light therapy – is the part that absorbs the light, which results in an increased production of energy in the form of [adenosine triphosphate, the source of energy in a cell] (ATP). The more energy you produce, the more your body is able to heal itself from within,” said Bhanjan.
Within the body, mitochondria are membrane-bound organelles, which work to generate chemical energy. Bhanjan explained that infrared lights work on a mitochondrial enzyme called cytochrome c-oxidase.
“Light therapy induces mitochondrial activation, as well as the release of nitric oxide. This is a potent vasodilator, that increases regional blood flow. Once you improve blood flow to a diseased joint or tissue, it assists with healing via the release of anti-inflammatory cytokines that result in the reduction of pain, as well as long-term stimulatory effects, including the release of stem cells, including cartilage, bone and neurons, with the propensity for neuroregeneration,” said Bhanjan.
Neuroregeneration refers to the repair or regrowth of cells.
How are patients treated?
Bhanjan added that the therapy primarily targets inflammation.
“With neurological conditions, we are targeting neural inflammation – inflammation in the brain. This impacts chronic neurological conditions, including migraines, traumatic brain injury, neuropathy, Parkinson’s disease, Dementia and post-Covid syndrome,” he said.
Light therapy is administered through a three-stage approach. This includes the use of a flexible array which moulds to the contours of the affected area, followed by a laser probe.
ALSO READ: Off to medical school: Maris Stella graduate in top 1% of Independent Examinations Board (IEB)
“We use specific wavelengths of light. We have to ensure contact with the skin to penetrate the tissues. If you shine a lamp from 10cm above the skin, there is light dispersion, so here we are using the physics of laser therapy with the laser to propel the light deep within the tissues,” he explained.
Light therapy can be applied all over the body, including the brain, spine, limbs and joints.
“The skull, undoubtedly, is a physical barrier. Clinical research has suggested that infrared light therapy is able to penetrate through the skull, up to 4cm. In addition, the richly supplied surrounding vascular network and venous channels absorb the light,” explained Bhanjan.
Depending on the clinical condition, patients may require five to 20 light-therapy treatments, varying from 30 to 60 minutes per session.
For more from Berea Mail, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok.
