HOW LIGHT THERAPY WORKS

So how does it work? This new cutting-edge therapy uses wavelengths of light that are “non-thermal”. This means they don’t heat up your skin or internal organs, which is why this light treatment is often called “cold laser” or low level light therapy (LLLT). Unlike direct sunlight, it’s stimulating, but not damaging, and the light comes from multiple light-emitting diodes (LEDs). These special lamps, panels or probes deliver the healing light from a short distance of around an arm’s length away from the body. It’s best not to look directly into this light with the naked eye, so protective goggles are worn during treatment. Unlike lasers, which use one colour (or wavelength) of light at a time, LEDs can mix different light colours together to treat large areas of the body with minimal side effects. As those light waves are longer than the ones we feel from the sun, they penetrate deeper below the skin. Though scientists are a little in the dark about exactly how light therapy works, they believe it impacts on your cells to change:

Energy production The light enters your cells to stimulate chemical reactions that recharge the mitochondria, which are like tiny batteries in your cells. This energy boost helps them work more efficiently and can help damaged cells repair themselves.

Cell health and repair Light increases blood circulation and supply to your cells and triggers your body’s immune responses, boosting the healing process. The knock-on effect reduces inflammation and increases tissue and cell repair and regeneration.