The body is naturally designed and made to be able to build newer bones when the need arises. Studies on animals and humans have shown that red and infrared light therapy greatly aids in healing breaks, fractures, and bone defects. In 2013, researchers in Sao Paulo, Brazil, studied the effects of red and near-infrared light on rat bones' bones' healing process. Upon a piece of bone being sliced from the upper leg in an “osteotomy” of 45 rats, the rats were split into three groups — Group 1 Received no light, the second group were administered red light (about 660–690 nm), and the third group was placed on exposure to near-infrared light (about 790- 830nm)

The study found “a significant increase in the degree of gray level (mineralization) in groups treated with the laser after 7 days” and “after 14 days, only the group treated with the laser therapy (red light and near-infrared light) in the infrared spectrum showed higher bone density.

Red light and near-infrared light have been shown to stimulate energy production in the bone cells, improve blood vessel formation, circulation, and blood flow to the affected area, regulate and decrease inflammation, increase bone growth factors, enhance the production of collagen and procollagen, which stimulates the growth of bone cells.

Because ATP production is interrupted in broken bones, and cells begin to die due to a lack of energy, the right kind of red light and near-infrared light therapy has shown increased bone formation and collagen deposition. It’s no wonder red light, and NIR is gaining so much momentum in sports teams among athletes. Many pro teams now use light therapy to speed recovery and get their players back in action after an injury, more every year. Red and near-infrared light wavelengths can penetrate deep into tissue and bone for all kinds of healing effects. Concentrated natural light stimulates the mitochondria in the cells, reducing oxidative stress and helping the body to produce more usable energy to power itself, regenerate, and heal.

Light Therapy Benefits for Bone:

• Increases bone mineral density and bone structure: Preliminary research shows benefits for improving osteoporosis, including a boost in osteogenesis, increased stress load, and preserved vertebrae strength
• Strengthens bones: Increases osteoblast proliferation, collagen deposition, and 3 bone neoformation when compared to bones not treated with red light, and increases maximum bone tolerance
• Improves bone healing: Accelerates bone healing in extraction sites, bone fracture defects and distraction osteogenesis
• Reduces swelling from bone injuries: A proven anti-inflammatory treatment indicated by the FDA that has been shown to curb swelling in facial bone fractures
• Enhances overall bone health: Increases natural collagen production, which is essential to healthy bones and skin

References

1. Lasers Surg Med. 2010 Aug;42(6):519-26 - PubMed
2. J Biol Chem. 2002 Apr 19;277(16):14221-6 - PubMed
3. Lasers Surg Med. 2006 Jan;38(1):74-83 - PubMed
4. Bone. 1988;9(2):73-9 - PubMed
5. Nature. 2003 May 15;423(6937):337-42 - PubMed

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