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My Journey With Chronic Pain and Red Light Therapy

chronic pain

I spend my days helping others achieve optimal health through a holistic approach. But sometimes, the path to wellness becomes deeply personal. 

A few years ago, I broke a bone in my lower back, which left me with chronic pain. Massage, physical therapy, chiropractic care – I tried everything I could to find lasting relief, but the inflammation persisted. The constant discomfort was frustrating and impacted my health every day.

I already used a sauna with red light panels, but the light exposure felt distant and less targeted. I wanted something that could directly address the inflammation at the source. Enter the Kineon Move Plus, a red light and infrared laser therapy device designed for targeted pain relief and inflammation reduction.

My Journey with the Kineon Move Plus

Initially, I focused on using the Move Plus for my lower back pain for 20 minutes, three times a week on the highest setting. The included strap made it easy to secure the applicators directly over the inflamed area, and I could easily use it while working, cooking, or watching a movie with my kids. 

The targeted light therapy provided a noticeable difference. My chronic back pain, which previously felt like a constant dull ache, began to subside, and the pain intensity lessened significantly. There were even days when I felt almost pain-free, something I hadn’t experienced in years.

Beyond the pain reduction, I also noticed an improvement in my mobility. The stiffness that often accompanied the pain seemed to ease, allowing me to move with greater flexibility. Plus, I found I could recover from workouts or strenuous activities much faster. This allowed me to stay more active without the fear of a pain flare-up.

But for me, the Move Plus’s benefits extend far beyond my back. The applicators, when used without the strap, can be used on various body parts. This versatility has been a game-changer!

One area where I’ve found the Move Plus particularly helpful is addressing gut inflammation. Chronic gut issues can contribute to a variety of health problems. The Move Plus’s red light therapy promotes gut health by potentially reducing inflammation and improving the gut microbiome. I’ve personally noticed a positive impact on my digestion and overall gut health since incorporating regular treatments.

Another unexpected benefit I’ve experienced is relief from PMS symptoms. Many women, myself included, struggle with bloating, cramping, and other discomforts during their menstrual cycle. Red light therapy is thought to help regulate hormones and reduce inflammation, which may explain why I’ve noticed a significant reduction in the severity of my PMS symptoms since using the Move Plus.

My experience with the Move Plus is just one example. This device can be used for various other applications, including wound healing, muscle recovery, and even skin health.

kineon move plus

The Science Behind Red Light Therapy

While anecdotal evidence is compelling, the true power of the Kineon Move Plus is in the science behind red light therapy. There are over 6,000 published studies exploring its effectiveness in managing pain and inflammation across various conditions, including endometriosis, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, cartilage issues, and fibromyalgia. (1, 2. 3, 4, 5) 

Let’s take a closer look at the cellular mechanisms that explain red light therapy’s success:

Enhanced Cellular Energy Production (ATP) Through Photobiomodulation

Red and near-infrared light waves interact with chromophores (light-absorbing molecules) within our cells, primarily mitochondria. Mitochondria are the cell’s powerhouse, producing Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP), the primary cellular fuel. 

When chromophores absorb red or near-infrared light, it triggers a series of cellular reactions known as photobiomodulation. This process stimulates the mitochondria, leading to increased ATP production. Enhanced cellular energy supplies fuel essential for tissue repair, regeneration, and improved cellular function.

One study found red light therapy to be effective in reducing pain and improving function for knee osteoarthritis, potentially due to increased ATP production in chondrocytes (cartilage cells). (6)

Dampening Inflammation and Promoting Healing

Red light therapy influences the inflammatory response through various pathways. When targeted by specific light wavelengths, cells release beneficial anti-inflammatory molecules like interleukin-10 (IL-10). Simultaneously, the production of pro-inflammatory molecules like interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) is reduced. 

This creates a shift towards a more anti-inflammatory environment, promoting healing and pain relief.

A 2017 study investigated the effects of red light therapy on rheumatoid arthritis and found it effective in reducing inflammation and pain. The study suggests that red light therapy modulates the inflammatory response, potentially explaining its therapeutic benefits. (3)

Combating Oxidative Stress and Cellular Damage

Free radicals are unstable molecules with unpaired electrons, causing cellular damage through oxidative stress. 

Red light therapy has increased the activity of antioxidant enzymes like glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase. These enzymes neutralize free radicals, protecting cells and tissues from oxidative damage.

A 2014 study explored the use of red light therapy for wound healing and found it effective in promoting tissue regeneration. The study suggests that red light therapy’s antioxidant effects play a role in accelerating wound closure. (7)

Accelerating Tissue Repair and Regeneration

By stimulating cellular activity, red light therapy expedites tissue repair and recovery. Increased ATP production provides energy for cellular processes involved in healing, while reduced inflammation creates a more favorable environment for tissue regeneration. Additionally, red light therapy may promote the proliferation of fibroblasts, cells responsible for collagen production, a key structural component of tissues.

A 2015 study reviewed the effectiveness of red light therapy for chronic low back pain. The review found some evidence suggesting that red light therapy may be beneficial for pain relief and functional improvement in patients with chronic low back pain. (8)

The studies mentioned above are a small sampling of the growing body of research on red light therapy. However, the scientific evidence suggests a range of cellular benefits that can contribute to pain management, inflammation reduction, and tissue healing.

Why I Recommend the Kineon Move Plus

There is a wide variety of red light therapy devices available. So, what makes the Kineon Move Plus unique? 

Here are some key features that impressed me:

  • Targeted Therapy: The combination of red LEDs and near-infrared lasers offers deeper tissue penetration compared to standard red light therapy devices. This targeted approach allows for more effective treatment of deep-seated pain and inflammation.
  • Versatility: The Move Plus comes with multiple applicators, making it adaptable for treating various body areas. This versatility allows for a broader range of applications.
  • Ease of Use: The device is incredibly user-friendly. The applicators are comfortable to wear, and the treatment process is simple and painless.
  • Safety: The Move Plus is FDA-cleared for safe home use.
  • Customer Service and Guarantee: The company has excellent customer service and offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing you to try the device risk-free.

A Functional Medicine Perspective on Red Light Therapy

As a functional medicine practitioner, I believe red light therapy offers a valuable tool in the fight against chronic pain and inflammation. While it shouldn’t replace a comprehensive treatment approach that includes diet, exercise, and other modalities, red light therapy can be a powerful addition to your pain management strategy.

The extensive research and growing body of clinical evidence supporting red light therapy’s effectiveness is encouraging. The Kineon Move Plus, with its targeted approach and versatility, stands out as a well-designed and user-friendly device for those seeking relief from chronic pain and inflammation.

Taking Charge of My Health with Red Light Therapy

While everyone’s body and experience are unique, the Kineon Move Plus has become a valuable tool in my health journey. The science behind red light therapy is compelling, and the device itself is safe, non-invasive, and incredibly convenient to use at home.

Incorporating red light therapy into my routine feels empowering. It’s a proactive approach to managing pain and inflammation, allowing me to take charge of my well-being. If you’re curious about the potential benefits of red light therapy, I encourage you to explore the Kineon Move Plus.

For a limited time, use code DRBECKY at checkout to receive 10% off your Kineon Move Plus!

 

Resources

  1. Smith, Forrest. “Endometriosis and Red Light Therapy.” Kineon, https://kineon.io/blogs/news/endometriosis-red-light-therapy. Accessed 18 June 2024.
  2. Khahil, A. “Improvement of pain and disability in elderly patients with degenerative osteoarthritis of the knee treated with narrow-band light therapy.” PubMed, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1727843/. Accessed 18 June 2024.
  3. “Low-Level Laser Therapy for Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Review of Experimental Approaches.” NCBI, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10082923/. Accessed 18 June 2024.
  4. “In Vitro and In Vivo Effects of Light Therapy on Cartilage Regeneration for Knee Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review.” NCBI, 15 April 2021, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8804850/. Accessed 18 June 2024.
  5. “Low-Level Laser Therapy for Fibromyalgia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.” PubMed, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31151332/. Accessed 18 June 2024.
  6. “Safety and Effectiveness of Low-Level Laser Therapy in Patients With Knee Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.” PubMed, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29071029/. Accessed 18 June 2024.
  7. Solmaz, H., Ulgen, Y. & Gulsoy, M. Photobiomodulation of wound healing via visible and infrared laser irradiation. Lasers Med Sci 32, 903–910 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10103-017-2191-0. Accessed 18 June 2024.
  8. Li, Ye. “Infrared therapy for chronic low back pain: a randomized, controlled trial.” PubMed, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16960636/. Accessed 18 June 2024.

 

EXPLORE THE RECIPES, THE STORIES, THE METHODS AND CHANGES TO GET YOU BACK WHERE YOU WANT TO BE.

DR. BECKY CAMPBELL

Hi, I am Dr. Becky Campbell. I work with men and women who’ve had a health set back and are willing to do whatever it takes to reach optimal health so they can perform their best in their careers and be fully present with their family again.

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