Beneficial Aspects of Infrared Light Exercises for Chronic Pain and Inflammation
Infrared light therapy offers a non-invasive, safe, drug-free method for pain relief in both acute and chronic musculoskeletal conditions and fibromyalgia, with evidence showing it can reduce inflammation, promote healing, and decrease pain intensity. 1
Mechanisms of Action
- Infrared radiation works through several biological pathways including upregulation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase, increased nitric oxide bioavailability, anti-inflammatory effects, and reduction in oxidative stress 2
- Photobiomodulation therapy using low-intensity infrared light stimulates cellular processes that promote healing and reduce inflammation in damaged tissues 1
- Nerve cells respond particularly well to infrared radiation, making it beneficial for neurostimulation and neuromodulation applications 3
Evidence for Pain Reduction
- A pilot study found that infrared therapy was effective in improving pain, function, lumbar range of motion, and back extensor endurance in patients with non-specific low back pain, with treatment effect sizes ranging from large to small 4
- Photobiomodulation therapy has shown evidence of reducing pain intensity in various conditions including non-specific knee pain, osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, temporomandibular disorders, neck pain, and low back pain 1
- Monochromatic infrared photo energy (MIPE) demonstrated statistically significant improvements in pain intensity and physical function in patients with knee osteoarthritis 5
Comparison with Other Therapies
- For chronic low back pain, exercise therapy in general shows moderate-quality evidence for small improvements in pain relief and function compared with no exercise 6, 7
- Exercise programs that incorporate individual tailoring, supervision, stretching, and strengthening are associated with the best outcomes for chronic low back pain 6
- Mind-body approaches like tai chi and yoga have better evidence for pain reduction than some other exercise modalities for chronic low back pain 6
Application in Treatment Programs
- Infrared therapy can be effectively combined with exercise programs for enhanced pain relief in musculoskeletal conditions 7
- For mobile patients with pain from conditions like pressure sores, combining infrared therapy with regular ambulation when possible can help reduce pain by improving circulation 8
- Heat therapy (which includes infrared radiation) provides moderate pain relief and reduced disability compared to placebo for chronic back pain 7
Practical Implementation
- Typical infrared therapy sessions last about 15 minutes and can be administered multiple times per week (e.g., 3 days per week for 4 weeks) 4
- Newer applications include infrared-emitting materials and garments that can be powered by body heat alone, making the therapy more accessible 3
- When implementing infrared therapy, it should be part of a comprehensive approach that includes appropriate exercise to maximize benefits for pain reduction and functional improvement 7
Cautions and Limitations
- Different exercise regimens appear similarly effective for chronic pain conditions, suggesting patient preference and adherence may be more important than specific exercise type 7
- While infrared therapy shows promise, it should not replace addressing underlying mechanical factors contributing to pain 8
- The effectiveness of infrared therapy may vary depending on factors such as fluence, irradiance, treatment timing and repetition, pulsing, and wavelength 3