About Pulsed Infrared Light Therapy at Home

Pulsed infrared light therapy is a type of medical treatment you can administer at home. It goes by several names, including LED therapy, phototherapy, photodynamic therapy (PDT) and intense pulsed light therapy (IPL). Pulsed infrared light therapy uses a laser to stimulate blood circulation in the target area.

Function

Pulsed infrared light therapy uses light-emitting diodes to penetrate the skin and trigger the activation of nitric oxide, a free radical in the body that promotes increased blood circulation. Because of the improved circulation of blood in the targeted area, pulsed infrared light therapy can treat aches and pains in muscles and joints, fibromyalgia, inflammation, osteoarthritis, carpal tunnel, diabetic ulcers, sinusitis, depression, skin problems and tennis elbow. It can also reduce scar tissue and promote the regeneration of cells.

Home-Care

You can treat yourself with pulsed infrared light therapy at home by buying LED pads. You should place the LED-side of the pad directly onto the skin of the area you would like to treat. You can also buy infrared light therapy devices in the form of something that looks like a flashlight, an infrared bed for the whole body and an infrared light helmet for the head.

Cosmetic Treatment

Pulsed infrared light therapy also has cosmetic uses, particularly as treatment for acne and as an anti-aging method. It is helpful against acne because it might fight bacteria. As for anti-aging, light therapy promotes collagen production, which is what makes skin look youthful.

Other Uses

You can also use pulsed infrared light therapy at home to treat seasonal affective disorder by exposing yourself to full-spectrum light. You can use it to treat chronic headaches as well. Additionally, pulsed infrared light therapy is helpful for treating your pets' aches and pains.

Warning

You should not use pulsed infrared light therapy if you are pregnant because there is no study as of yet on the effects of this therapy on pregnant women.