Light therapy, also known as photobiomodulation (PBM) or low-level laser therapy (LLLT), has gained recognition as a non-invasive, scientifically backed treatment for a range of health concerns. From skin rejuvenation and acne treatment to pain relief, bone healing, and enhanced circulation, light therapy has been widely studied for its ability to stimulate cellular function and promote healing.
At MindStream Integrative Medicine, we offer Aecor Max LED Light Therapy, a state-of-the-art system designed to target specific health concerns using different wavelengths of light. Whether you’re looking to improve collagen production, accelerate tissue repair, relieve chronic pain, or support bone health, light therapy provides a safe and effective solution with growing clinical evidence to support its benefits.
How Light Therapy Works
Light therapy works by delivering specific wavelengths of light to the body’s cells, stimulating natural biological processes that enhance cellular energy production, reduce inflammation, and support tissue regeneration. Different wavelengths penetrate the body at different depths, making each type of light uniquely suited for specific therapeutic purposes.
Key Benefits of Light Therapy:
- Cellular Energy Production: Light therapy enhances mitochondrial function, increasing adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production, which fuels cellular repair and regeneration.
- Improved Circulation & Oxygenation: Red and infrared light therapy improve microcirculation, allowing tissues to receive more oxygen and nutrients, accelerating healing and reducing pain.
- Collagen & Elastin Production: Red light therapy stimulates fibroblast activity, promoting the production of collagen and elastin, essential for skin firmness and wound healing.
- Bone Regeneration & Calcium Absorption: Calcium light therapy stimulates osteoblast activity (bone-building cells), supporting bone density and fracture recovery.
Understanding Light Therapy Wavelengths and Their Benefits
Each wavelength of light therapy has specific biological effects, making it important to tailor treatments based on individual needs. Below is a detailed breakdown of the different types of light therapy available at MindStream Integrative Medicine and the science behind their benefits.
Red Light (635nm) – Skin Rejuvenation & Anti-Aging
Red light therapy is one of the most well-researched wavelengths for skin health and cellular regeneration. It penetrates the epidermis and dermis, stimulating fibroblasts to increase collagen and elastin production, which helps improve skin elasticity, reduce wrinkles, and accelerate wound healing.
Clinical Benefits of Red Light Therapy:
- Stimulates collagen and elastin production, improving skin texture and firmness.
- Reduces fine lines, wrinkles, and age spots, promoting youthful-looking skin.
- Enhances wound healing and scar reduction, making it beneficial for post-surgical recovery.
- Reduces redness and inflammation in conditions like rosacea, eczema, psoriasis, and acne.
Blue Light (415nm) – Acne & Skin Clarity
Blue light therapy is an FDA-approved treatment for acne that works by targeting and eliminating acne-causing bacteria (Propionibacterium acnes) while also reducing oil production and inflammation. Unlike traditional acne treatments that can cause skin irritation, blue light therapy is non-invasive and safe for all skin types.
Clinical Benefits of Blue Light Therapy:
- Kills acne-causing bacteria at the source, preventing future breakouts.
- Reduces oil production, helping to prevent blackheads and whiteheads.
- Minimizes inflammation and redness associated with active acne and rosacea.
Infrared Light (850nm) – Deep Tissue Repair & Pain Relief
Infrared (IR) light therapy penetrates the deepest of all wavelengths, reaching muscles, joints, and connective tissues. It has been widely used in clinical settings to reduce chronic pain, accelerate muscle recovery, and support joint health.
Clinical Benefits of Infrared Light Therapy:
- Reduces chronic pain and inflammation in conditions like arthritis and fibromyalgia.
- Accelerates muscle recovery by enhancing mitochondrial energy production and reducing oxidative stress.
- Improves joint mobility and flexibility, particularly in individuals with stiffness or degenerative joint diseases.
- Supports nerve regeneration and repair, making it useful for neuropathy and post-injury healing.
Calcium Light (320nm) – Bone Health & Fracture Recovery
Calcium light therapy is a lesser-known but highly effective approach to supporting bone health, fracture healing, and calcium metabolism. This specialized wavelength stimulates osteoblast activity (bone-building cells) and enhances calcium absorption, making it beneficial for osteoporosis, post-fracture recovery, and post-surgical healing.
Clinical Benefits of Calcium Light Therapy:
- Enhances bone density and slows osteoporosis progression.
- Supports fracture healing and post-surgical bone regeneration.
- May reduce joint pain and stiffness in individuals with degenerative bone conditions.
What to Expect from Light Therapy at MindStream
Light therapy sessions at MindStream are comfortable, non-invasive, and require no downtime. Treatments are tailored to your specific needs, with most sessions lasting 20-30 minutes.
Recommended Treatment Protocol:
- Frequency: 2 sessions per week
- Time: 20-30 min per session
- Length: 4 weeks (8 sessions total)
- Follow up: 12 weeks after final session
Pricing & Membership Perks
- Single 30-Minute Session: $65
- 8-Session Package: $400 (total savings of $120)
Experience the Benefits of Light Therapy at MindStream
If you’re ready to experience the science-backed benefits of light therapy, our team at MindStream Integrative Medicine is here to guide you.
To schedule an appointment, call 615.541.9933 or book online.
Sources
- Aimbire, F., Albertini, R., Pacheco, M. T., Castro-Faria-Neto, H. C., Leonardo, P. S., Iversen, V. V., Lopes-Martins, R. A., & Bjordal, J. M. (2006). Low-level laser therapy induces dose-dependent reduction of TNF-alpha levels in acute inflammation. Photomedicine and Laser Surgery, 24(1), 33–37. https://doi.org/10.1089/pho.2006.24.33
- Barushka, O., Yaakobi, T., & Oron, U. (1995). Effect of low-energy laser (He-Ne) irradiation on the process of bone repair in the rat tibia. Bone, 16(1), 47–55. https://doi.org/10.1016/s8756-3282(94)00006-9
- Chow, R. T., & Barnsley, L. (2005). Systematic review of the literature of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) in the management of neck pain. Lasers in Surgery and Medicine, 37(1), 46–52. https://doi.org/10.1002/lsm.20193
- Diogo, M. L. G., Campos, T. M., Fonseca, E. S. R., Pavani, C., Horliana, A. C. R. T., Fernandes, K. P. S., Bussadori, S. K., Fantin, F. G. M. M., Leite, D. P. V., Yamamoto, Â. T. A., Navarro, R. S., & Motta, L. J. (2021). Effect of blue light on acne vulgaris: A systematic review. Sensors, 21(20), 6943. https://doi.org/10.3390/s21206943
- Berman, T. S., Miller, T. M., & Smith, S. (2021). Two randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials evaluating the efficacy of red 635nm low-level laser for the treatment of low back pain. Orthopedics & Rheumatology Open Access Journal, 17(3), 555964. https://doi.org/10.19080/OROAJ.2021.17.555964
Disclaimer: This information is for general knowledge and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns. If you’re light therapy, please discuss it with your doctor to weigh the potential risks and benefits. They can provide you with the most up-to-date information and guidance based on your individual situation.
Alyssa Kalams, MSN, AGNP-C, PN1
Nurse Practitioner + Nutrition Coach
As a nurse practitioner, Alyssa employs a holistic approach to patient care, integrating nutrition and lifestyle strategies to promote overall well-being. She has a special interest in skin health and has completed additional training in integrative dermatology through LearnSkin.
Learn more about Alyssa and the MindStream team.