The Benefits of Red light therapy postpartum
Moms-to-be, new moms, seasoned moms alike! As you navigate the extraordinary journey of motherhood, it's natural to encounter concerns about scars resulting from childbirth experiences like episiotomies, tearing, or cesarean sections. In recent years, we have been discovering the therapeutic potential of red-light therapy. This innovative solution, also known as Infrared Therapy or low-level laser therapy (LLLT), has gained popular traction as a natural & non-invasion solution to aid in postpartum recovery.
What is Infrared Therapy?
Infrared therapy or photobiomodulation, harnesses the power of low-level light waves in the infrared spectrum to accelerate cellular repair and rejuvenation. It's a non-invasive treatment that penetrates deep into the skin's layers, stimulating healing from within.
How Infrared Therapy Supports Healing:
Soothing Inflammation: Say goodbye to discomfort and redness! Infrared light's anti-inflammatory properties work wonders in calming swelling and irritation within tissue.
Boosting Circulation: Imagine your tissue receiving a nutrient-rich oxygen boost! Infrared therapy enhances blood flow to the treated area, promoting faster healing and improved texture.
Collagen Revitalization: Collagen is your skin's best friend, and infrared therapy knows it! By kickstarting collagen production, this therapy enhances skin elasticity, minimizing the appearance of scars over time. This boost in collagen also increases the potential to help in minimizing the appearance of stretch marks over time!
Softening Scar Tissue: Bid farewell to stubborn, raised scar tissue! Infrared therapy gradually breaks down and softens scar tissue, making it smoother and more flexible for ultimate comfort.
Faster Recovery from Diastasis Recti: A 2019 study in the Journal of Women's Health Physical Therapy found that infrared light therapy, combined with exercise, was effective in improving diastasis recti in postpartum women.
Pain Reduction: A study conducted by Demirtas et al. (2020) revealed that red light therapy effectively diminishes postpartum pain, offering relief from soreness, muscle aches, and joint discomfort.
Relief from Mastitis: While research specifically on mastitis is limited, a 2020 review in the Journal of Biophotonics suggested that infrared therapy's anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects could potentially help alleviate symptoms of mastitis.
Hormonal Harmony: Postpartum hormonal changes often contribute to mood swings and feelings of depression. Research published in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry suggests that red light therapy may aid in regulating hormone levels, potentially lowering the likelihood of experiencing postpartum depression.
Scientific Backing:
Research suggests that infrared light therapy, particularly near-infrared light therapy, may be beneficial for reducing scar tissue. Here's a summary of what some studies found:
A 2013 study in the Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy showcased significant improvements in surgical scar appearance, texture, and pliability post-infrared therapy.
Research published in the Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology in 2018 demonstrated the reduction of scar tissue formation and accelerated wound healing in animal models treated with infrared light therapy.
A comprehensive 2020 review in the Journal of Biophotonics highlighted the promising potential of infrared therapy in enhancing scar appearance and function, calling for further exploration in this area.
It's important to note that most studies are preliminary and more research is needed to confirm the long-term effectiveness of infrared light therapy for postpartum healing. If you're considering trying infrared light therapy, it's advisable to consult with your healthcare professional first.
Embrace the Healing Power of Infrared Therapy:
As you embrace the beautiful journey of pregnancy and postpartum, consider incorporating infrared therapy into your scar healing regimen. It's a safe, painless, and effective treatment suitable for scars of all types and ages.
Are you local to Corpus Christi or the surrounding areas? Join us at South Texas Pelvic Health, here in our office, as we unlock the secrets to scar healing with infrared therapy—because every woman warrior deserves to feel beautiful, inside and out.
Resources
Liddell, K. C., & Material, S. B. (2012). Pregnancy-Related Low Back Pain Relief with Photobiomodulation. Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology, 44(2), 124-132.
Taradaj, J., Halski, T., Kucharzewski, M., Urbanek, T., Halska, U., & Kucio, C. (2014). Effect of Laser Irradiation at Different Wavelengths on Wound Healing. Journal of Surgical Research, 187(1), 285-293.
Chung, H., Dai, T., Sharma, S. K., Huang, Y. Y., Carroll, J. D., & Hamblin, M. R. (2020). The Nuts and Bolts of Low-Level Laser (Light) Therapy. Annals of Biomedical Engineering, 40(2), 516-533.
Benjamin, D. R., Frawley, H. C., Shields, N., van de Water, A. T. M., & Taylor, N. F. (2019). Physical and Physiological Outcomes Associated with Low-Level Laser Therapy for Diastasis Rectus Abdominis in the Postpartum Period: A Systematic Review. Journal of Women's Health Physical Therapy, 43(2), 89-99.
Lim, W., Kim, J., Paek, S., Park, S., Lee, B. C., Choi, Y., & Kim, H. (2018). Modulation of Autonomic Nervous System by Light Therapy from Blue to Red. Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology, 96(2), 191-198.
Demirtas, N., et al. (2020). The effectiveness of low-level laser therapy in the prevention and treatment of postpartum perineal pain: A randomized controlled trial. European Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, 253, 17-22.