Nov 20, 20242 min read

Red and Near-Infrared Light Therapy: Mechanisms of Action

Full Disclosure: this post is going to get technical! Most of the people we speak with want to know the simple mechanism of how red/nir light therapy can help them achieve their desired health outcomes. But, every once in a while we get to put our science hats on and explain the exact process of how our red/nir light therapy works at the cellular level to produce those outcomes. So, if you like science and understanding the technicalities of this dynamic therapy then this blog post is for you!

1. Light Absorption by Cells

When red and near-infrared light (typically within the 600 nm to 1100 nm wavelength range) is applied to the skin or tissues, it penetrates the body and is absorbed by mitochondria, the energy-producing organelles within cells. This light is primarily absorbed by a protein called cytochrome c oxidase, which plays a key role in cellular energy production.

2. Increase in ATP Production

Cytochrome c oxidase is a part of the mitochondrial respiratory chain, which is responsible for producing ATP (adenosine triphosphate). When red and near-infrared light hits cytochrome c oxidase, it stimulates the enzyme's activity, leading to an increase in ATP production. This additional ATP supports a variety of cellular processes, including energy production for tissue repair and regeneration.

3. Nitric Oxide Release

The exposure of cells to red and near-infrared light also triggers the release of nitric oxide (NO), a molecule involved in a variety of physiological functions. Nitric oxide is typically bound to proteins like cytochrome c oxidase, and when light is applied, it displaces the NO, allowing it to enter circulation. This process has significant effects, particularly on blood vessel dilation (vasodilation) and blood flow.

4. Health Benefits

The combination of increased ATP production and elevated nitric oxide levels leads to several health benefits, such as:

Improved tissue repair and wound healing due to more available cellular energy and better circulation.
Reduced inflammation and pain relief from enhanced blood flow and the anti-inflammatory effects of nitric oxide.
Enhanced muscle recovery and neuroprotection, as better ATP levels aid in the repair of damaged cells and tissues.
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Sources:

Hamblin, M. R., & Huang, Y. Y. (2013). Photobiomodulation and the brain: a new era in neuroscience. Photonics, 2(2), 123-136. https://doi.org/10.3390/photonics2020123.
Zhang, Y., Xu, Z., Yang, S., & Kong, Z. (2022). Photobiomodulation therapy and its potential applications in tissue repair and regeneration. Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology, 10, 808828. https://doi.org/10.3389/fbioe.2022.808828.
Basset, M. R., & Huang, Y. Y. (2020). Photobiomodulation therapy and nitric oxide in the regulation of vascular function. Journal of Vascular Research, 57(3), 183-193. https://doi.org/10.1159/000505413.
Leal-Junior, E. C. P., de Lima, T. M., de Carvalho, P. D. T., & Lopes-Martins, R. Á. B. (2016). Effects of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on muscle tissue repair and healing after exercise-induced damage: a review of the literature. Journal of Sports Science & Medicine, 15(3), 357-368.
Owecki, M., Owecki, A., & Gajewski, P. (2019). Photobiomodulation therapy in wound healing: mechanism and clinical indications. Journal of Clinical Medicine, 8(9), 1400. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm8091400.