How to Use Red Light Therapy for Headaches?

Introduction

We all know how headaches can be pretty annoying for everyone. Particularly, workaholics need an excellent remedy for treating headaches. Undoubtedly, you can opt for different organic solutions to treat headaches. However, one thing to consider for headaches is this non-invasive clinical treatment called red light therapy.

It is a lifesaver treatment for people who are struggling with chronic headaches. It also works its magic in the long run so that you can get rid of headache problems for good. We will find out more about it and see how precisely it works for treating your headache.

Understanding Red Light Therapy

Red light therapy works with red and near-infrared wavelengths. These wavelengths are harmless to the skin and cross it to reach the cellular region. There can be 850 nm red light therapy or 660 nm red light therapy. There are mitochondria present in this region, and they capture these wavelengths. When they capture these wavelengths, they get stimulated.

When this happens, more energy is produced in the form of ATP. The body uses this energy to target the sinuses and relieve headaches. Also, if internal inflammation might be causing this headache, it can be treated with red light therapy easily. The best part about this treatment is that it is non-surgical, and therefore, patients can benefit from it in treating headaches in the long run.

Choosing the Right Red Light Therapy Device

One significant aspect of this treatment is the use of red light therapy device. These devices emit the wavelengths seamlessly into the skin. To make the most of this treatment, you must be able to choose the best possible professional LED light therapy machine.

Wavelength

If you are undergoing red infrared, a wavelength between 660 and 680 nm would benefit you. Experts generally use this range to treat patients' different skin, hair, mood, and headache problems. If needed, this range can be increased under professional supervision.

Safety and FDA Approval

Cheap and low-quality devices can harm undergoing RLT. They can also be unsafe for the professionals. Therefore, it is recommended that only FDA-approved and industrial-grade devices that serve longer be used. Also, these devices can enhance the impact of the RLT procedure so that patients get the desired results.

Handheld Devices

These devices are easy to hold and portable. We generally use them for small areas of the skin, like the neck, where not much work is needed.

Panels

We can rely on these panels when you want to get RLT on a large area. These can be used at home if you wish.

Wearable Devices

Wearables are also available; many experts recommend them at clinics or at home. You can use them easily since they are portable and completely convenient to wear.

Preparation for Red Light Therapy

When it comes to red infrared, you must be fully prepared. Otherwise, the procedure might be complicated. Also, if you don’t keep the following tips in mind, you might not be able to reap the benefits of RLT.

If you are getting RLT at home, ensure you have chosen a tranquil, safe, and comfortable place. Nobody should disturb you, and you can fully focus on the RLT sessions. It will relax your mind and body while blocking all distractions.

Your head and neck should be clean before getting RLT. Remove any makeup or skin products applied. Also, your hair should be dry and properly cleaned before the session. This will enhance the overall impact of infrared red light.

Another great tip for first-time users of RLT is device positioning. Sometimes, we don’t place the RLT devices correctly, which impacts the procedure's influence. This alters the results, and you might have to redo the entire procedure later.

How to Use Red Light Therapy for Headache Relief?

We will now discuss the use of RLT, especially for treating headaches. Below are some crucial guidelines for successfully completing the procedure and getting rid of your headache as soon as possible.

Positioning the Device

• 1. Head and Neck Alignment: Your infrared red lightdevice should be where you feel a headache. Keeping your device closer to the head region, temples, and neck would be beneficial. Leave a little distance between the device and the head. It will help with the seamless emission of the wavelengths into the head and relieve the headache in a few minutes.
• 2. Avoid Direct Eye Exposure: It is not recommended to look directly into the infrared light therapydevices if you have weak eyes. This can lead to eye damage and possibly photosensitivity. Therefore, keeping the devices away from your eyes during the sessions is crucial. Wearing goggles and covering them with a soft towel would benefit this purpose.

Duration and Frequency

• 1. Suggested Duration: The duration depends on the intensity of your headache. If you have mild headaches, 20-minute sessions would be helpful. In case of extreme chronic headaches, you can increase the duration of the sessions. However, consulting a professional regarding this would be advisable.
• 2. Recommended Frequency: RLT sessions can generally be taken four days every week. However, this standard frequency might not be viable for some people, given their extreme chronic headaches. In such a scenario, they can always increase the frequency.

Targeting Specific Areas

• 1. Temples: Don’t press the LED light therapydevice on your temples; keep it gently on them to relieve the headache.
• 2. Forehead: In a few moments, you can place the infrared light therapydevice closer to your forehead and let the wavelengths it emits treat your forehead pain.
• 3. Base of the Skull: To relieve the tension in the base of the skull, you can place the RLT device in such a way that it targets this area. You can do it yourself, but if not, ask for help from somebody and sit for at least 20 minutes before the device to let it work its magic.

Additional Tips

• 1. Combine with Relaxation Techniques: You can still meditate and do yoga besides your RLT sessions. These measures are highly recommended to release tension from the mind and body. Besides, they are great ways to treat your headaches even if you cannot undergo RLT.
• 2. Regular Assessment: If you are getting LED light therapy, it is crucial to track the procedure. You can mention it on your mobile phone or make a journal and write down the impact of the sessions. This will help you identify how much frequency and duration are needed to treat your headache.

Safety Measures and Precautions

During LED red light sessions, you must consider safety and preventive measures to avoid all mishaps.

Protecting Eyes and Skin

• 1. Eye Safety: The face and the skin area are more likely to come in contact with the RLT devices. Therefore, covering them with goggles or a soft cloth is crucial. Some people might often get inflammation, dryness, and redness on the face. Also, directly looking at the RLT devices can lead to photosensitivity risk.
• 2. Skin Protection: The side effects of RLT sessions are mild and temporary, and you can treat them with simple measures. Using a mild moisturizer can make the inflammation and redness go away. You can also cover the entire area of the skin, leaving the targeted area where you are getting RLT. This helps protect the rest of the skin in case it is susceptible.

Side Effects and Mitigation

After the sessions, patients can experience mild inflammation, redness, and skin dryness.

Reducing the frequency and duration of the devices can be beneficial to mitigate the extreme impact of LED red light.

Monitoring and Adjusting Your Treatment

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to RLT. You must monitor your sessions, and if you are not feeling any difference, ensure that you change the settings of your RLT devices. However, some reliable tips can help you in this regard.

Tracking Sessions and Symptoms

• 1. Session Log: This step empowers you to monitor your sessions better so that you can adjust your device’s settings according to your session log. This gives you a baseline idea of what is working for you and what is not. Therefore, logging your session is a great way to improve the impact of yourinfrared light therapy in the long run.
• 2. Symptom Diary: In addition to logging, you can identify different triggers, side effects, and symptoms of RLT. This will make this therapy safe and reliable for you. You can also write which remedies and solutions work the best for you for every side effect so that you can help others undergoing the same problem. Writing everything down also helps you remember better.

Adjusting Treatment Settings

• 1. When to Adjust: If you are not getting results even after 4-5 sessions, then it is high time that you adjust the device’s settings. You can try increasing the frequency and duration as well. However, do it carefully since it can compromise your skin, leading to further problems.
• 2. How to Adjust: The first thing you can do to change a device’s setting is that you can read the user’s manual. If you don’t find your solution, look it up on the internet and see if you can find satisfactory answers. You can also ask for help from a family or friend. If nothing works, contacting the company will help you use your device correctly.

The Effectiveness of Red Light Therapy in Treating Headaches

Clinical Studies and Research Findings

Red light therapy (RLT) for headaches has been studied through different experiments. Experts believe that people who undergo infrared light therapy experience less inflammation and hair loss. Also, it is an excellent treatment for headaches since RLT wavelengths target the strained and stiffened muscles of the head and neck to relieve pain. This happens quickly, and therefore, the person undergoing RLT can get instant relief. For long-term effects, they can opt to extend the RLT sessions later.

Personal Testimonials and Case Studies

For a personalized idea, looking for user testimonials and finding out what people think about red light therapy device for headaches is better. Did it help them when they got RLT? You can also discuss it with your friends and family members. They might share their experience with you, which would help you decide whether you should take RLT. Other than this, find testimonials on RLT platforms and personally inquire from the patients for a better view.

Conclusion

It is beneficial to use a red light therapy device if you want instant relief from headaches. However, using valid and credible information is recommended, following the experts' guidelines and getting a second opinion from the RLT patients before proceeding.

The Bontanny Portable Series Red Light Therapy Device is an effective option for using red light therapy at home to alleviate headache symptoms.

This FDA Class II registered professional LED light therapy machine emits clinically validated red and near-infrared light wavelengths that can help reduce inflammation, improve blood flow, and boost cellular energy - all of which are important for relieving headache pain.