Increase Bone Healing with Near-Infrared and Red Light Therapy

Studies on animals and humans have found that red and near-infrared light therapy greatly aids in healing breaks, fractures, and bone defects.

• Kazem Shakouri S et al. (2010) Effect of low-level laser therapy on the fracture healing process.

 ATP production is interrupted in broken bones, and cells begin to die from lack of energy. Red and near-infrared light have been shown to:

• Stimulate energy production in the bone cells

• Increase bone growth factors

• Enhance blood vessel formation and blood flow to the affected area

• Modulate inflammation

• Enhance the attachment and production of collagen and procollagen and stimulates growth of bone cells – all of which accelerate the bone repair process

  • Zein, R. (2017). Effect of Low-Level Laser Therapy on Bone Regeneration During Osseointegration and Bone Graft. Photomedicine and Laser Surgery, [Epub ahead of print]

  • Mostafavinia, A. (2017). Effect of in vivo low-level laser therapy on bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells in ovariectomy-induced osteoporosis of rats. Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology,175:29-36.

Overall, bone irradiated with near-infrared wavelengths shows increased bone formation and collagen deposition. Photobiomodulation is becoming very popular in all sports where breaks, sprains, and fractures are frequent — from horse racing to football.

• Pinheiro, A. L. B. (2006). Photomedicine and Laser Surgery.  Photoengineering of Bone Repair Processes, 24(2): 169-178