At Naples Community Injury Center, we pride ourselves on understanding and applying high-quality, evidence-based healing technology. Our physiotherapists often incorporate infrared light therapy, also called red light therapy, into personalized treatment plans.
Infrared light therapy can be used to increase healing speed by reducing inflammation and improving circulation. Naples Community Injury Center’s infrared light therapy in Marco Island can be integrated into physiotherapy plans to treat both chronic and acute conditions.
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What Is Infrared Light Therapy?
Infrared light therapy is a physiotherapy treatment that uses small amounts of low-level pulses of light to stimulate circulation and reduce inflammation in damaged tissues. Modern experiments with infrared light therapy began with NASA in the 1980s.
They started by treating plants in space and later applied the therapy to wounds in astronauts. In fact, the idea of using infrared light for medical treatment arose when astronauts handling the plants noticed that wounds on their hands healed faster.
Over the past few decades, additional experimentation has shown that high-intensity red and near-infrared light speeds the growth of skin, muscle, and bone cells. Further studies showed promising effects for macular degeneration, glaucoma, and other eye conditions.
Near-Infrared vs Far-Infrared Light
Infrared light works by activating cellular responses in targeted areas. Varying wavelengths can be used to treat surface wounds or deeper layers of tissue. Red light exists as visible light, while near-infrared light includes wavelengths closest to the visual spectrum.
Red and near-infrared light therapies are typically used for shallow treatments. It is ideal for treating wounds, scarring, and skin conditions. Longer near-infrared light waves can also penetrate into the tissues to help reduce inflammation and pain in muscles, bones, and nerves.
Far-infrared light is further from the visual spectrum and typically incorporates wavelengths over 900nm. This range of infrared therapy penetrates further into the body’s tissues and translates as heat. Far-infrared light therapy should be used with caution. When applied appropriately, it can treat pain and accelerate healing in deeper tissues, including the brain and certain organs.
Benefits of Our Marco Island Infrared Light Therapy
Infrared light therapy offers a variety of advantages when used in conjunction with other treatments. Naples Community Injury Center’s physiotherapists incorporate infrared therapy to elicit the following benefits:
- Faster wound healing
- Reduced inflammation
- Improved blood flow
- Pain relief
- Healing scar tissue
- Improved muscle healing
- Faster bone repair
- Reduced nerve pain
- Lower chance of infection
Our light wave treatments are generally safe for even sensitive skin, as we deliver painless, low-level pulses. However, if we do not think you’re a good candidate for light therapy, we can recommend other treatments to improve your condition.
Medical Conditions We Treat Using Infrared Light Therapy in Marco Island
Naples Community Injury Center’s physical therapists are capable of treating a variety of conditions. Before we establish a treatment plan, we complete a comprehensive physical examination and review all medical records related to your condition. If needed, we will work with your primary care physician or specialist to ensure you receive appropriate treatment.
We treat a wide variety of conditions using Marco Island infrared light therapy, such as:
- Muscle sprains and strains
- Sports injuries and soreness
- Back and neck pain
- Tendonitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, and connective tissue injuries
- Broken bones
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Wounds, lacerations, and other injuries
- Strokes
- Neurological damage
- Chronic disorders
- Surgical recovery
- Neurodegenerative disorders
- Neuropathy
- Chemotherapy side-effects
- Acne breakouts, psoriasis, and sun damage
In addition to the above, infrared light therapy can improve psychiatric disorders such as anxiety and depression. Studies also indicate that infrared light therapy could effectively treat certain kinds of cancer.
For serious conditions and injuries, physiotherapy services such as infrared light therapy typically begin after you receive acute care. For example, if you suffer a bone fracture, you will receive acute care to set and stabilize the bone. Then, our team can provide physiotherapy services to reduce pain and accelerate the healing process.
Comprehensive Physiotherapy With Infrared Light Therapy in Marco Island
At Naples Community Injury Center, we offer a full range of physiotherapy services and chiropractic treatments aimed to help you achieve a full recovery. Based on the information we glean during your physical examination and medical record review, we establish a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to your needs.
In addition to our infrared services, we may recommend the following physiotherapy options:
Massage Therapy
Our licensed massage therapists are trained in a variety of massage techniques, from gentle massage to deep tissue treatments. Massage therapy can:
- Reduce pressure on compressed nerves
- Resolve muscle tightness and tension
- Improve mobility and range of motion
- Enhance circulation
- Reduce scar tissue stiffness
Massage therapy can complement infrared light therapy, as it also reduces inflammation and improves circulation for faster healing.
Strength Training
As your condition improves, we may incorporate a variety of stretches and exercises using tools such as weights and resistance bands. These activities aim to increase muscle mass, improve coordination, and strengthen your bones and muscles. We focus on slow, steady improvement that enhances your mobility while reducing the potential for re-injury.
Chiropractic Treatment
Chiropractic adjustments we offer include spinal manipulation and reflex therapy. Using a variety of techniques, our licensed chiropractors adjust your spinal alignment to reduce pressure and alleviate pain.
We typically use chiropractic treatments in conjunction with physiotherapy methods like infrared light therapy to encourage whole-body healing.
Electrical Stimulation
During electrical stimulation (ES) therapy, the physiotherapist uses strategically placed electrodes to deliver low-level electrical pulses to injured tissues. The pulses help improve circulation in the area around your injury. ES can help reduce pain and inflammation while encouraging faster healing.
Gait Training
If you sustained a brain injury, stroke, or other medical condition that affects your mobility, gait training can help you regain your walking ability. Using specialized equipment and incremental exercises, gait training strengthens your muscles and improves your balance. The goal of gait training is to help you regain your ability to walk with confidence, so you can enjoy more independence and a better overall quality of life.
Muscle Energy Techniques
Individuals who suffer severe, debilitating injuries may require more focused mobilization methods. Muscle energy techniques (MET) involve a series of active and passive movements and stretches to encourage joint mobility and stretch tight muscles. Over time, the physiotherapist will increase tension and resistance to strengthen the patient’s muscles.
Schedule Your First Marco Island Infrared Light Therapy Visit Today
Whether you suffer from a chronic condition or sustained injuries in a traumatic accident, we are here to help you. Let our team create a physiotherapy care regimen to speed the healing process and help you enjoy optimal health. Contact Naples Community Injury Center today to schedule your initial appointment for infrared light therapy in Marco Island.
