Can Red Light Therapy at Home Help Relieve Tendonitis

Despite the numerous stresses we place on the human body every day, it has the capacity to heal and regenerate itself with the right amount of rest and rehab. However, when we push our bodies too heavily and too frequently, this ability becomes significantly hampered. This can lead to painful conditions such as muscle overuse, carpal tunnel syndrome or tendonitis. 

Commonly referred to as tennis elbow, swimmer’s shoulder, jumper’s knee, or pitch’s shoulder, the latter affects the joints or limbs, having the capacity to cause great pain. The most common method to alleviate symptoms typically involve rest, ice, compression, and elevation. These best practices aside though, heat is another ally to the alleviation of associated pain and discomfort here.

Explore how red light therapy at home can help relieve tendonitis, with our team at ROJO Light Therapy EU in this article. 

What Is Tendonitis?

Tendons are thick cords that connect your muscles and bones. When these become irritated or inflamed, that’s when tendonitis occurs - leading to pain, stiffness, and tenderness in the joints. Reduced mobility, in the form of range of mention and avoidance of particular movements, is the common byproduct here for many suffering from its effect.

This condition stems from engaging in an action repetitively, which is why it’s commonly associated with sports. Tennis players, for example, and golfers repeatedly perform the same motions, which places stress on the tendons and can lead to inflammation or irritation.  

The most common symptoms of the condition include:

• Pain in the affected area that can vary from a dull ache to a burning sensation
• Swelling or tenderness to the touch of the affected area
• Redness and warmth to the touch of the skin over the area
• Difficulty moving the affected joint

Treatments for Tendonitis

As mentioned earlier, the most common treatment for tendonitis is ice and rest. Most people combine this with over-the-counter painkillers. If these remedies are insufficient, some undergo physical therapy to strengthen the muscles around the affected area. In the most severe cases, surgery is recommended to repair the damaged tendons. 

Red light therapy is another option. Not only is this treatment non-invasive, but it also allows you to get immediate treatment right when you notice the first symptoms.

Red Light Therapy at Home for Tendonitis: The Science Behind It

Increased Collagen Production and Tendon Health

Collagen is the primary structural protein in tendons. Injuries or conditions such as tendonitis break down these collagen fibres, reducing the tendon’s flexibility and strength. With red light therapy, these damages can be healed. 

The treatment encourages the production of type I and type III collagen, which not only helps heal the tendon but also increases its tensile strength, making it more resistant to further damage and injury. 

Moreover, red light therapy may also improve the organisation of ruffled collagen fibres due to the condition. This further improves tendon function and resiliency in recovery. 

Anti-Inflammatory Effects

Inflammation is one of the main culprits behind tendonitis, which can also hinder or significantly slow down the body’s natural healing mechanism. Fortunately, red light therapy can mitigate this by reducing the activity of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Through this, inflammation is reduced, which snowballs into a significant decrease of the pain and stiffness associated with tendonitis. 

In a randomised, double-blind study, participants suffering from acute tendinitis underwent four weeks of red light therapy treatment. After the allotted time frame, participants reported a substantial improvement on their pain levels. 

Similarly, another small scale study which included seven individuals with Achilles tendonitis reported results of reduced pain and inflammation. For this study, researchers established that a red light therapy dose of 5.4 Joules per point was effective in reducing discomfort. 

Accelerated Healing and Long-Term Health

One of the biggest benefits of red light therapy lies in its ability to accelerate healing with consistent use. When the red or near-infrared light penetrates the skin and comes in contact with the cells of the tissue and muscle underneath, it stimulates a cellular process that increases the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) or the energy of the cells. This increase helps optimise functions of the cells, including healing and rejuvenation.  

Moreover, red light therapy also enhances circulation, which ensures that the body’s tissues and muscles get adequate amounts of oxygen and essential nutrients to function and heal. This mechanism is particularly beneficial for tendonitis, as the condition often results in decreased blood supply to the affected area. 

Key Takeaway

While tendonitis isn’t immediately life-threatening, it causes discomfort that can clearly impact the quality of one’s life. Fortunately, more treatments for the condition now exist beyond rest and ice, such as red light therapy. This non-invasive treatment helps treat the roots of the condition. However, as with any treatment, consistency is key to see results.
If you’re interested in starting your red light therapy journey to treat tendonitis or other health concerns, allow us at ROJO Light Therapy EU to help. Our red light panels are made of the highest quality materials and specifically designed to provide various health and wellness benefits from the comforts of your home. Contact us today to learn more about them.