Infrared Light Therapy

Infrared Light Therapy

Infrared light therapy is a FDA approved device to provide topical heating for temporary increase in blood circulation, temporary relief of minor muscle and joint aches, pain and stiffness and relaxation of muscles. The light therapy used in the Athletic Training room is delivered through a Solaris D890 Light Therapy Probe on our Solaris Dynatron 708 device.

Light therapy works based on the basic unit of light, the photon. Each photon carries a unique amount of energy depending on factors such as wavelength. When light is applied to biological tissue you are actually applying energy (photons). The literature indicates that this energy is absorbed by chromophores such as cytochromes, porphyrins, flavins and other light-absorbing entities within the mitochondria and cell membranes of cells. The absorbed energy is then stored as adenosine triphosphate (ATP). A small amount of reactive oxygen species (ROS)- also known to be beneficial- is produced as part of this process in which calcium ions and the enzymes of the respiratory chain play several important roles.

Like other sources of energy used by the cell, the absorbed energy may be used to power metabolic processes, synthesize DNA, RNA, proteins, enzymes, and other biological materials needed to repair or regenerate cell and tissue components, to foster mitosis or cell proliferation, and/or restore homeostasis. The end result is that the absorbed energy is used to repair the tissue, reduce pain and/or restore normalcy to an otherwise impaired biological process.

Like all other modalities in the Athletic Training room, this therapy is delivered as per Doctor's prescription or based upon our Physician reviewed and approved Standing Orders for modalities.