Exclude Any Contraindications for LED Light Treatment

• Consult a physician about possible contraindications. Although LED light therapy is safe and painless, and there are no reported side effects, there are contraindications for treatment (meaning that there are specific conditions that would exclude this method of treatment as an option). Pregnancy is one such contraindication, since LED's effect on unborn babies was still unknown, as of 2009. Epilepsy patients also are not good candidates for LED light therapy, since certain light frequencies can trigger epileptic seizures. Also, some people are photo-allergic, meaning that sunlight exposure causes allergic reactions, such as skin rashes, which may be accompanied by discomfort and nausea. While LED light is not exactly the same as sunlight, it can cause similar reactions in photo-allergic patients. Certain medications, such as tetracycline, can cause photo-allergic reactions, so it is important that a physician is informed about any current medications or supplements that might be contraindications for treatment.
  
  

Understand the Purpose and Functions of LED Light Therapy

• LED light therapy involves the use of a handheld or overhead device that emits wavelengths of red or infrared light. The light energy (photons) penetrate the surface of the skin to target abnormal cells beneath, energizing the mitochondria of these cells to kick start cell processes that heal, reduce pain and inflammation, and promote the rapid growth of new, healthy cells.
  
  LED light is used to promote rapid healing and reduce pain and inflammation caused by injury, musculoskeletal conditions, and symptoms of other medical conditions, such as bone marrow transplants, according to NASA. HeelSpurs.com reports that LED is effective for treating patients with osteoarthritis; sports injuries that affect muscles, ligaments, and tendons; burns, cuts, and other skin-puncturing wounds; ulcers; macular degeneration; laser burns; fibromyalgia pains; any bruising and swelling; bunions; diabetic neuropathy; tendinitis; nerve injury; and bursitis. The same source reports that LED light therapy is not used for the treatment of headaches, muscle aches from strenuous exercise, infection, scars or any injury that is too deep beneath the bones. It cannot reduce bone deformation due to arthritis.
  
  

Be Persistent and Consistent with Treatment Sessions

• LED light therapy requires multiple treatment sessions to achieve the optimal results. These sessions must be consistent, and treatment should be performed between brief, stable intervals, just like physical therapy sessions. The duration of treatment sessions will depend on the condition being treated, and sessions generally range between 20 and 60 minutes. Wavelengths are also adjustable based on the condition being treated. Fortunately, LED light treatment has no downtime, and patients may return to daily activities right after treatment.
  
  

Be Cautious About Home-Use Devices

• Since NASA's 2003 release of study findings on LED light treatment's efficacy, a slew of LED home-use products have been manufactured and sold. It is important to understand that not only does LED light therapy require advanced technology for optimum performance, but it also requires knowledge and skill. Without delving into technical details, application of LED light is adjusted to specific wavelengths depending on the treatment type and condition, and is done so with scientific and medical knowledge. HeelSpurs.com reports that home-use products may not be as effective (or effective at all) for treating certain conditions as receiving light therapy from a medical professional who has the advanced skill and technology required for treatment.
  
  

Have Realistic Expectations

• LED light therapy will promote rapid healing and reduce pain, but it will not allow immediate strenuous activity. Athletes, for instance, must complete treatment and be certain of complete healing before resuming sports activities. Arthritis patients or patients with musculoskeletal conditions should not interpret the pain reduction and healing as an opportunity to indulge in activities that will trigger recurrence of symptoms. Also, LED light therapy is only effective for injured tissues and cells, and causes no reaction for normal, fully grown, healthy cells, as noted by HeelSpurs.com, as well as NASA reports.