Red Light Relief from Fibromyalgia
A little background.
When my mom was diagnosed with FM, all that modern medicine had to offer was pain relief, steroids and therapy - this horrible condition significantly demolished her quality of life. I wish I’d known about PBM therapy before she passed from another autoimmune condition Amyloidosis (a rare disease that occurs when a protein called amyloid builds up in organs). If photobiomodulation can break up proteins in the brain (Alzheimers) as we’re seeing in recent - it’s likely to impact the body too but it’s too late for my mom. But let’s get back to FM.
Struggling with fibromyalgia can feel like an endless battle. It’s a multisystem disorder that causes persistent pain, fatigue, and sleep disturbances, affecting your daily life. Because there’s no visible symptoms sometimes women’s pain is dismissed.
But here’s some good news from recent research: photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT), also known as red light therapy, is showing promise in bringing significant relief to those living with fibromyalgia by improving musculoskeletal and neuropathic pain and also improving quality of life.
What the Studies are Finding
The study explored the experiences of individuals with fibromyalgia who tried whole body Red Light Therapy for 4 weeks. Here are some key findings:
Significant Pain Relief: Participants reported a noticeable reduction in pain levels after 4 weeks of treatment and even at a 2-week follow-up.
Enhanced Quality of Life: Many found their overall quality of life improved significantly after just 6 sessions and continued to improve post-treatment.
Better Psychological Health: Improvements were seen in reducing kinesiophobia (fear of movement) and increasing self-efficacy (confidence in managing the condition).
Real Experiences of Fibromyalgia
“A really bad day looks like—I can’t stand, I can’t even wipe my own bottom, I don’t want to be here. Everything sort of kinda like shuts down. The light hurts my eyes, I can’t lift up my head, I can’t get comfortable. The pain even in my toes, it’s just everywhere”.
“When I get headaches it just completely wipes me out, I can’t do anything just ride through it, but sometimes it takes 2 or 3 days…I’ll just lie on sofa, wrap something around my head, painkillers…just have to wait until it eases off.'“
“I’ve got no interest in anything…if I haven’t got a reason to get up I’ll stay in bed all day…well because of the quality of my life, I just think you wouldn’t let an animal suffer like this. I welcome death because of the pain.”
“Me and my wife used to have a relatively good sex life…but not anymore, it’s just completely changed that side of the relationship…reduced libido, reduced urge, even pain…it just makes everything physically undesirable.”
“I’ve tried a lot of drugs…felt constantly hungover—that’s not something I want in my system for no reason…I don’t want more toxins in my body. I wouldn’t drive because they make me drowsy, I don’t want to lose my driving license.”
Real Relief with Photobiomodulation
Here’s what some participants had to say at the end of the study:
"I can't believe how much my pain has decreased. It's like I have my life back!"
"I’m sleeping better than I have in years. PBMT has been a game-changer for me."
"My fatigue has significantly reduced, and I can now enjoy activities with my family again."
Why Photobiomodulation Works
1. Reduces Pain and Inflammation
PBM uses specific wavelengths of light to penetrate the skin and tissues, which helps reduce pain and inflammation. It works at a cellular level, promoting the release of nitric oxide, which improves blood flow and reduces inflammation. This can significantly alleviate the widespread pain and stiffness associated with fibromyalgia.
2. Enhances Cellular Function
Fibromyalgia is linked to mitochondrial dysfunction. Mitochondria are the powerhouses of your cells, responsible for producing energy. PBM enhances mitochondrial function, leading to increased energy production within cells. This boost in cellular energy helps repair damaged tissues and reduces fatigue, a common symptom of fibromyalgia.
3. Promotes Muscle Relaxation
PBM can also promote muscle relaxation by reducing oxidative stress and improving blood circulation. This is particularly beneficial for fibromyalgia patients who often experience muscle tightness and spasms.
4. Improves Sleep Quality
Better sleep is one of the indirect benefits of PBM. By reducing pain and promoting relaxation, PBM can help improve your sleep quality. And as we all know, better sleep is crucial for overall well-being and can significantly impact fibromyalgia symptoms.
5. Boosts Mood and Reduces Anxiety
Living with chronic pain can take a toll on your mental health. PBM has been shown to help reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, likely due to its pain-relieving effects and its ability to promote a sense of well-being. Feeling better physically can have a profound impact on your mood and overall outlook.
6. Non-Invasive and Safe
One of the biggest advantages of PBM is that it’s a non-invasive, natural, and safe treatment option. It doesn’t involve any medication or surgery, and there are minimal side effects. This makes it an excellent option for long-term management of fibromyalgia symptoms.
NovoThor Treatment Protocols
Participants in the study followed specific protocols for PBMT:
Frequency: Treatments were administered twice a week.
Duration: Each session lasted about 20 minutes.
Wavelengths: The therapy utilized red light at wavelengths of 630-680 nm and infrared light at wavelengths of 800-880 nm.
Treatment Areas: Whole body treatment in the NovoThor
There were statistically significant differences in pain immediately after treatment (T2) and at the 2-week (T3) follow-up. In relation to quality of life, there were statistically significant changes after session 6 (T1), immediately after treatment (T2) and at the 2-week (T3) follow-up. There were statistically significant differences in leisure activity immediately after treatment (T2) and at the 2-week (T3) follow-up.
Red Light Tools for Fibromyalgia
Can’t find a NovoThor unit near you? Consider getting a light panel for home use or a flexible pad that you can apply to painful areas.
Red light therapy could be your key to a more comfortable, satisfying life.
If you’re ready to explore more about how PBMT can help you manage fibromyalgia, head over to TracyDonegan.org and check out my free resources.
I understand exactly how difficult life is for you right now - but relief might just be a red light away.
Tracy
