Does anyone have info on red light therapy for chronic pain?

I tried it once on my face. However, what I have heard is you need to use it multiple times in order to see a difference.

Hello, I had a meniscus tear on my L knee and the pain was terrible. In desperation, after reading 2 books & many positive reviews of how it has helped a wide variety of symptoms, I tried a $79 red light therapy belt made by DGYao from Walmart.com. For 3 days I wrapped it around my knee for 20 min., 3x per day. On day 4, I could not believe it when I woke up and had almost NO pain in the knee. It was a stark difference, and it continued for days after that. (I am a research dr. & this was not my imagination!) I continued to use it until I got a steroid shot which took over the pain management. I have now bought a larger device from Platinum Red Light co. and plan to see if it helps neuropathy in my feet & legs from medication I take. I still use the smaller red light, and remain amazed that a cheap device you can buy online can work so well. They have various designs/sizes to fit different parts of the body. I'd say, well worth the try for your pain! All best wishes for relief. (Mayo Clinic calls it "photodynamic therapy" & uses it, and Cleveland Clinic is positive on it as well--lots to read out there as it's under increasing study.)

@drdianeschneider wonder if it works for eustation tube inflammation.

I purchased red light therapy to use on my cervical arthritis. I used it for 10 minutes per day and it really eased the pain. I now use it for low back aches and it is helping. This is not a once and done therapy treatment. You need to use faithfully and it will help tame inflammation. I've researched it and it can be very beneficial.

@fehrlady
May I ask….was it terribly expensive?

You can get a decent mat or wrap for around $100. It's also a good idea to research red light. I googled it and read a book on kindle. Be your own advocate and know it won't hurt you, just use as suggested.

@sandralowery, in this Mayo Clinic Minute, Dr. Dawn Davis, a Mayo Clinic dermatologist, explains the different types of light therapy, what they treat, and if over-the-counter light therapy devices are safe and effective.

@drdianeschneider, photodynamic therapy is used to treat a variety of conditions, such as some cancers, certain skin diseases, including acne, psoriasis, nonmelanoma skin cancer and precancerous skin changes, known as actinic keratosis, and bacterial, fungal and viral infections. I'm not aware of it being used to treat pain. Read more here: https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/photodynamic-therapy/about/pac-20385027

Also see this related discussion in the Neuropathy support group:
- Anyone tried using red light therapy? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/anyone-tried-using-red-light-therapy/

@sandralowery, what type of pain and underlying cause are you dealing with?

I’m trying to determine if I can or should use medical grade red light therapy through my eyelids for ‘ragged edged’ vision discomfort. Has anyone read on this being safe or not.

@pawprintpeg Is this something your eye doctor suggested? You need to read everything you can find! If there is a problem, you could lose vision! What is recovery time? Do you have anyone to stay with you, if needed? And, what about cost?
I’m not trying to be ‘Debbie downer’, I’m just giving you some things to think about.

@pawprintpeg I just worry about the potential side effects to your vision. What have you learned about safety, side effects, and possible errors. Your vision is “ragged edge.” Do you mean that your vision is not clear? Think about everything involved and then make your decision!