Infrared therapy can be a welcome post-surgical therapy. Who doesn’t want to get back to their normal routine as soon as possible! Let’s review the steps you will need to take to safely use infrared light therapy after surgery.
How does red light therapy help accelerate post-surgical recovery?
Red light therapy increases circulation and has been shown to reduce pain and swelling after surgery. It accelerates the body’s own ability to heal at the cellular level. Red light therapy may also stimulate collagen production and helping to minimize scarring.
Guidelines to using infrared light therapy post-surgery:
Consult with your doctor: Before starting any post-surgery treatment, it’s important to consult with your physician to ensure that infrared light therapy is safe for you and won’t interfere with any other treatments you may be taking.
Choose the right device: Choose a device that is appropriate to cover the area you need to treat and easy to administer. HealthLight offers a variety of flexible pad sizes that are well suited for this therapy and can bend, wrap and flex as needed. An FDA cleared device is such as HealthLight is highly recommended.
Follow the recommended treatment protocol: Infrared light therapy is typically administered for a certain amount of time per session and for a specific number of sessions per week. At HealthLight, we recommend up to three times per day, for 20 minute sessions.
Position the device correctly: Position the device so that the infrared light is directed at the surgical site.
Be consistent: Infrared light therapy works best when used consistently, so be sure to follow the recommended guidelines and use the device on a regular basis.
Follow the recommended protocol: It’s important to consult with your doctor before starting any new treatment and follow their guidelines.
How soon after surgery can you use red light therapy?
The required waiting time between surgery and starting red light therapy will depend on the specific surgical procedure you underwent and your individual recovery process. It is important to consult with your healthcare provider or surgeon to determine when it is safe to start using red light therapy. A lightweight clear plastic sanitary barrier is recommended over the wound area when administering light therapy.
In general, red light therapy is a safe non-invasive and low-risk therapy. Once you have received clearance from your healthcare provider, you can start using red light therapy to help reduce pain and increase circulation. It is important to follow any instructions provided by your healthcare provider or the manufacturer of your red light therapy device to ensure that you are using it safely and effectively.