Red Light Therapy vs Ice for Pain: Which Works Best?
Posted by MARK HINDLE
- Old Advice, New Research: Icing injuries (RICE method) was standard practice, but recent research suggests it may slow down healing.
- How Ice Works (and Doesn't): Ice numbs pain and reduces inflammation by constricting blood vessels, but this also limits the flow of healing cells to the injured area.
- Inflammation: Friend or Foe?: Inflammation is a natural part of the healing process. Ice reduces it, but this can actually impede tissue repair.
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Red Light Therapy: The Alternative: Red light therapy (photobiomodulation) promotes healing by:
- Increasing blood flow to the injured area.
- Reducing oxidative stress.
- Promoting tissue recovery.
- Red Light vs. Ice: The Studies: Studies show red light therapy is more effective than ice for muscle recovery, reducing pain and inflammation, and improving muscle function. It even outperforms ice in preventing markers of muscle damage after exercise.
- Key Benefit of Red Light: Unlike ice, which provides only temporary relief, red light therapy addresses the underlying cause of pain and promotes long-term healing.
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