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Red Light Therapy for Parkinson’s: How it Works

Posted by:

Johannes Sauer

Reviewed by:

Dr. Jennie Stanford

Updated at: December 06, 2024

Table of Contents

  1. What is Red Light Therapy?

    1. How Red Light Therapy Works

  2. Benefits of Red Light Therapy for Parkinson’s Patients

  3. How to Use Red Light Therapy

  4. The Importance of Symptom Relief for Parkinson’s Patients

There is no known cure at this time for Parkinson’s disease. Those who have this disease must look for treatments to manage it. One treatment you may be hearing about is red light therapy. Let’s discuss what red light therapy for Parkinson’s disease is, how it works, and how you can try it.

What is Red Light Therapy?

Red light therapy (RLT) refers to using devices that produce red light to treat various health conditions. It is sometimes also called “laser light therapy.” The specific type of red light therapy used to treat Parkinson’s is called photobiomodulation (PBM).

Typical wavelengths for red light therapy are 610-660nm. Sometimes, people combine this treatment with near-infrared lengths of 820-850nm.

How Red Light Therapy Works

The theory behind red light therapy is that cells absorb the light, which stimulates blood flow, reduces inflammation, and has other beneficial effects.

For Parkinson’s disease specifically, Parkinson’s NSW explains that photobiomodulation treatments targeting the gut:

  • Lowering inflammation
  • Helping the body to metabolize short-chain fatty acids
  • Promoting dopamine production
  • Promoting serotonin production

People with Parkinson’s disease do not produce high enough levels of dopamine. So, it is believed that red light therapy helps by stimulating increased production of this neurotransmitter. 

We would like to note that red light therapy is still not a mainstream treatment for Parkinson’s disease, and research is still needed to determine its efficacy. It should not be your sole treatment either. Talk with your doctor about how you can incorporate it into a full treatment plan. 


Benefits of Red Light Therapy for Parkinson’s Patients

If you try red light therapy, you might see a reduction in your symptoms, such as cognition, functional mobility, and fine motor skills. If so, you can look forward to improvements in your quality of life.

How to Use Red Light Therapy

Dec 2, 2024

Before you dive in with red light therapy, make sure you have an accurate diagnosis. Once you do, you can begin your treatment plan.

For red light therapy, you can either use an at-home device, or get a professional, in-office treatment. There are pros and cons to both options.

An in-office treatment may be stronger, and you can be sure that the device being used is giving you the optimal wavelength. But getting red light therapy at a clinic can be expensive, whereas at-home treatments are cheaper and more convenient.

The Importance of Symptom Relief for Parkinson’s Patients

On average, patients with Parkinson’s have a life expectancy of 14.5 years after diagnosis, which typically happens around age 60. 

The average lifespan in the US is 77.43 years, as of 2022. So, many patients with Parkinson’s live for almost as long as they would without the disease.

To maintain your quality of life, it is crucial to treat your symptoms. Red light therapy may be one tool in your treatment toolbox, but you will need to incorporate other medical treatments and lifestyle changes as well.

For example, foot pain is common in Parkinson’s disease. Gait problems are also prominent.

Even if you failed to prevent Parkinson’s disease by exercising and eating a healthy diet, getting exercise after your diagnosis can help you to reduce symptoms and enhance quality of life. 

The right footwear will help you to walk safely and comfortably. The Cadense Original Adaptive Shoe can help you to maintain your balance, improve your gait, and reduce fatigue when you are walking. Shop our full selection of shoes for Parkinson’s disease.

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FAQ

Is red light therapy safe for Parkinson’s patients?

There is insufficient data to say yet whether red light therapy is safe or effective for patients with Parkinson’s. 

Nevertheless, red light therapy is safe and well-tolerated by most people. Talk to your doctor if you have concerns.

What symptoms can red light therapy help with?

Red light therapy might help treat symptoms such as those affecting cognition, functional mobility, and fine motor skills.

How often should I use red light therapy?

Typically, people do red light therapy 2-3 times per week. That said, the optimum frequency depends on the condition being treated. There are no established guidelines yet for how often to use red light therapy for Parkinson’s disease.

Can I use red light therapy at home?

Yes, there are at-home red light therapy devices you can purchase. While there is an initial cost outlay, in the long run, this is an affordable approach.

Posted by: Johannes Sauer

Johannes is the CEO and Co-Founder of Cadense and passionate about helping people with walking difficulties. Johannes is the CEO and Co-Founder of Cadense and passionate about helping people with walking difficulties. He was immediately drawn to the mission of the company because his cousin lost his lower leg in a tragic motorcycle accident a few years ago and is experiencing walking difficulties ever since. Johannes brings over a decade of experience in working for consumer product companies to Cadense. He holds an MBA from the University of Graz in Austria. Johannes lives with his family in Santa Barbara, CA.

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Reviewed by: Dr. Jennie Stanford

Dr. Jennie Stanford, MD, FAAFP, DipABOM, is an obesity medicine physician and metabolic health expert, as well as a medical writer and educator. Dr. Jennie Stanford, MD, FAAFP, DipABOM, is an obesity medicine physician and metabolic health expert, as well as a medical writer and educator. She earned her Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Mississippi Medical Center. Dr. Stanford is board-certified by the American Board of Obesity Medicine and the American Board of Family Medicine. She is passionately involved in medical education, dedicating her time to mentoring and advancing the field.

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