FAQ
Q. What is near infrared (NIR) light?
A. Near infrared light is electromagnetic radiation (900-1400 nm) within the electromagnetic spectrum. It is invisible to the naked eye.
Q. I cannot understand why you have different models and prices. How do I choose?
A. It is important to note that all the models work the same and the wavelengths on each model penetrate the same depth, the only difference is the number of Light Emitting Diodes(LEDs) each has. You can then determine how much pain area you need to treat at one time and how much cost you want to spend, understanding that the smaller the area, the more time it will take as you will need to move it around. In other words, the outcome will be the same–pain relief–but the # of LEDs shooting into your area at one time is what is different.
Q. How long do I need to treat an area?
A. Usually about 5 to 17 minutes for each area, depending on problem. A guide accompanies each model.
Q. How many times a day can I treat the same area?
A. If you want to treat the same area more than once a day, try to avoid treating the same area within a onehalf hour period. You can use the devices up to 3 times a day.
Q. What do you recommend for (pain from nerve issue) neuropathy?
A. We have several products recommended for Neuropathy—Infrared Boot; the Infrared Shoe, and any of the infrared devices will help. In Infrared Photo Energy May Reduce Neuropathic Pain, by Thomas J. Burke, PhD, he states, “Near infrared light therapy, together with physical therapy, may be able to reduce pain in neuropathy patients and possibly reduce medication dosage levels of those undergoing drug therapy.”
Q. Will it help with the diabetic foot and ulcers?
A. “You can expect over the next few years to see LED therapy as being the primary treatment for wounds such as post-surgical and non-healing wounds like diabetic ulcers.”said Dr. Harry Whelan, professor of neurology, pediatrics and hyperbaric medicine at the Medical College of Wisconsin. Chiropractors have stated that light therapy is the only thing he recommends for his diabetic foot patients to relieve their pain.
Q. Will it help with the bad sores on feet?
A. Read the Testimonial about the lady whose doctor was going to remove her leg but the son used the infrared light on her foot and it healed.
Q. Will infrared light therapy help heal toenail fungus?
A. Although the FDA has yet to get on board with using this same light therapy technology for treating toe nail fungus some podiatrists are using it in their practices. Podiatrist Gabriel Maislos, D.P.M., of Memorial Hermann Southwest Hospital in Houston has reported infrared light therapy as 87 percent effective in the treatment of toe nail fungus. For anyone who has had their toe nails removed in order to better treat the nail bed with antifungal creams or for those who have been reluctant to try prescription drugs that may put your liver at risk, light therapy is a very hopeful alternative.
Q. Is it harmful to the eyes?
A. No, since it is not a colimated beam it will not harm the eyes. However, it is very bright so it is best to keep the eyes closed when using it in that area for sinus pain etc.
Q. Can light therapy be used in patients with a pace maker?
A. Yes . It is the magnet products that cannot be used with a pace maker.
Q. What is the length of time before the LEDs burn out?
A. Approximately 100,000 hours.
Q. Will infrared therapy help my Avascular necros?
A. AVN is a condition in which the poor blood supply to an area of bone leads to bone death. The head of the femur is often the site. Infrared light therapy would be a benefit to you. Studies show when light therapy breaks through blocked energy, and the light enters and stimulates the cells as photons. The photons are absorbed by the photoreceptors within the cell. Photons strike the damaged tissue including skin, blood, muscle, and bone, and create a cellular response which reduces pain and jump-starts the healing process. The studies of LED therapy by NASA states: “Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) offer an effective alternative to lasers. These diodes can be made to produce multiple wavelengths, and can be arranged in large, flat arrays allowing treatment of large wounds. Potential benefits to NASA, military, and civilian populations, include treatment of serious burns, crush injuries, non-healing fractures, muscle and bone atrophy, traumatic ischemic wounds, radiation tissue damage, compromised skin grafts, and tissue regeneration.”
Q. How is LED light therapy different from laser treatment?
A. LED covers a larger area so it takes less time to treat, LED’s are much safer and once a laser beam enters the skin it is no longer a colimated beam of light so it is not different than an LED but yet costs much more.
Q. Are lasers more effective than LED’s for light Therapy?
A. No, In fact the opposite is true. Everyone thinks lasers work better since they cost more when they are simply throwing away money. Once a laser light enters the skin it is no longer a columated beam of light, it is basically the same as an LED. The advantage of the LED’s are that they disperse light up to 40 degrees at an angle so they cover a larger area. If you use a unit with several LED’s you cover a much larger area at a time, which is very important when working with larger muscle groups. An infrared LED will actually penetrate much deeper than a red laser.
Q. What LED’s penetrate the deepest?
A. The basic rule is that the higher the nm. or wavelength the deeper the penetration.
Q. Do I need to buy a larger unit to get results?
A. In most cases the answer is no. It is simply going to take you a longer time to treat the area. In some case such as back muscles we recommend the larger units in order to cover a larger area of muscle at one time, just seems to work better. It is also much easier to treat the back with a larger unit instead of a small hand held unit.
Q. Should I buy and AC or DC powered unit?
A. We usually recommend the AC power unless you are using the unit out in the field such as for animal use etc. The reason for this is as the battery starts to run down you are going to lose power to the LED’s making them a little less effective.
Q. Can I use the Infrared units outside of the USA?
A. Yes, all that is needed is a universal adapter that can be obtained from retail stores or any electronics store, as the unit comes with the standard USA two blade plug.
Q. Can anyone Use Infrared Light Therapy?
A. Yes, since most of our products are cleared by the FDA for over the counter use, anyone can purchase and use our units. Unlike the lasers which can only be used under the supervision of a doctor.
Q. I have an Emerson WorldWide model Holistic Pro 18 model that has proven to help my tendinitis to my wrist. Will it also help stop the spasms to the levator ani muscle? And is it safe to use on this muscle being so close to the spinal column?
A. It will not do any harm to the spinal column. In fact, it has been used to help regenerate nerve fiber.
Q. What does Infrared Diode Therapy actually do to relieve pain and inflammation?
A. In simple terms a tiny amount of singlet oxygen is produced as a result of the absorption of the light within the cell This causes a formation of proton gradients across the cell membrane and across the membrane of the mitochondria. This changes the cell membrane permeability to various ions, it also causes changes in mitochondrial membrane permeability leading to increased cellular ATP levels. DNA production is then seen. There are then observed physiological changes such as increased endothelial cell proliferation, increased fibroblast proliferation, etc.
Q. What is the difference between infrared heat treatment(thermal) and infrared light?
A: Infrared heat is just heat that relaxes muscles but has no healing effect. Infrared light penetrates deep and causes changes in the cells that makes the cells do what they should be doing. Such as creating nitric oxide, DNA, MA, and many more things.
Q. Will insurance or Medicare reimburse me if I purchase an Infrared unit?
A. Medicare does not, but In some instances insurance companies will if accompanied by doctor prescription. It depends on your insurance carrier. We have been notified by customers who have submitted claims to Blue Cross, Blue Shield and Aetna, and they state that they received reimbursement amounts. If you are not sure, contact your insurance company for this information.