Guide to Using Infrared Light Therapy Post Surgery

Medically reviewed by Karen Wolters, RN and Joanna Fearnley, LPN

Depending on the type of surgery you are undergoing, infrared light therapy can be used as a post surgery therapy and it’s important to consider how soon after surgery can you use red light therapy.  Red light therapy helps to reduce pain and increase circulation after procedures, and is popular among those who want to get back to their normal selves as soon as possible. Here you can find out about the different steps you will need to take when utilizing infrared light therapy post-surgery and some of the important information you need to remember. 

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What is red light therapy and how does it help post surgery? 

Infrared light therapy, also known as low-level laser therapy or photobiomodulation, has been shown to be beneficial in reducing pain after surgery. Here is a guide to using infrared light therapy post-surgery:

1. Consult with your doctor: Before starting any post-surgery treatment, it’s important to consult with your doctor to ensure that infrared light therapy is safe for you and won’t interfere with any other treatments you may be taking.
2. Choose the right device: There are many different infrared light therapy devices on the market, ranging from handheld devices to large panels. Choose a device that is appropriate for the area you need to treat and that has been shown to be effective in clinical studies.
3. 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 three times per day, for 20 minute sessions. For more information on how often you should use red light therapy, click here.
4. Position the device correctly: Position the device so that the infrared light is directed at the surgical site. If you’re using a red light therapy pad, wrap it around the area where you are experiencing pain.
5. 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.

It’s important to follow the recommended treatment protocol and consult with your doctor before starting any new treatment, even red light therapy if you plan on using it short or long term. 

How soon after surgery can you use red light therapy?

The time you leave between surgery and starting red light therapy will usually 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.

In general, red light therapy is a non-invasive and low-risk treatment that won’t harm when used properly. However, it is important to ensure that any incisions or wounds from surgery have had sufficient time to heal before beginning red light therapy. Your healthcare provider may recommend waiting until the incision has completely closed and any swelling or inflammation has subsided before starting red light therapy. This may take several weeks or longer, depending on the nature and extent of your surgery.

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.

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Why is it worth using infrared light therapy after surgery? 

After surgery infrared light therapy has been shown to have a variety of benefits. Some of the main reasons why it’s worth considering are for pain relief, increased circulation and due to its non-invasive nature it can be used alongside other treatments. Those who use red light therapy can heal faster than those who don’t; this is down to how the light stimulates ATP production and other cellular components that are essential for tissue repair.