The pelvic floor is a layer of muscles and ligaments that stretches from the pubic bone to the tailbone, and supports organs such as the bladder and bowel. It’s often forgotten about when people consider their general health and wellbeing, but it’s an important group of muscles to take care of.
A weakened pelvic floor can be caused by pregnancy, childbirth, over-straining, and traumatic injuries. This can trigger symptoms such as needing the bathroom more often, constipation, incontinence and pain. As such, it’s important to strengthen your pelvic floor through exercises and other methods, including red light therapy.
How red light therapy can support the pelvic floor
Red light therapy, also known as photobiomodulation (PBM), works by stimulating the energy centers in your cells, called mitochondria, to produce more ATP. Increased levels of ATP can improve circulation, delivering essential nutrients and oxygen to the damaged tissues of the pelvic floor, potentially bolstering the body’s natural healing process.
Pain is a frustrating symptom of pelvic floor weakness, which red light therapy could help to lessen by relaxing muscle tissue. A 2021 study looked into whether PBM could reduce pelvic discomfort in women. Results found that the therapy provided “significant and sustained pain relief” to women with chronic pelvic pain for up to six months.¹[Transvaginal Photobiomodulation for the Treatment of Chronic Pelvic Pain: A Pilot Study.]
Who might use red light therapy for pelvic wellness?
Pelvic floor issues are often seen in pregnant women and those who have been through childbirth.
Red light therapy is non-invasive, as well as being drug and side-effect free, making it ideal for pregnant and breastfeeding women who want to avoid medication, where it is safe to do so.
However, pelvic floor issues can affect anyone and become more common as we age. Everyone should prioritize the health of their pelvic floor, and red light therapy can be a great addition to a wellness routine, alongside exercises designed for the area.
How to use red light therapy safely
Red light therapy is considered extremely safe, and can be used on every area of the body, except for the eyes. In fact, a 2017 study into the applications of PBM found that it has “an almost complete lack of reported adverse effects”.²[Mechanisms and applications of the anti-inflammatory effects of photobiomodulation. AIMS Biophysics]
However, while red light therapy is low risk, it’s important to use devices as instructed, and follow guidance from your healthcare provider, particularly if you are an expectant mother. If you are pregnant, it is advised not to use red light therapy directly over the developing fetus, including on the abdomen and lower back.
Generally, red light therapy treatments last for 20 minutes, but shorter sessions may be recommended depending on your circumstances, so reach out to your healthcare provider if you have any concerns.
It’s also important to ensure that any device you purchase is FDA-cleared and of a high quality, such as HealthLight’s devices. All of HealthLight’s red light therapy pads are clinical-strength and FDA-cleared, making sure that you receive the most effective therapy possible while staying safe.
Red light therapy is not a replacement for medical treatment, but if you’re looking to prioritize your physical well-being, it can be an effective part of a wellness plan.
References
¹Zipper, R., Pryor, B. and Lamvu, G. (2021). Transvaginal Photobiomodulation for the Treatment of Chronic Pelvic Pain: A Pilot Study. Women’s Health Reports, 2(1), pp.518–527. doi:https://doi.org/10.1089/whr.2021.0097.
²Hamblin, M.R. (2017). Mechanisms and applications of the anti-inflammatory effects of photobiomodulation. AIMS Biophysics, [online] 4(3), pp.337–361. doi:https://doi.org/10.3934/biophy.2017.3.337.
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