Use of Infrared Light to Modulate Protein Activity

Infrared light devices are an alternative form of treatment for pain and inflammation symptoms. Pain and inflammation are an immune system response designed to heal and protect injured or damaged areas in the body. The effects of infrared light on protein activity within the cells work to increase the body's healing processes.

Infrared Light

• Infrared wavelengths are an invisible form of light contained within the electromagnetic spectrum. The sun emits infrared waves, which transfer to the earth in the form of thermal energy. Infrared waves are used in many LED (low-emitting diode) devices to treat conditions involving pain and inflammation, according to Johns Dental Laboratories. This form of light is measured in wavelengths, called microns. The human body absorbs these wavelengths within the 3- to 50-micron range; however, optimal absorption occurs within the 9- to 10-micron range.
  Infrared light absorption can have significant effects on the body's protein metabolism processes, specifically within individual cell functions. Increased protein activity can result in improved healing processes, reduced inflammation and healthy cell and tissue function. According to Johns Dental Laboratories, infrared light stimulates specific physiological processes when applied to the skin surface.

Protein Activity

• The use of infrared light to modulate protein activity increases enzyme activity within the area of the body being treated, according to Johns Dental Laboratories. Enzymes are protein materials manufactured in the cell metabolism process. Increased enzyme production enables cells to work more efficiently, flushing out toxins and carrying out repair and maintenance functions. In effect, infrared light increases protein activity on a cellular level, which in turn effects nearby tissue and circulatory processes.
  LED devices are applied directly to pain-affected areas on the body. Infrared wavelengths are absorbed through the skin and into individual cells. The thermal energy contained inside these wavelengths provides cells with an energy similar to that provided by food or nutrients. In effect, infrared waves speed up energy production within the cell by increasing its enzyme or protein metabolism.

Cell Regeneration

• The effect of infrared light on protein activity promotes cell regeneration processes that work to reduce pain and inflammation and improve circulation to the area, according to Johns Dental Laboratories. Increased protein activity enables cells to engage in the repair processes necessary for healthy new tissue. Improved circulation enables needed oxygen and nutrient supplies to reach affected areas, which also contributes to improved cell metabolism.
  The effects of infrared light on protein activity can help heal injuries like sprained muscles, wounds and swollen joints. As cells begin to work more efficiently, they produce the connective tissue needed within the repair process. Connective tissue is made mostly from collagen, another protein material that appears within every area of the body. In effect, infrared light absorption acts as an alternate food-energy source within the body's healing processes.