Studies on animals and humans have found that red and near-infrared light therapy greatly aids in healing breaks, fractures, and bone defects.134 ATP production is interrupted in broken bones, and cells begin to die from lack of energy. Red and near-infrared light have been shown to:
- Stimulate energy production in the bone cells
- Increase bone growth factors
- Enhance blood vessel formation and blood flow to the affected area
- Modulate inflammation
- Enhance the attachment and production of collagen and procollagen and stimulates the growth of bone cells—all of which accelerate the bone repair process
Overall, bone irradiated with near-infrared wavelengths shows increased bone formation and collagen deposition. Red and near-infrared light therapy is becoming very popular in all sports where breaks, sprains, and fractures are frequent—from horse racing to football.
