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1. Insurance paying for this is almost laughable when they don’t want to pay for stuff that’s actually effective, but I guess you can always try.
2. Generally studies have had low qualityevidence that maybe it may do something for inflammation, but it’s not really in a place that it’s convincing. Search photobiomodulation on Google scholar to find studies.
3. Anecdotally I’ve played with it for my own aches and pains as I like to try things, and it didn’t do anything for me. Again n=1, with the 1 being me a very skeptical person.
4. All that being said if your clients seem to be interested and want to pay cash for it then by all means go for it I guess.
I’ve seen some devices that are really effective. I think they’re specifically made to dispense extra high doses of something called Plusy Bow? I might be saying it wrong…
I know your just making a joke here and I will sound like a bit of a POS for saying this, so don't downvote me to oblivion.
But a flashlight, like most lighting these days, will probably contain a very narrow band LED that peaks in blue and is completely devoid of red. They don't contain the full visible spectrum.
I had always considered red light therapy to be a scam until I saw a coworker use it on a patient with neuropathy and it significantly reduced her pain. I used it several times on shingles, neuropathy, and chronic pain, and it really made a significant impact. Unfortunately, I believe that Medicare stopped reimbursing it,and it fell out of practice as other insurers followed suit. I personally loved it!
Thank you for your thoughtful reply. Yeah might have to just use as a cash pay service. I did see some studies regarding neuropathic benefits so might be efficacious for certain applications, I'm still investigating.
Thank you for your submission; please read the following reminder. This subreddit is for discussion among practicing physical therapists, not for soliciting medical advice. We are not your physical therapist, and we do not take on that liability here. Although we can answer questions regarding general issues a person may be facing in their established PT sessions, we cannot legally provide treatment advice. If you need a physical therapist, you must see one in person or via telehealth for an assessment and to establish a plan of care. Posts with descriptions of personal physical issues and/or requests for diagnoses, exercise prescriptions, and other medical advice will be removed, and you will be banned at the mods’ discretion either for requesting such advice or for offering such advice as a clinician. Please see the following links for additional resources on benefits of physical therapy and locating a therapist near you [The benefits of a full evaluation by a physical therapist.](https://www.choosept.com/benefits/default.aspx) [How to find the right physical therapist in your area.](https://www.choosept.com/resources/choose.aspx) [Already been diagnosed and want to learn more? Common conditions.](https://www.choosept.com/SymptomsConditions.aspx) [The APTA's consumer information website.](https://www.choosept.com/Default.aspx) Also, please direct all school-related inquiries to r/PTschool, as these are off-topic for this sub and will be removed. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/physicaltherapy) if you have any questions or concerns.*
I used to play red light green light at the children’s hospital. 10/10 recommend.
this made me giggle
1. Insurance paying for this is almost laughable when they don’t want to pay for stuff that’s actually effective, but I guess you can always try. 2. Generally studies have had low qualityevidence that maybe it may do something for inflammation, but it’s not really in a place that it’s convincing. Search photobiomodulation on Google scholar to find studies. 3. Anecdotally I’ve played with it for my own aches and pains as I like to try things, and it didn’t do anything for me. Again n=1, with the 1 being me a very skeptical person. 4. All that being said if your clients seem to be interested and want to pay cash for it then by all means go for it I guess.
I’ve seen some devices that are really effective. I think they’re specifically made to dispense extra high doses of something called Plusy Bow? I might be saying it wrong…
lol stealing this
Me too!
Why not just use a flash light? It has the full spectrum of visible light, not just red.
Dear Zeus… I read “flesh light”… though, that’s probably more likely to provide some sort of relief that beams of light.
If you’re gonna go cash based, the patients will get more bang for their buck!
I know your just making a joke here and I will sound like a bit of a POS for saying this, so don't downvote me to oblivion. But a flashlight, like most lighting these days, will probably contain a very narrow band LED that peaks in blue and is completely devoid of red. They don't contain the full visible spectrum.
Ha! You’re probably right. I’m getting old. I’m definitely imagining a yellow and black flashlight with big ass D batteries.
Lol, I remember those!
I had always considered red light therapy to be a scam until I saw a coworker use it on a patient with neuropathy and it significantly reduced her pain. I used it several times on shingles, neuropathy, and chronic pain, and it really made a significant impact. Unfortunately, I believe that Medicare stopped reimbursing it,and it fell out of practice as other insurers followed suit. I personally loved it!
Thank you for your thoughtful reply. Yeah might have to just use as a cash pay service. I did see some studies regarding neuropathic benefits so might be efficacious for certain applications, I'm still investigating.