How Red Light Therapy Can Be Used to Treat Pelvic Floor Dysfunctions

By Dr. Christine Martirez PT, DPT on 10/15/2024

Red light therapy is becoming increasingly popular for its numerous therapeutic benefits, especially for those dealing with chronic pain, inflammation, and soft tissue injuries. While traditionally used for skin health, red light therapy has found a unique place in the world of pelvic floor dysfunction, offering non-invasive, supportive treatment to improve recovery and overall well-being.

In this blog post, we will explore how red light therapy works, its potential benefits for pelvic floor dysfunction, and how combining it with pelvic floor physical therapy can enhance treatment outcomes.

How Red Light Therapy Works

Red light therapy, also known as low-level laser therapy (LLLT) or photobiomodulation (PBM), uses specific wavelengths of red and near-infrared light to penetrate deep into tissues, stimulating cellular activity. The light is absorbed by the mitochondria, the powerhouse of cells, which in turn boosts adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production. ATP is essential for cellular repair, regeneration, and overall energy production.

Here’s a breakdown of how red light therapy works to benefit the body:

• Stimulates Cellular Production

  By boosting ATP production, red light therapy accelerates cellular repair and regeneration, aiding in faster tissue healing.

• Decreases Inflammation

  Red light therapy reduces inflammation by modulating the body’s inflammatory response, which can help ease chronic pain conditions.

• Increases Blood Circulation

  It enhances microcirculation

  in tissues, which brings more oxygen and nutrients to the area, speeding up recovery.

• Stimulates Collagen Production

  Collagen is a vital protein for tissue repair and elasticity. Red light therapy promotes collagen synthesis, which is beneficial for healing soft tissue injuries and improving muscle function.

Pelvic Floor Dysfunctions That Can Benefit from Red Light Therapy

Many pelvic floor dysfunctions involve chronic pain, tissue inflammation, and muscle dysfunction, making them prime candidates for red light therapy. Here are a few pelvic floor conditions that can benefit from this therapy:

1.

Pelvic Pain

Chronic pelvic pain is often caused by tight, hypertonic muscles or inflammation in the pelvic region. Red light therapy can help reduce this inflammation and pain by stimulating tissue repair and relaxing overactive muscles.

2.

Scar Tissue

After surgeries such as a C-section or hysterectomy, or from vaginal tearing during childbirth, scar tissue can form around the pelvic floor, limiting mobility and causing discomfort. Red light therapy can aid in breaking down scar tissue and promoting soft tissue healing, improving pelvic floor function and reducing pain.

3.

Urinary Incontinence

Both stress and urge urinary incontinence can benefit from the increased tissue repair and enhanced blood flow that red light therapy provides. By improving the health and function of the pelvic muscles, red light therapy can support continence control when used alongside targeted pelvic floor exercises.

4.

Prostatitis in Men

Men experiencing chronic prostatitis often deal with pelvic pain and inflammation. Red light therapy can help alleviate discomfort by reducing inflammation in the pelvic area, improving blood circulation, and supporting the recovery of inflamed tissues.

5.

Postpartum Recovery

The pelvic floor endures significant strain during pregnancy and childbirth, which can lead to various postpartum issues such as pelvic pain, urinary incontinence, and diastasis recti. Red light therapy can accelerate the healing of soft tissues, especially when recovering from a C-section or vaginal trauma.

How Red Light Therapy Combines with Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy

While red light therapy offers excellent benefits on its own, its effectiveness can be greatly enhanced when combined with pelvic floor physical therapy. Here’s why combining the two can lead to better treatment outcomes:

1.

Tissue Healing and Manual Therapy

Pelvic floor physical therapy often involves manual therapy techniques, such as myofascial release or trigger point therapy, to address muscle tightness, scar tissue, and fascial restrictions. Red light therapy supports these techniques by promoting faster tissue repair and reducing inflammation in the affected area, making the physical therapy treatments more effective.

2.

Pain Reduction and Neuromuscular Re-education

By reducing pain and inflammation, red light therapy allows for better muscle function during pelvic floor physical therapy. This can help with neuromuscular re-education, as patients may find it easier to engage and strengthen their pelvic floor muscles when pain is reduced.

3.

Improved Blood Flow and Therapeutic Exercise

Increasing blood flow to the pelvic area helps optimize the effects of therapeutic exercises typically used in pelvic floor physical therapy. The improved circulation from red light therapy can enhance muscle function, allowing the exercises to have a more significant impact on strengthening the pelvic floor and improving overall function.

4.

Support for Postural Training

Pelvic floor dysfunctions are often linked to poor posture and alignment, especially postpartum. Postural education is a key component of pelvic floor therapy, and when paired with red light therapy’s ability to decrease muscle tension and inflammation, it can make postural correction more effective and sustainable.

A Comprehensive Approach to Pelvic Floor Health

Red light therapy offers an exciting, non-invasive option for those experiencing pelvic floor dysfunction. Its ability to stimulate cellular repair, reduce inflammation, and promote tissue healing makes it a valuable tool in addressing pelvic pain, scar tissue, urinary incontinence, and postpartum recovery. When combined with pelvic floor physical therapy, red light therapy creates a well-rounded, comprehensive approach to restoring pelvic health.

If you are experiencing pelvic floor dysfunction and are curious about incorporating red light therapy into your treatment plan, consult with our pelvic floor therapists trained in this modality. Reach out to us at Pelvic Health Center in Madison, NJ to set up an evaluation and treatment! Feel free to call us at 908-443-9880 or email us at receptionmadison@pelvichealthnj.com.

Read More: