Exploring the Benefits of Flexible Red Light Therapy Devices
Written on
Chapter 1: The Power of Flexible Red Light Therapy Devices
Flexible red light therapy (RLT) devices offer targeted treatment options for specific areas of the body. For example, if you experience discomfort in your wrist, a flexible device can be easily wrapped around that area, delivering concentrated therapy to promote healing.
This targeted approach allows for a higher joule/cm² delivery compared to general health treatments, ensuring more effective photobiomodulation for injuries.
Moreover, since wearables operate on low power, they can maintain direct skin contact. This direct application significantly reduces light reflectance, maximizing the absorption of red light.
Section 1.1: Importance of Direct Skin Contact
To achieve optimal results, manufacturers typically recommend that these low-power devices make direct contact with the skin.
As illustrated in the image above, the intensity of light penetrating the skin increases significantly upon contact with the LED. As long as these low-power wearables do not generate excessive heat, they can be effectively used on sore areas like the ankle, wrist, or joints to facilitate recovery.
These devices are generally low in electromagnetic fields (EMF), as the power supply—which tends to emit the most EMF—is connected to the LED pad via a few feet of wire, keeping the user at a safe distance from potential EMF exposure.
Subsection 1.1.1: New Developments in Wearable Technology
Recently, products aimed at treating hands and feet have become available. One example is the DGYAO Belt, a wearable device designed for targeted therapy. Priced at $179.99 on Amazon, this belt is a noteworthy addition to the market.
Section 1.2: Understanding LED Technology in Wearables
The LEDs incorporated in this wearable are a combination type, meaning each LED emits multiple wavelengths. Specifically, this device features two internal chips that produce 660 nm light and one chip for 880 nm.
Due to this setup, measuring each wavelength separately was not feasible; however, an approximation was made. Given that two out of the three chips emit 660 nm light, it was estimated that 2/3 of the light energy corresponds to this wavelength, while the remaining 1/3 was attributed to the 880 nm chip.
This wearable features an automatic shut-off timer that activates after 20 minutes, aligning with the manufacturer's guidelines for treatment duration.
Chapter 2: Detailed Analysis of the DGYAO Belt
The first video titled "Dermatologist Explains Red Light Therapy at Home: Worth it for Anti-Aging? Best Devices?" provides insights into the effectiveness of red light therapy for anti-aging and showcases various devices.
The electrical specifications of this wearable include:
- Power consumption: 19 watts
- Power supply: 115VAC/60Hz
- Treatment area: approximately 6” x 24”
- Total number of LEDs: 216 combination LEDs
- LED intensity output:
- 10.87 mW/cm² @ 660 nm
- 4.22 mW/cm² @ 880 nm
- Total light output per LED: 15.09 mW/cm²
- With a treatment time of 20 minutes, it delivers 18 J/cm².
Light intensity measurements were conducted using an Apogee MQ-620 meter, which is deemed the best tool for measuring light intensity from RLT panels.
The second video, "What Is Red Light Therapy & Does It Work?," explains the principles of red light therapy and its effectiveness.
Next, a spectral analysis was performed on the light emitted from a single diode in the wearable. The results showed a peak at 685 nm, aligning with the manufacturer's specification of 660 nm, while the infrared light spectrum ranged from 820 nm to 890 nm, covering the nominal wavelength of 880 nm.
More Information on Red Light Therapy and Photobiomodulation
For a deeper understanding of red light therapy, consider my book titled “Living Younger Longer Using Red Light Therapy,” available on Amazon. You can also find ePub, PDF, and print versions through my website:
Disclaimer
The information presented in this article is intended solely for informational purposes and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice. The author, John Iovine, shares insights based on his research and observations. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, the author disclaims any liability for changes or updates to the referenced sources.