The Ultimate Guide to Red Light Therapy (2) - Flipbook - Page 46
46
The Ultimate Guide to Red Light Therapy
3.6 Is RLT Safe to Use with Metal
Implants?
When RLT interacts with metal implants, the light reflects off the metal and redirects through the
surrounding tissue. The extent of this reflection depends on the type of implant. For instance,
small implants, like the pins used in long bone fractures, reflect minimal light due to their size.
Red light therapy is safe to use with surgical or metal implants because it doesn’t generate
significant heat. It is also safe to use with pacemakers because there is no transmission of
electricity. When used appropriately, this therapy has no known major side effects. Research
even shows it is highly effective for healing wounds after surgery. For example, RLT can aid in
healing after hip replacement surgery for hip osteoarthritis.
Hip osteoarthritis (OA) is a long-term condition that damages joint cartilage, changes bone
shape, and impairs movement. When other treatments don‘t work, patients may need a total
hip arthroplasty (THA), which is a surgery to replace the hip. It usually involves implantation
of metal components. One study looked at how RLT might help reduce pain and inflammation
after THA surgery.
35
