How can Red Light Therapy (RLT) help cancer patients?

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved RLT for aesthetic applications such as treating skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis, and it is also being explored as a supportive therapy in cancer care – particularly for alleviating pain related to cancer treatment side effects.

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What should you expect during your Red Light Therapy session?

If you are undergoing cancer treatment and experiencing discomfort, your RLT session is designed to be safe, quick, and non-invasive. Here’s how it works:

 

Before Treatment

Your healthcare team will discuss your symptoms and treatment history. This helps tailor the therapy to address your specific pain or inflammation.

 

During Treatment

You’ll sit comfortably in a treatment chair while a red light lamp is used to help with oral mucositis or general pain management. Protective goggles and eye shields are provided to prevent any retinal damage. The procedure is brief, and most patients notice improvements in pain and inflammation within just a few days.

 

After Treatment

You can typically resume your regular activities immediately. Your provider will determine how many sessions may be needed to achieve optimal benefits.

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Do I need to do anything to prepare?

To ensure you receive the maximum benefits from red light therapy:

 

• Always wear the provided goggles or eye shields during the session.

• Inform your care team of any medications or treatments you are undergoing to safely integrate RLT into your overall cancer care plan.

• Follow any condition-specific pre-treatment guidelines from your healthcare provider.

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How many sessions will I need before I see results?

Many patients experience noticeable relief in pain and inflammation after just a few sessions. Some studies have indicated that it takes around 30 RLT sessions for blood cells to begin regeneration. 

 

Your provider will work with you to determine the ideal frequency and duration of treatments to best address your symptoms.

 

Are there any side effects?

Red light therapy is generally safe when administered by trained professionals. However, potential side effects may include:

 

• Temporary skin sensitivity or redness

• Minimal risk of skin damage if not applied correctly

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Are at-home RLT devices different from those in a clinical setting?

While over-the-counter red light therapy devices are available, the intensity and control provided in a licensed setting are generally higher. This ensures better efficacy and safety, especially when managing complex conditions related to cancer treatments.

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Why are we so passionate about RLT for Cancer Treatment? 

At Zenia, we understand the challenges of cancer treatment on a deeply personal level. Our founder and wellness practitioner, Angie, is a cancer survivor herself. Having faced the physical and emotional toll of treatment, she knows firsthand how important compassionate, holistic care can be during this journey. 

 

Her experience fuels her passion for helping others navigate their own healing process. Whether you’re currently in treatment, recovering, or looking for relief from side effects, we are dedicated to providing personalized, supportive care to help you feel your best. 

 

Angie is eager to give back to others who are fighting this battle – if you’re looking to try RLT as a therapy during treatment, ask us during your consultation about trial sessions to see if this is the healing journey for you.  
 

Ready to ease the side effects of your cancer treatment?