Question
A local private health clinic is now providing ‘red light therapy’ and claiming that it helps to boost energy production in the mitochondria. Consequently, they claim that it will help with a whole range of medical conditions that cause fatigue – including ME.
I’m aware that there is definite evidence of mitochondrial dysfunction in ME. But is there any evidence that this treatment can increase energy production and reduce fatigue?
Answer
Red Light Therapy, which is also known as low level/power laser therapy, involves directing low levels of red light onto the surface of the skin. As you say, it is then thought to work by improving the way in which the mitochondria produce energy at a cellular level.
There is some limited research evidence to indicate that it can help with skin repair in conditions such as acne, psoriasis and scarring. So red light therapy is sometimes being used by dermatologists for treating these conditions.
In addition to conditions that cause disabling fatigue like ME/CFS, red light therapy is also being claimed to help treat pain associated with arthritis, depression and reducing the side-effects of cancer chemotherapy.
However, there isn’t any reliable evidence of both safety and efficacy from well conducted clinical trials – which involve comparing the treatment to a placebo or sham treatment – for all these other non-skin conditions.
As far as safety is concerned, red light therapy appears to be safe when used for a short period of time and under proper medical supervision.
In conclusion, this an interesting emerging therapy that is certainly worth researching and I understand that there is an assessment of its use in ME/CFS being carried out. However, there isn’t any sound evidence at present to indicate that it can be used to treat ME/CFS.
So this is not a treatment that is available on the NHS and not one, in our current state of knowledge, which the MEA can recommend you spend money on.
More Information:
- Please let us know if you are using red light therapy, or have tried it.
- More detailed scientific information on Red Light Therapy
MEDICAL DISCLAIMER
We recommend that the medical information is discussed with your doctor. It is not intended to be a substitute for personalised medical advice or treatment. You should consult your doctor whenever a new symptom arises, or an existing symptom worsens. It is important to obtain medical advice that considers other causes and possible treatments. Do not assume that new or worsened symptoms are solely because of ME/CFS or Long Covid.