The primary benefit of red light therapy is the same for all photobiomodulation treatments: Delivering light energy to the mitochondria to stimulate cell growth and function.
This activates several other biochemical processes to trigger more specific red light therapy benefits.
So, any new mom considering RLT as part of their postpartum care should expect the following benefits.
Postpartum wounds result from pelvic floor lacerations and perineal tears, cesarean sections, and episiotomy cuts.
C-sections can greatly affect the appearance of your postpartum belly and cause prolonged pain.
Red light therapy can accelerate C-section wound healing from childbirth by regulating the production of proinflammatory metabolites (porphyrins). It also regulates the release of inflammation proteins (cytokines).
By doing this, RLT counters inflammation and triggers 3 key processes for postpartum wound healing:
Stretched abdominal muscles during pregnancy leave signs of stretched skin or stretch marks.
By penetrating deep skin layers, red light therapy stimulates the cell energy of the mitochondria. This increases elastin and collagen production.
As a result, skin elasticity is enhanced, speeding up the rate at which new moms achieve postpartum skin tightness.
The pressure of birthing comes with plenty of strain on joints, muscles, ligaments, and tendons. Pain and strain can also result from emergency or elective C-sections and are felt around the abdominal area.
Red light therapy relieves pain by regulating inflammatory responses in cell proteins and triggering anti-inflammatory responses. Both are crucial for tissue healing and pain relief.
Also, red light therapy acts on the peripheral nervous system to activate natural pain blockers and inhibit pain receptors. Additionally, it regulates nerve sensitivity to pain.
Pregnancy and birthing can be a rollercoaster of hormonal fluctuations.
But, have you heard medics tell patients that their healing depends on their disposition? That’s the same philosophy we apply here.
Red light therapy is associated with a soothing effect that can positively influence our mood. A positive mood is crucial in managing hormonal changes before, during, and after delivery.
Besides, feeling relaxed promotes better sleep. And if you didn’t know, sleep is anti-inflammatory and aids healing.
Red light therapy works non-invasively by sending low-level wavelengths of red and near-infrared (NIR) light to the skin and deep body tissues.
Once irradiated on the skin, the light wavelengths penetrate tissues to stimulate cellular regeneration of the mitochondria.
Stimulated mitochondria produce adenosine triphosphate (ATP). This is the primary source of energy that promotes cell growth, tissue healing, and repair.
Enhanced cell energy increases blood flow and the amount of oxygen and nutrients delivered to the tissues.
In addition, red light therapy controls the formation of free radicals and excessive inflammation of injured tissues. It also blocks pain signals in the nerve endings and triggers naturally produced pain relievers (endorphins).
All these processes are key for healing and pain management for postpartum belly. Plus, they promote hormonal balance after delivery.
So, what does science say about all these benefits of red light therapy for postpartum belly?
There is more scientific backing for low-level laser therapy (LLLT) than there is for LED red light therapy for postpartum belly.
Regardless, some studies suggest possible positive outcomes with RLT for postpartum belly. Others are still underway. Let’s highlight a few.
During pregnancy, the abdomen enlarges to accommodate the growing fetus. As such, one of the key aspects of postpartum belly recovery is the reduction of abdominal girth.
A study found that combining red (630nm), infrared (808nm), and blue light (450nm) reduced abdominal girth for all the mothers in the study. There were no side effects reported.
A study with 100 C-section mothers (50/50 for the experimental and control groups) delivered infrared light to test for wound healing.
All mothers in the experimental group had healed CS wounds. They also reported reduced pain by the 5th and 7th day post-operation.
Also, an ongoing randomized controlled trial<>/u will deliver 5 sessions of light-emitting diode red and near-infrared light (660nm and 840nm) and laser (660nm & 825nm) to 90 mothers with CS wounds.
The expected outcomes of the study include reduced pain and wound healing. Mothers are also expected to experience higher maternal satisfaction and decreased depression.
Many studies have shown positive outcomes for wound healing, pain relief, and scar formation control. However, only a few studies have been done to test these outcomes on postpartum belly.
Regardless of the promising, positive outcomes in the mentioned studies, here’s a necessary disclaimer:
ALWAYS consult with a healthcare professional before incorporating red light therapy into your postpartum wellness care. This will ensure your safety and better effectiveness of red light therapy for postpartum belly.
1. Healthline: Saying Adieu to Your Postpartum Belly (but Celebrating It, Too).
2. South Texas Pelvic Health: The Benefits of Red Light Therapy Postpartum.
3. Be Well Baby: Red Light Therapy for Prenatal & Postpartum Healing – A Comprehensive Guide.
4. Montazeri K, Mokmeli S, Barat M. (2017). The Effect of Combination of Red, Infrared and Blue Wavelengths of Low-Level Laser on Reduction of Abdominal Girth: A Before-After Case Series. *J Lasers Med Sci.*, 8(Suppl 1), S22–S26.
5. Dash, M.B. & Selvi, S. (2013). Effectiveness of Infrared Rays on Wound Healing among Caesarean Section Mothers at Puducherry. *American Journal of Nursing Research*, 1(1), 43–46.
6. Khaled M, Baranov A, Diaz A, et al. (2024). Photobiomodulation as Part of Multimodal Analgesia to Improve Pain Relief and Wound Healing After Elective Caesarean Section: A Protocol for Randomized Controlled Trial. *PLoS One*, 19(12), e0314010.
7. Deng, F., Yang, R., Yang, Y. et al. (2024). Visible Light Accelerates Skin Wound Healing and Alleviates Scar Formation in Mice by Adjusting STAT3 Signaling. *Commun Biol*, 7, 1266.
