F.A.Q. RED LIGHT THERAPY

What is Red Light Therapy?

What does LLLT stand for?

LLLT stands for Low Level Light Therapy or Low Level Laser Therapy. Both are Red Light and Near Infrared Light technologies. Also referred to as Photobiomodulation (PBM), and Red Light Therapy, this modality is effectively used to stimulate fat loss, manage pain, reduce inflammation, activate skin rejuvenation and boost the immune system.

Are there other Red Light Therapy 635nm devices on the market?

There are several 635nm devices in two different categories on the market. Laser based devices have high energy output for targeted deep tissue treatments, are classified as medical devices and require physician oversight and a licensed technician to operate.

LED based devices, like Contour Light, use lower level light energy output that can safely treat larger areas on the body and does not require a licensed technician to operate. Both are effective forms of Photobiomodulation: Red light treatments that stimulate healthy cell energy response.

What is a Contour Light treatment like?

The closer the light is to the skin, the more effective the treatment. The Contour Light pad delivery system allows direct application to the skin. We recommend that patients wear a two-piece bathing suit, speedo or boxers attire, for maximum treatment coverage. The patient lies on a treatment table and the pads are placed on the areas of treatment. Typically, that includes two large pads placed underneath the mid back and back upper legs, two large pads placed on the abdomen and the front of the upper legs. One small pad on each of the upper arms, and the face mask is placed arching over the face and chest area. The pads can be used in a variety of configurations, specific to the areas on which the patients desire treatment. Once the system is on, the patient will see ultra bright red lights. Goggles should be worn to protect their eyes. After a few minutes, when the light stimulates the cell mitochondria and they begin to generate energy in the cells, the patient will feel a warming effect. The pads themselves do not emit heat, the warmth is primarily generated by the body. Many patients describe it as comforting and calming. A session can last up to 25 minutes, giving the patient time to relax and even nap.

How long will the results last?

The results from Contour Light will vary from person to person based on nutrition, activity, healthy life style, and frequency of treatment. The recommended treatment protocol is 12 sessions-(every 2-3 days over a period of 6 weeks) with periodic tune ups following.

Do patients need to follow a strict diet and exercise regimen?

Contour Light along with a healthy life style of good nutrition and moderate exercise will result in remarkable and measurable results. That said, there is no particular diet or exercise regimen required, but drinking plenty of water and even a 15-20 minute walk or moderate exercise following a treatment will noticeably enhance the results.

Will cholesterol and triglyceride levels increase after treatment?

No. There is no evidence that Contour Light treatment or any 635 nm treatment will cause an elevation of cholesterol or triglyceride levels.

Is the Contour Light device safe?

Yes, absolutely. The light emitted by the Contour Light device is cool, and it does not generate excessive heat, so it will not burn or damage the tissue. However, the light is very bright and patients should take care to shield their eyes with goggles if using the face mask. Short glances at the light will not harm the eyes, but staring at the light should be completely avoided.

Early versions of other 635 nm red light therapy devices did not see satisfactory results. Why is that?

The first 635 nm low level laser device was released with a lot of publicity and promises of quick fat loss, without FDA approval, and without sufficient understanding about how it works. Since it was laser based and in the medical device arena, it was sold only to physicians, but without the proper level of training and education for optimal outcomes. The device used weak light that was not applied directly to the body, and therefore did not interact at the cellular level to produce the outcomes we see with our system.

What is 635nm and 880nm technology?

635nm and 880nm are the wavelengths on the light spectrum that when harnessed provide the most effective red light therapy. The 635nm and 880nm light when combined are able to penetrate the skin and activate the cells’ mitochondria to produce cellular energy, as well as stimulate the production of collagen and elastin in the skin.

What is the difference between laser light and LED light as it relates to this technology?

According to Dr. Michael Hamblin, associate professor at Harvard and MIT, and widely regarded as the world’s top expert in the study of red light therapies, there is no real difference between what laser-based light and LED-based light can do for cell energy and healing in the 635nm range. However, a licensed technician under the supervision of a physician, is required to operate a laser-based device. Whereas the Contour Light system-an LED-based device requires about 1 minute of training, no license to operate, and is safely administered by the staff and professionals in the health and wellness field.

What type of results can be expected?

The recommended Contour Light protocol involves a series of 12 treatment sessions of 25 minutes each, delivered every 2-3 days over a 6-week period. Most patients see a noticeable improvement within the first 2-3 treatments, some even after the first treatment. Depending on the patients’ goals, the full 12 session series can reliably address most of their expectations. Though continued treatments, or series can be added if needed for further benefit.

Are there any restrictions as to who can be treated?

Contour Light is safe and beneficial for the vast majority of people. There are three exceptions for which a patient would need a physician’s clearance to be able to utilize the Contour Light.

They include:

• Patients that have a medical condition that seriously inhibits proper waste elimination via the liver and kidneys may struggle, because during the treatment cells release fat and toxins into the lymphatic system for elimination from the body, passing through the liver and kidneys. If the liver or kidneys are already compromised, this process could cause further congestion.
• Patients who have extreme light sensitivity, either due to a medical condition or a medication, should get clearance from their doctors before using red light therapy.
• Patients who are pregnant need to check with their OB doctors before utilizing Contour Light, and should not use the pads in the abdomen area.

What parts of the body can be treated?

Every part of the body, from the top of the head to the toes, can be treated by Contour Light, with the exception of the eyes. The red lights are ultra bright and goggles are recommended when using the face mask.

Will the Contour Light work for people who struggle with obesity?

Clinically obese patients can benefit in all the same ways. Contour Light helps to stimulate the mitochondria in the cells which creates cellular energy, eliminates fat and toxins, and promotes a healing effect on the body. It helps with reducing inflammation, which often is the cause of obesity. As with all people, patients who utilize the Contour Light get the best results when creating a healthy lifestyle of good nutrition, moderate exercise, and plenty of water.