Monochromatic infrared energy therapy, a non-invasive treatment used to improve circulation and reduce pain. It is considered experimental/investigative for cutaneous ulcers and diabetic neuropathy and musculoskeletal conditions including but not limited to tendonitis, capsulitis, and myofascial pain.
The therapy is delivered through pads that contain 50 super luminous gallium-aluminum arsenide diodes. The therapy has been studied in five double-blind, sham-controlled trials and has produced mixed results.
Pain Reduction
Infrared energy targets the root cause of pain by stimulating cellular functions that promote healing. When absorbed by the mitochondria of cells, monochromatic infrared light triggers photochemical reactions similar to the process that plants undergo during photosynthesis. This energizes the cells and increases the synthesis of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which is the body’s natural energy currency. More ATP means the body has more energy to repair damaged tissues, reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, and restore normal function.
When applied directly to the skin, MIRE therapy generates a therapeutic effect without heating or irritating the surface. The device has flexible pads with infrared lights that are placed over the area causing pain, with treatment sessions lasting about 30 minutes.
During a typical session, the infrared light penetrates deeply into the tissues, including muscles, ligaments and joints. Chronic injuries like sprains, strains, and tears respond well to near-infrared exposure because it encourages tissue regeneration and reduces inflammation markers, creating ideal conditions for healing. Athletes with muscle strains and joint aches find that they are able to return to the gym more quickly when MIRE therapy is incorporated into recovery programs.
MIRE therapy can also reduce neuropathic pain from diabetes or peripheral neuropathy. Studies have found that infrared energy therapy stimulates adenosine triphosphate production and enhances blood flow to the feet of diabetic patients with peripheral neuropathy, decreasing nerve firing and relieving pain and discomfort.
In one study, a comprehensive treatment program incorporating MIRE energy therapy restored sensation in patients with diabetic neuropathy, improving balance and reducing fall risk. Another study found that infrared energy therapy improves sensation and decreases pain for patients with neuropathic foot ulcers, allowing them to walk longer distances.
Infrared energy therapy is an effective supplement to other physical rehabilitation and pain reduction modalities, such as manual techniques, exercise prescription and acupuncture. When combined with a consistent schedule of treatments, near-infrared therapy produces maximum results, enabling individuals to achieve sustainable improvements in pain levels and quality of life. Talk to your doctor or physical therapist today about adding a MIRE treatment plan into your recovery regimen!
Increased Circulation
Infrared energy penetrates deep into the skin and muscles as heat, stimulating blood circulation and relaxing muscles. This helps relieve pain from nerve or muscle injuries, arthritis and fibromyalgia. It also reduces tension and supports deep relaxation, making it ideal for patients suffering from back and neck pain. Infrared energy is safe and non-invasive, providing relief for a wide variety of health complaints and wellness needs.
Monochromatic infrared energy (e.g. anodyne light therapy) is a type of low-level laser therapy that uses infrared energy to promote healing. It has been used for conditions including osteoarthritis, pain from shingles, and a disorder that causes leg discomfort and an irresistible urge to move the legs (restless legs syndrome or RLS).
The leading explanation of how red light therapy works involves your mitochondria, structures inside cells that produce energy. They absorb light, which triggers a reaction that releases nitric oxide and allows your cell’s energy chain to run more efficiently. This produces more ATP, and a shift in gene expression that promotes the body’s natural inflammatory response and healing processes.
Unlike standard RLT/NIR LLLT, polychromatic pulsed light (PMLT) delivers a broad spectrum of wavelengths — up to five different colors simultaneously. These varying wavelengths penetrate the tissue differently and target different biological mechanisms simultaneously. This gives PMLT an edge over RLT/NIR therapies in addressing both surface and deeper tissue processes.
PLMT is often used by athletes to improve performance, speed recovery, and boost energy levels. For instance, some professional sports teams use it before competition to enhance energy and promote healing and accelerated recovery after injury. Regardless of what sport you play, it’s important to work with a qualified wellness expert to ensure that PBMT is safely integrated into your training and recovery protocols. Your trainers will be able to help you find the right dosage and timing for each session, as well as how long and at what distance from your body to apply the light. This will help ensure that you’re achieving the most beneficial results from your sessions. You should also consult your doctor before beginning any new treatments or supplement programs, particularly if you have existing medical conditions.
Increased Oxygen Levels
The human body uses light energy to produce and distribute nitric oxide (NO). Nitric oxide is involved in the opening of blood vessels to increase circulation. It also helps reduce pain and support the function of nerves. A number of studies have shown that low level light therapy can independently increase the production of nitric oxide. These studies are known as randomized controlled trials (RCT). The best research design for assessing therapeutic interventions involves a comparison of a treatment to a control group and the measurement of health outcomes. However, such assessments can be difficult because of the placebo effect and the natural history of the condition under study. Intermediate outcome measures, also referred to as surrogate health outcomes, may be adequate if they are established as valid and clinically meaningful.
The use of monochromatic infrared energy to enhance circulation and relieve pain has been investigated in several cutaneous conditions. Among these, four randomized clinical trials with placebo controls have been conducted for knee osteoarthritis. The results of these trials were mixed. Two trials demonstrated no benefit while the other two showed evidence of a small improvement in symptoms and function. The lack of consistent benefits may be related to a combination of factors, including the placebo effect and variable natural history of knee osteoarthritis.
Researchers have also studied the effects of monochromatic infrared energy on patients with diabetic neuropathy. They found that patients who received monochromatic infrared energy along with physical therapy experienced an improvement in the symptoms of neuropathic pain, such as diminished foot sensation and balance deficits.
This effect was particularly evident in patients who were smokers. Smoking interferes with the body’s ability to absorb oxygen and creates a vicious cycle of decreased circulation, increased inflammation and nerve damage. As a result, the sensitivity of these patients to light-induced changes in the environment is heightened.
Patients with diabetes have an additional risk for peripheral vascular disease that can lead to open sores known as venous leg ulcers. Patients with these ulcers experience neuropathic pain, diminished lower extremity sensation and imbalance that increases the likelihood of falls. Researchers found that a comprehensive therapeutic approach that includes monochromatic infrared energy therapy can significantly improve the healing of venous leg ulcers.
Nerve Repair
The goal of treatment is to restore function and reduce pain. To do this, nerves must be repaired. This is why many patients seek out therapies that promote healing of damaged nerves such as monochromatic infrared energy therapy (MIRE).
Several studies have investigated the effects of MIRE on restoring lost sensation and improving balance in peripheral neuropathy. The best research design for evaluating therapeutic interventions is a randomized controlled trial. However, the results of these early trials have been clouded by a variety of factors including placebo effects and variable natural history of the condition under study.
While it is important to remember that feeling less pain does not always equate with nerve repair, the fact remains that many people do get back their feelings of sensation in a numb foot after receiving this type of therapy. It is therefore critical to ask about the specific device, power, wavelengths, and intended outcome. Different types of LLLT devices exist such as laser, LED, and infrared, and each has its own characterizations and intended outcomes.
One randomized clinical trial examined the effect of MIRE combined with physical therapy on reducing neuropathic pain, improving sensation, and increasing balance in diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Thirty-eight patients were enrolled in the study and divided into two groups. The patients received either MIRE or a sham therapy seven days a week for 90 days. They were assessed for changes in sensory, motor, and balance functions including neuropathic pain, vibration perception threshold, Semmes Weinstein monofilament test, and nerve conduction velocity. Subjective measures were also assessed using a neuropathic quality of life score and a Tinetti balance assessment tool. Both groups improved. However, there was no difference in improvements between the active and sham therapy group.
Another randomized clinical trial looked at the effectiveness of MIRE in treating diabetic neuropathic pain and promoting healing of nerves in the foot. The study compared patients who were treated with MIRE and a prescription medication (acetyl-L-carnitine) to those who were not. The researchers found that both groups showed similar improvements in their neuropathic pain and in the ability to feel light touch, temperature, and pressure. However, the acetyl-L-carnitine group showed greater improvement in their balance and the ability to walk without assistance.