Red Light Therapy for Lymphedema

Lymphedema is a chronic condition characterized by persistent swelling in one or both arms or legs due to a blockage in the lymphatic system, a critical component of the immune system. When lymph nodes fail to drain properly, fluid accumulates in the tissues, leading to discomfort, pain, and potential complications.

There are two primary forms of lymphedema: primary and secondary. Primary lymphedema is a rare, inherited disorder, whereas secondary lymphedema—the more common form—develops as a result of an underlying condition or external factors. Common causes of secondary lymphedema include lymph node damage or removal during cancer surgery, radiation therapy, cancer itself, or other traumatic injuries affecting the lymphatic system.

Red light therapy has been shown to support the body’s natural mechanisms in addressing the underlying causes of lymphedema. Also referred to as low-level light therapy (LLLT) or photobiomodulation, this treatment is safe, non-invasive, and gentle. When applied to the lymph nodes, red light therapy stimulates their natural function, promoting proper lymphatic drainage and reducing swelling.

🚨 Medical Disclaimer for Red Light Therapy 🚨

The information provided about red light therapy (RLT) is for general wellness and educational purposes only. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Individual results may vary.

Red light therapy is an emerging wellness modality, and while some studies suggest potential benefits, its effectiveness has not been evaluated or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for all advertised uses.

Consult a qualified healthcare provider before using red light therapy, especially if you have a medical condition, are pregnant, take medications, or have concerns about potential interactions. This therapy should not replace professional medical treatment or advice.

By using this product or service, you acknowledge that you do so at your own risk.

Red Light Therapy for Lymphedema in O'Fallon

Improved Lymphangiogenesis

What is Lymphangiogenesis? It is the formation of new lymphatic vessels from pre-existing ones. Increased lymphatic vessel formation enhances lymph fluid drainage, reducing fluid accumulation in bodily tissues.

A study investigating the effects of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on lymphangiogenesis and inflammation in a mouse model of tail lymphedema demonstrated promising results. Mice were divided into three groups: an LLLT treatment group, a sham treatment group, and a surgical control group. Following daily LLLT treatment for 12 days post-surgery, the LLLT group exhibited significantly reduced tail thickness (indicating decreased lymphedema), lower inflammation levels, and increased lymphatic vessel growth compared to controls. These findings suggest that post-surgical LLLT may be a valuable therapeutic approach for managing lymphedema in clinical settings. [1]

Effects of Red Light Therapy on Circulatory Endothelial Cells

Red light therapy has been shown to stimulate the proliferation of endothelial cells within the cardiovascular system. [2] This increase in capillary density improves oxygen and nutrient delivery to tissues, which can accelerate healing, improve immune function, and help the lower risk of infection by transporting white blood cells to areas affected by pathogens or toxins.

Lymphatic endothelial cells are a specialized subset of endothelial cells found in lymphatic capillaries and lymph nodes. These cells contribute to the structure of lymphatic vessels, which transport waste and excess fluid through the lymphatic system for filtration and reabsorption into the bloodstream.

Although no studies have directly examined the effects of red light therapy on lymphatic endothelial cells, extensive research has demonstrated that red light therapy significantly reduces inflammation [3]. Since inflammation increases capillary permeability, excessive leakage from lymphatic vessels can lead to fluid accumulation in tissues instead of proper drainage to the lymph nodes. By reducing inflammation, red light therapy may help restore normal lymphatic function, preventing excessive fluid retention and promoting overall circulatory health.

Unlike the cardiovascular system, the lymphatic system lacks a central pump like the heart. Instead, lymph is transported through muscle and joint movement, which exerts pressure on lymphatic vessels, pushing fluid toward the lymph nodes in the neck for filtration before re-entering the bloodstream. However, when movement is restricted due to swelling or when lymphatic vessels are damaged by surgery or radiation, lymph can accumulate in the spaces between muscles and joints instead of being properly drained.

Research suggests that red light therapy supports lymphatic function. In an animal study, red light therapy accelerated wound healing, promoting faster regeneration of veins and lymphatic vessels while reducing edema. Low-level laser therapy is believed to enhance lymphatic motility, lymphangiogenesis, and macrophage activity, while also softening fibrotic tissues. These effects improve lymph transport, facilitating the removal of pooled fluid from extracellular spaces.

Red Light Therapy for Cancer Survivors

Lymphedema can be psychologically devastating, particularly when chronic. Many breast cancer survivors experience anxiety, depression, fatigue, and fear of recurrence, all of which can hinder healing. Managing chronic stress is crucial for recovery.

A 2019 study on 22 breast cancer patients with lymphedema compared low-level laser therapy (LLLT) + complete decongestive therapy (CDT) to CDT + placebo therapy. After 12 months, the LLLT group reported reduced emotional distress and improved self-perception compared to the control group. [5]

Breast Cancer

With advances in early detection, diagnosis, and treatment, more people are surviving breast cancer. In fact, about 91% of women in the United States live at least 5 years (10 years: 86%, 15 years: 81%)  after diagnosis. [7] However, many breast cancer survivors experience breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) as a side effect of treatments like surgery and radiation therapy. Lymphedema happens when fluid builds up in tissues, leading to swelling, discomfort, and reduced mobility. Even with newer surgical techniques like sentinel node biopsy, BCRL is still common. This condition can significantly impact quality of life by causing physical limitations, discomfort, and disability.

Traditional treatments for BCRL include compression garments, manual lymphatic drainage, and specific exercises. However, these options can be time-consuming and difficult to follow, leading to low adherence. This highlights the need for better treatment options to help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.

One emerging approach is Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT), also known as Photobiomodulation (PBM), red light therapy (RLT). This non-invasive light therapy uses wavelengths between 650 and 1000 nm to deliver low doses of light to affected tissues. Research suggests LLLT may help reduce inflammation, improve lymphatic drainage, and prevent tissue hardening (fibrosis). Studies also report that it is a safe technique. [9]

A research study published in the Journal of Cancer Survivorship [9] reviewed multiple studies to determine whether Red Light Therapy could help manage swelling and pain in women with breast cancer-related lymphedema.

What Did the Research Find?

📌 LLLT reduced arm swelling – On average, women who received this treatment had 75–90 mL less fluid buildup in their arms.

📌 Some women experienced pain relief – In certain studies, pain levels decreased by about 13.5 points on a 0–100 pain scale, but results varied.

📌 Adding LLLT to treatment led to better swelling reduction – Women who received LLLT along with other therapies had greater reductions in swelling compared to those who did not receive LLLT.

What Did the Scientists Conclude?

The researchers concluded that LLLT provides “clinically meaningful reductions” in both arm swelling and pain for women with breast cancer-related lymphedema. This means the improvements were noticeable and relevant to patients’ daily lives. However, they also noted that more research is needed to confirm long-term benefits.

What Does This Mean for Breast Cancer Survivors?

The findings suggest that Red Light Therapy may be a helpful, non-invasive option for managing lymphedema-related swelling and pain. It could be used alongside other treatments like compression therapy, massage, and exercise.

If you or someone you know is dealing with post-cancer lymphedema, it may be worth discussing Red Light Therapy with a healthcare provider to see if it’s a suitable option.

Sentinel node biopsy (SNB) is the standard procedure for women with breast cancer who have no obvious signs of cancer in their armpit lymph nodes. It is widely used because it is highly accurate in checking whether cancer has spread to the lymph nodes.

Compared to traditional axillary lymph node dissection, SNB causes fewer complications, such as arm swelling (lymphedema) and movement problems. The most common method for SNB involves using a blue dye and a radioactive tracer (technetium-99m nanocolloid) to locate the first lymph node that drains fluid from the tumor.

However, not all hospitals have access to nuclear medicine (which is needed for technetium-99m). Because of this, researchers have developed new techniques using indocyanine green dye and superparamagnetic iron oxides (SPIO) as alternative tracers. These new methods have been shown to be just as accurate as the standard approach, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. [8]

The choice of which technique to use depends on:

  • The surgeon’s experience with the method
  • Whether nuclear medicine is available at the hospital
  • The hospital’s budget and resources

Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT) is a standard treatment for lymphedema that helps reduce swelling and improve movement. It includes four main parts:

1️⃣ Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) – A special type of gentle massage that moves fluid out of swollen areas.
2️⃣ Compression Therapy – Wearing bandages or compression garments to keep swelling down.
3️⃣ Exercise – Light movement and stretching to help fluid flow better.
4️⃣ Skin Care – Keeping the skin clean and moisturized to prevent infections.

breast cancer-related lymphedema

Lymphedema is a chronic condition characterized by persistent swelling in one or both arms or legs due to a blockage in the lymphatic system, a critical component of the immune system. When lymph nodes fail to drain properly, fluid accumulates in the tissues, leading to discomfort, pain, and potential complications.

Endothelial cells are specialized cells that line the inside of blood vessels, lymph vessels, and the heart. They act as a protective barrier between the blood and surrounding tissues and help regulate important functions like:

🩸 Blood flow & pressure – They control how blood moves through vessels.

🛡️ Barrier function – They prevent harmful substances from leaking into tissues.

🧪 Blood clotting – They help prevent unnecessary clotting while allowing clots to form when needed.

🌱 New blood vessel growth (angiogenesis) – They help create new blood vessels when needed.

🦠 Inflammation & immune response – They help the body fight infections and heal injuries.

Endothelial cells are essential for overall circulation and vascular health. Damage to these cells can lead to conditions like heart disease, high blood pressure, and poor wound healing.

Red Light Therapy for Lymphedema Citations

[1] Jang, D.-H., Song, D.-H., Chang, E.-J., & Jeon, J. Y. (2016). Anti-inflammatory and lymphangiogenetic effects of low-level laser therapy on lymphedema in an experimental mouse tail model. Lasers in Medical Science, 31, 289–296. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10103-015-1854-5

[2] Szymańska, J., Goralczyk, K., Klawe, J. J., Łukowicz, M., Michalska, M., Goralczyk, B., Zalewski, P., Newton, J. L., Gryko, L., Zając, A., & Rość, D. (2013). Phototherapy with low-level laser influences the proliferation of endothelial cells and vascular endothelial growth factor and transforming growth factor-beta secretion. Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology, 64(3), 387–391. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23959736

[3] Schwager, S., & Detmar, M. (2019). Inflammation and lymphatic function. Frontiers in Immunology, 10, 308. https://doi.org/10.3389/fimmu.2019.00308

[4] Nguyen, J. K., Weedon, J., Jakus, J., Heilman, E., Isseroff, R. R., Siegel, D. M., & Jagdeo, J. R. (2019). A dose-ranging, parallel group, split-face, single-blind phase II study of light emitting diode-red light (LED-RL) for skin scarring prevention: Study protocol for a randomized controlled trial. Trials, 20, 432. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13063-019-3497-8

[5] Kilmartin, L., Denham, T., Fu, M. R., Yu, G., Kuo, T.-T., Axelrod, D., & Guth, A. A. (2020). Complementary low-level laser therapy for breast cancer-related lymphedema: A pilot, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study. Lasers in Medical Science, 35, 95–105.

[6] Robijns, J., Censabella, S., Bulens, P., Maes, A., & Mebis, J. (2017). The use of low-level light therapy in supportive care for patients with breast cancer: Review of the literature. Lasers in Medical Science, 32, 229–242. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10103-016-2056-y

[7] https://www.cancer.org/content/dam/cancer-org/research/cancer-facts-and-statistics/breast-cancer-facts-and-figures/2024/breast-cancer-facts-and-figures-2024.pdf

[8] Bove, S., Fragomeni, S. M., Romito, A., Di Giorgio, D., Rinaldi, P., Pagliara, D., Verri, D., Romito, I., Paris, I., Tagliaferri, L., Marazzi, F., Visconti, G., Franceschini, G., Masetti, R., & Garganese, G. (2021). Techniques for sentinel node biopsy in breast cancer. Minerva Surgery, 76(6), 550–563. https://doi.org/10.23736/S2724-5691.21.09002-X

[9] Baxter, G. D., Liu, L., Petrich, S., & Anders, J. J. (2017). Low-level laser therapy (photobiomodulation therapy) for breast cancer-related lymphedema: A systematic review. BMC Cancer, 17, 833. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12885-017-3852-x