If you have ever experienced chronic pain in your life, you’re not alone.  In fact, 1 in 5 South Africans suffer from chronic pain to some degree, with women more likely to be affected than men. Chronic pain can come in various forms and severely impact someone’s overall quality of life. Daily tasks, physical and social activities can become challenging, which can lead to depression, anxiety, insecurity, embarrassment and shame, creating a cycle that’s difficult to break.

Oftentimes, chronic pain sufferers deal with thoughts like, “What did I do to deserve this?” or “Am I being a burden to my loved ones?” Many people, and society as a whole, consider illness as more than just the body malfunctioning; they can also see it as a reflection of someone’s character or lifestyle. 

The good news is that you are not alone and that there is new and exciting technology available in South Africa that can help to alleviate physical and emotional symptoms associated with chronic pain. It's called Red Light Therapy.

No shame in chronic pain

Before addressing the mental and emotional side effects of chronic pain, let’s look at what defines this condition. The simple answer - it’s pain or discomfort that has been experienced on and off, or consistently, for three months or longer. Body sites most affected by chronic pain typically include the limbs and back, although any part of the body can be impacted.

While not considered a miracle cure, Red Light Therapy has proven effective in providing relief from pain, as well as a host of other benefits. This includes treating skin disorders like eczema and psoriasis, boosting the immune system, reducing visible signs of ageing, and even assisting with weight loss.

According to Jacki McEwen, Co-Founder of Red Lab, the first exclusive Red Light Therapy studio in South Africa, this treatment is an effective alternative to chronic pain relief. “Because pain is complex, finding the right treatment can be challenging. The constant back and forth to doctor’s offices or treatment centres can take a toll on the body and mind. We’ve found that our Red Light Therapy devices offer great results for pain relief from a variety of conditions, including joint pain, muscle tension and injury, osteoporosis, spinal disorders and bone breaks. All this and more from the comfort of your home.”

“Our incredible Red Lab Flex Pad is a medical-grade device that safely relieves pain associated with many physical ailments or injuries. Unlike a heating pad, Near-Infrared and Red Light Therapy works below the skin’s surface, reaching deep into tissues, stimulating and healing cells and increasing circulation to target pain at the source,” adds McEwen.

A life free of pain

She continues, “This portable, rechargeable neoprene pad is embedded with 100 Near-Infrared and 50 Red Light LEDs. The handy Velcro straps allow you to strap the fully charged device to any part of the body requiring treatment, at 20 minutes per treatment area. That means it can safely treat up to three areas in one 24-hour period. And, with this mobile pain management tool doing all the work, you can focus on mentally preparing for a life free of pain.”

“Talking about various medical conditions can be awkward or plain embarrassing, but it really shouldn’t be. Perhaps a mobile solution like our Red Lab devices will not only provide effective treatment but perhaps even break the stigma associated with chronic pain,” she concludes.

Visit the Red Lab website to purchase the Red Light Therapy at-home devices and start your journey to pain relief.