The mechanism of action underlying pain relief associated with Anodyne® Therapy/MIRE™ may be due, in part, to a combination of topical heat and an increased local release of nitric oxide that has been reported using this wavelength (890nm) of near infrared light energy. The source of released nitric oxide may be endothelial cells or red blood cells, or both.
Nitric oxide has been studied for many years; however, interest has peaked in the last 10-15 years as a result of the discovery of the role of nitric oxide as a signaling mechanism in the human body. The researchers of this discovery were awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology in 1998.
Clinical Research has linked nitric oxide with:
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Increases in local circulation - vasodilation
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Reduction of pain
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Reduction in inflammation
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Angiogenesis
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Collagen synthesis
Light mediated vasodilation was first described by R. F. Furchgott, in his nitric oxide research that led to his receipt of a Nobel Prize in 1998. Later studies conducted by other researchers confirm and extend Furchgott’s early work and demonstrate the ability of infrared light or photo energy to influence the localized production or release of NO and stimulate vasodilation through NO’s effect on cGMP.
Wavelength
Over the years, some wavelengths of infrared light have been proven to be more effective than other wavelengths in terms of increasing circulation. The wavelength of 890 nm that is used with Anodyne® Therapy Infrared Products has been validated through our published clinical data, and also through independent testing.
The video below is that of a human hand with an Anodyne® Infrared Therapy Pad placed on the palmar aspect. You can see the light passing through the cracks of the fingers, as well as through the skin. However, you can see that the blood vessels are very dark, which means that the light is not passing through and thus is being absorbed within the blood vessels.
Click here
to learn more about infrared light and laser therapy, including how Anodyne® Therapy/MIRE™ compares to
other infrared/ laser Devices
