Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the Side Effects of Light Therapy?
Photizo has been optimized to deliver an optimal dose of near-infrared light to treat several conditions, if used once daily or once every two days. Applying Photizo light therapy more than once a day will not cause any discomfort or pain, but may result in slower wound healing. In addition, some patients with painful conditions report a slight increase in pain when using light therapy, but this usually passes in a few minutes and is followed by a pain relief effect.
- Will Light Therapy Cause Cancer?
No. To date, no carcinogenic effects have been noted for light in the near-infrared range.
- Can Photizo be Used During Pregnancy?
The effects of Photizo have not been tested on pregnant women or animals. While the fetus cannot be negatively influenced by light, as the penetration depth of Photizo is only 12 mm, we do not recommend using Photizo on areas proximal to the developing fetus.
- Can Light Therapy Affect the Thyroid Gland?
While there are no known side-effects related to LED-based light therapy, the thyroid gland is a sensitive gland and very close to the skin surface, so treatment directly over the thyroid should preferably be avoided. A slight increase in thyroid activity has been reported in one report using LED light therapy. We suggest you place a light impermeable object over the thyroid when treating in or around this area.
- Can Photizo be Used to Relieve Arthritis Pain?
Photizo has an analgesic effect in most patients suffering from various forms of degenerative joint diseases such as arthritis. Not only does Photizo relieve pain, but it also assists chondrocytes in replacing themselves, thereby assisting in the rebuilding of joints.
- Can Photizo be Used On or By Epilepsy Sufferers?
Some studies suggest that pulsed or strobed visible light at frequencies in the 5-10Hz ranges can cause epileptic attacks. Photizo does not pulse in the 5-10Hz range, but epileptics (like all other persons) should avoid looking directly at the light beam emitted from the device.
- Can Photizo be Used On Children or Small Animals?
No harmful effects have been demonstrated when treating growth plates in young animals. Young children and animals can be treated safely with Photizo, provided the protocols are strictly adhered to.
- Can Photizo be Used On or By Cancer Patients?
Light therapy does not cause or promote cancer. However, Photizo is useful in treating many of the side effects of cancer treatment, such as, mucositis, a painful side-effect of radiation therapy.
- Can Photizo be Used On or By Diabetic Patients?
Yes, Photizo was designed originally for use in healing venous ulcers in diabetics. Diabetic patients having slow healing or non-healing wounds, and individuals suffering from loss of sensation in the hands or feet tend to benefit tremendously. However, it is important to treat wounds, cuts or scratches immediately following injury, to ensure quick healing and to lessen the risk of infection.