How Red Light & Oxygen Therapies Support Cellular Energy
Persistent fatigue often starts at the cellular level. Learn how two therapies — Red Light Therapy and Hyperbaric Oxygen — may work together to support your body's natural energy production.
Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. The therapies discussed are not designed to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Please consult with a qualified healthcare professional before starting any new therapy.
Why You Feel Tired
Persistent fatigue may have roots deep within your cells. The primary energy currency for your body is a molecule called adenosine triphosphate (ATP), produced by cellular components known as mitochondria.
When mitochondrial function is suboptimal, ATP production can decrease — potentially contributing to feelings of fatigue. Factors that may influence this process include inflammation and the availability of sufficient oxygen.
Two innovative modalities, Red Light Therapy (Photobiomodulation) and Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT), are being studied for their potential to address these factors at the cellular level.
Red Light Therapy
Photobiomodulation (PBM) uses specific wavelengths of red and near-infrared light that penetrate the skin and interact with mitochondria to support their natural functions.
The Proposed Mechanism
One of the primary proposed mechanisms involves an enzyme within the mitochondria called Cytochrome C Oxidase (CCO). This enzyme is a crucial part of the process that produces ATP.
Under conditions of cellular stress, a molecule called nitric oxide (NO) can bind to CCO, which may inhibit the pathway and reduce ATP production.
How Red Light May Help
It is suggested that red light photons may be absorbed by CCO, potentially helping it break its bond with nitric oxide. This action, known as photodissociation, may help clear this pathway — allowing oxygen to bind more effectively and supporting the energy production process.
Because stressed or damaged cells may have more of this nitric oxide binding, Red Light Therapy could have a more noticeable effect on individuals experiencing fatigue.
Some studies on muscle tissue, which is rich in mitochondria, have suggested that Red Light Therapy may help reduce fatigue, decrease markers of muscle damage, and support overall energy metabolism.
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
HBOT involves breathing 100% pure oxygen in a pressurized environment. This change may have a profound effect on the body.
How It Works
Under normal conditions, oxygen is transported by red blood cells. With HBOT, the increased pressure allows oxygen to dissolve directly into the blood plasma and other body fluids.
This process can increase the amount of oxygen delivered to tissues by up to 20-fold.
The Proposed Mechanism
This increased availability of oxygen may help fuel the mitochondria. Oxygen is an essential ingredient required by Cytochrome C Oxidase to produce ATP.
By providing an abundance of oxygen, HBOT may help ensure that the mitochondrial machinery has more of the fuel it needs to run efficiently — potentially supporting ATP synthesis.
A clinical trial focused on patients with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) explored the efficacy of HBOT. After 15 sessions, patients reported statistically significant improvements in fatigue scores and overall quality of life, with no reported complications.
Potential Synergy
The interest in combining these therapies lies in a potential synergistic effect — where the combined action may be greater than the sum of its parts.
The Challenge
In a fatigued state, cellular energy production may be inhibited by factors like nitric oxide binding and insufficient oxygen availability.
A Potential Solution
Is theorized to help clear nitric oxide from the mitochondrial pathway
Then increases the supply of oxygen available to the cells
Red Light Therapy
May clear the pathway: Could help displace nitric oxide from mitochondria
May prepare the cell for more efficient energy production
Hyperbaric Oxygen
May provide the fuel: Delivers a surplus of oxygen to the cells
May support higher ATP output from the prepared pathway
This combination may first address a potential inhibitor (NO) and then provide an abundance of an essential substrate (O₂), which could lead to improved mitochondrial efficiency and ATP production beyond what either therapy might achieve alone.
References
Hamblin, M. R. (2018). Mechanisms and Mitochondrial Redox Signaling in Photobiomodulation. Photochemistry and Photobiology, 94(2), 199–212.
Ferraresi, C., Hamblin, M. R., & Parizotto, N. A. (2012). Low-level laser (light) therapy (LLLT) on muscle tissue: performance, fatigue and repair benefited by the power of light. Photonics & Lasers in Medicine, 1(4), 267–286.
Schottlender, N., Gottfried, I., & Ashery, U. (2021). Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatment: Effects on Mitochondrial Function and Oxidative Stress. Biomolecules, 11(12), 1827.
Akarsu, S., Tekin, L., Ay, H., Carli, A. B., Tok, F., Simşek, K., & Kiralp, M. Z. (2013). The efficacy of hyperbaric oxygen therapy in the management of chronic fatigue syndrome. Undersea & Hyperbaric Medicine, 40(2), 197–200.
Oxycell. (n.d.). Synergy of Near Infrared & Red Light Therapy With HBOT.
Ready to Experience It?
At Range Medical, we offer both Red Light Therapy and Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy — and they work even better together. See our Cellular Energy Reset package.
View Cellular Energy ResetQuestions? Call or text (949) 997-3988