Red light therapy
Mixed findingsWhy it might help
Low-level red or near-infrared light may influence local microcirculation and vascular signaling, but the mechanism and durable clinical effect in Raynaud's remain uncertain.
What the research shows
A double-blind crossover trial in 15 adults with primary Raynaud's found lower attack intensity during low-level laser than placebo but no significant change in attack frequency. A separate double-blind trial in 47 adults with primary or secondary Raynaud's found both laser and placebo groups improved, with statistically greater reductions in frequency and severity in the laser group at follow-up. Small samples, placebo response, and short follow-up make the direction promising but not conclusive.
Sources & what they found (2)
Double-blind, randomised, placebo controlled low level laser therapy study in patients with primary Raynaud's phenomenon — Vasa (via PubMed), 2002
Fifteen-person crossover trial: attack intensity improved, attack frequency did not, and the effect appeared short-lived.
Low level laser therapy for treatment of primary and secondary Raynaud's phenomenon — Vasa (via PubMed), 2004
Double-blind trial in 47 adults; both active and placebo groups improved, with greater frequency and severity changes after active laser.
