The MSing Link – Episode 243

Title: MS Red Light Therapy for Nerve Repair & Inflammation – Chiropractor + PhD Explains
Date: July 30, 2025
Host: Dr. Gretchen Hawley, PT, DPT, MSCS
Guest: Dr. Genevieve Newton, DC, PhD – Scientific Director at Fringe

Overview

In this episode, Dr. Gretchen Hawley welcomes Dr. Genevieve Newton, a chiropractor and nutritional scientist now leading research at Fringe, a wellness company specializing in red light therapy products. The episode dives into the science behind red and near-infrared light therapy, focusing on its applications for Multiple Sclerosis (MS), particularly for nerve repair, inflammation reduction, and symptom management. Dr. Newton offers practical advice, distills the latest research, and shares detailed guidance for anyone considering red light therapy as a complementary tool for MS.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. What IS Red Light Therapy?

• Definition: Red light therapy is the application of visible red and/or near-infrared (NIR) light to the body to influence biological processes.
• Light Spectrum Basics:
  • Visible light spectrum includes all rainbow colors; red and NIR are most common in sunlight.
  • Red: ~620-750 nm wavelength; NIR: up to 1100 nm.
  • NIR penetrates deeper into tissues than red, which is mostly superficial.
  • Light is energy traveling in waves (photons), different colors/wavelengths have specific biological effects.
• Biological Influence:
  • Red and NIR light are “heals factors”—natural elements our bodies evolved to expect, like sunlight, nature, breath, water, etc.
  • (07:20) Dr. Newton: “Red light therapy is the use of red and/or near infrared light to influence biology.”

2. Biological Mechanisms, Especially in MS

• Cellular Level:
  • Mitochondria (“cellular batteries”) are densely packed in cells and create energy (ATP).
  • Mitochondrial dysfunction is central in neurodegenerative diseases, including MS.
  • Red/NIR light acts on mitochondrial photoreceptors, improving their function, increasing cellular energy, and supporting repair.
  • (14:20) Dr. Newton: “Inside of it...the electron transport chain...there are photoreceptors that respond to both the red and the near infrared light...they make more cellular energy. And any cell that has more cellular energy is going to function more optimally.”
• Nervous & Immune Systems:
  • Decreases inflammation (neuroinflammation and immune).
  • Reduces oxidative stress—another MS hallmark.
  • May promote nerve regeneration.
  • Red/NIR light influences immune cells (T cell autoreactivity, immune tolerance toward less autoimmunity).
  • (16:20) Dr. Newton: “...red light therapy has been shown in numerous studies to help with all of those different things [oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, inflammation].”

3. Types of Red Light Devices & Practical Considerations

• Device Types:
  • LED-based (more common for home use) or laser-based (more intense, sometimes used for brain-focused therapies).
  • Combination of red and NIR light is essential for optimal results—NIR for deeper tissues, red for superficial use.
• Device Selection Criteria:
  • Ensure both red and NIR wavelengths.
  • Know if the device is LED or laser; LED is preferred for flexible, at-home use.
  • Intensity measured in mW/cm²; optimal range between 20-40 mW/cm² (like sunlight).
  • Affordability and expected lifespan—avoid very cheap products as they often are underpowered or poorly built.
  • (26:17) Dr. Newton: “If you go to Amazon...huge differences in price, huge differences in products and it's utterly confusing.”
  • (27:15) “You want both the red and the near infrared...always get one that has both.”

4. Application for MS – Where and How to Apply Light

• Target Areas:
  1. Brain
  2. Spinal cord (central nervous system)
  3. Peripheral nerves/problem areas (e.g., foot drop, jaw pain)
  4. Immune system glands, such as thymus (under the sternum).
• Device Format:
  • Wraps are preferred for flexibility and portability over panels (panels require standing still).
  • For the spine: lay down a flexible wrap along the back.
  • For the brain or head: specialized head wrap or small device positioned over the scalp.
  • For immune system support: place wrap over thymus/chest area.
  • (21:10) Dr. Newton: “...if you're only going to invest in one product, get a wrap...to be placed along the spine.”
  • Video demonstration occurs at (35:40) for product use — see YouTube version.

5. Protocols & Dosage (Frequency, Duration, and Heat Sensitivity)

• Suggested Basic Protocol (Dr. Newton’s Recommendation):
  • 2-3 sessions per week, alternating days:
    • Day 1: Target immune system (e.g., thymus/chest); include “problem area” if present.
    • Day 2: Target nervous system—brain and/or along the spine.
  • Session Duration: 10-20 minutes per area (can start as low as 3-6 minutes for heat-sensitive individuals).
  • Intensity: Use lower setting (reduce by 50%) for those with heat sensitivity (common in MS). Wraps generate only mild warmth.
  • Studies have shown benefit with as little as 6 minutes every other day (most research: 21–24 sessions, at 2–3 times per week).
  • (38:12) Dr. Newton: “I do think that even at three to five minutes, three to six minutes of treatment...even that little bit is going to be beneficial.”
• Note for Heat Intolerance:
  • No significant heat generated by red light; NIR adds mild warmth.
  • Devices allow intensity control, can shorten session or decrease output for MS users with sensitivity.

6. Research Highlights

• Animal Studies:
  • Example: Rats exposed to red/NIR light for 6 minutes (spinal/back application), showed:
    • 50% improved sensorimotor coordination.
    • Double the time maintaining balance on a rotor rod.
    • Less inflammation and nerve degeneration on histology.
    • (22:15) Dr. Newton: “The results were really, really dramatic...that was only six minutes over 16 days.”
• Human Studies:
  • Smaller studies (single or 21–24 sessions) found improvements in:
    • Muscle force
    • Inflammation
    • Patient-reported disability
  • Sessions need not be daily for benefit.
  • (25:18) Dr. Newton: “Two times a week, three times a week, you can certainly do it more...they don't necessarily have to make a massive time investment...to see benefits.”

7. Adjunct Therapy & Synergy with Exercise

• Red light therapy is meant to complement, not replace, other MS treatments (medications, exercise).
• Evidence that using red light before exercise improves performance, after exercise aids recovery.
• (41:09) Dr. Newton: “This is a great adjunct therapy...a tool...into your sort of lifestyle toolbox that you can use along with exercise.”

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Research-Backed Products:
  • (31:10) Dr. Hawley: “You're actually looking at what the research says and making a product based on that, which, that alone just like, here's my money, like, you've done the research, so I don't need to.”
• On Mitochondria and Cell Energy:
  • (14:56) Dr. Newton: “Instead of just having a few mitochondria here and there, the cell is literally so packed with mitochondria that you almost don't see anything else. And that was like a light bulb moment where I went, okay, so that's why these things are so important.”
• On the Accessibility of Red Light Therapy:
  • (25:45) Dr. Hawley: "Yeah, absolutely. It feels doable, feasible, very doable."
• On Starting Small and Adapting for Heat Sensitivity:
  • (38:12) Dr. Newton: “Even at three to five minutes...that little bit is going to be beneficial...start low and then work your way up slowly, even that little bit is going to be beneficial.”
• On Light as a Heal Factor:
  • (06:12) Dr. Newton: “Light is a heals factor, nature is a heals factor. Breath and sound and energy and water and community movement. These are the things we know are essential for our health and wellbeing...”

Suggested Timestamps for Key Segments

• Intro to Guest & Red Light Therapy Context: 00:00 – 04:37
• What is Red Light Therapy? / Light Science Basics: 06:59 – 10:03
• Red/NIR Therapy for MS: Cellular & Immune Impacts: 13:39 – 18:34
• Device Types, Features, & Buying Tips: 25:45 – 30:40
• Protocols: Recommended At-Home Use For MS: 31:55 – 36:56
• Research Highlights (Animal & Human): 22:15 – 25:45
• Heat Sensitivity & Usage Adjustments: 36:18 – 38:12
• Adjunct Use with Exercise & Final Tips: 41:09 – 42:13

Further Resources & Where to Find Fringe

• Website: fringeheels.com
  • Includes educational blogs and research summaries.
  • Customer support and a link to the medical team for science-based questions (not personal medical advice).
• Instagram: @fringeheels
• Product Info & Educational Material: “Check out the Blogs & Research section on our site” (39:48).

Final Takeaways & Tone

The conversation is friendly, approachable, and research-focused, demystifying red light therapy for a skeptical or science-minded audience. Dr. Newton emphasizes education, evidence-based application, and practicality for people with MS, offering a realistic and hopeful outlook on using red/NIR light as a safe adjunct to conventional therapy. Dr. Hawley consistently connects the information back to tangible patient experience and real-world feasibility.

Closing Quote:
(41:58) Dr. Newton: “We know that using red light therapy before a physical activity helps improve performance and using it after helps with recovery...you can incorporate red light therapy into that as well.”