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THE VAGINA DIALOGUE

Unfiltered, educational, shameless talk about vaginas and it’s bffs with Dr. Ashley

Writer's pictureDr. Ashley Hocutt

The Ultimate Guide to Using Light Therapy for Postpartum Healing: Why this Pelvic Wand is a Game-Changer


Postpartum recovery is no small feat. Your body has gone through one of the most significant events of its life—pregnancy and childbirth—and now it’s working overtime to heal. Many moms are surprised to learn that during the postpartum period, estrogen levels naturally drop, especially if they’re breastfeeding.


Estrogen is vital for maintaining vaginal health. It promotes blood flow, keeps tissues elastic, and supports hydration. When estrogen levels are low, vaginal tissues can become dry, less elastic, and slower to heal, which can make postpartum recovery more uncomfortable.


Enter the FringeHeals light therapy pelvic wand: a revolutionary at-home device that mimics some of estrogen’s healing effects by boosting blood flow, supporting tissue repair, and delivering added benefits that estrogen alone can’t. Combining the power of red light, near-infrared light, and blue light therapy, this tool offers professional-grade results for postpartum moms—all from the comfort of your own home.


In this guide, I’ll dive deep into the science behind light therapy, explore how it can help postpartum moms heal, and explain why an at-home tool like this is a smarter investment than professional treatments.



How Light Therapy Works: The Science of Photobiomodulation (PBM)


Light therapy isn’t just hype—it’s backed by decades of research and clinical studies. The science behind it, called photobiomodulation (PBM), uses specific wavelengths of light to penetrate the skin and tissues, stimulating your body’s natural healing processes.


At the cellular level, light therapy works by targeting your mitochondria, the “powerhouse” of your cells. When your cells absorb light energy, it kickstarts a cascade of biochemical events that:


1. Boost cellular energy (ATP production): ATP is the energy currency of your cells. With more energy, your cells can repair and regenerate more effectively.


2. Enhance blood flow and oxygenation: Light therapy increases nitric oxide production, which dilates blood vessels and improves circulation.


3. Reduce inflammation: By decreasing oxidative stress and inflammatory markers, light therapy helps soothe irritated tissues.


Why the ‘Goldilocks’ Amount of Light Matters


More isn’t always better—especially with light therapy. Research shows that for safe and effective outcomes, you need just the right amount of light, delivered at optimal wavelengths and intensities. This “Goldilocks” approach ensures maximum benefits without the risk of harm.


Most of the bioactive effects of red and near-infrared light fall within specific wavelength ranges of 630-680 nm and 800-880 nm, which are ideal for stimulating cellular processes without overwhelming the tissues.


Additionally, light therapy works best at moderate intensities—between 20 and 40mW/cm². This intensity mimics the natural effects of sunlight in a safe and controlled way, ensuring healing without adverse effects. Devices like the Fringe pelvic wand are carefully calibrated to deliver light within this range, so you can trust it’s both safe and effective.



Red Light Therapy: The Postpartum Healing Hero


Red light therapy (RLT) uses wavelengths between 620-750 nanometers, which penetrate the skin and tissues to a moderate depth. Its benefits are well-documented in scientific literature, particularly for wound healing and tissue repair.


Key Benefits for Postpartum Moms:


1. Collagen Stimulation:

Collagen is essential for tissue repair and elasticity, making it crucial for healing perineal tears, episiotomies, and cesarean scars. Research shows that red light therapy boosts collagen production, promoting stronger, more resilient tissues.


2. Improved Blood Flow:

Enhanced circulation brings oxygen and nutrients to the tissues, accelerating healing and reducing pain. Studies have shown that red light therapy improves capillary formation, helping new blood vessels grow in damaged areas.


3. Reduced Inflammation & pain:

Inflammation is a natural part of the healing process, but too much can slow recovery. Studies have found that light therapy may affect levels of many molecules involved in inflammation, including reactive oxygen species, reactive nitrogen species, and prostaglandins. 


Near-Infrared Light Therapy: Deep Healing for Pelvic Floor Recovery


While red light focuses on surface-level tissues, near-infrared light therapy (NIR) goes deeper. Using wavelengths between 750-1200 nanometers, NIR light can penetrate muscles, ligaments, and connective tissues.


Why It’s a Must for Postpartum Recovery:


1. Internal Tissue Repair:

Childbirth can strain or tear the deeper layers of your pelvic floor. NIR light reaches these areas, promoting cellular regeneration and tissue healing.


2. Pelvic Pain Relief:

Many postpartum moms experience pain or pressure in the pelvic region. NIR light reduces inflammation deep within the tissues, offering relief.


3. Improved Elasticity and Function:

By stimulating fibroblasts (cells responsible for creating connective tissue), NIR light helps restore the flexibility and strength of your pelvic floor.


4. Muscle Recovery:

NIR light can help with tissue regeneration and thus support pelvic floor muscle recovery and function.


Blue Light Therapy: Vaginal Biome Support


While red and NIR light focus on tissue repair, blue light therapy (400-495 nanometers) has unique antimicrobial properties. This makes it especially valuable for postpartum moms, who are more prone to bacterial imbalances and infections due to hormonal changes and healing tissues.


Blue Light Benefits:


1. Prevention and Treatment of Infections:

Blue light therapy targets harmful bacteria and yeast, helping to prevent and treat common postpartum infections like bacterial vaginosis (BV), yeast infections, and urinary tract infections (UTIs).


2. Vaginal Biome Balance:

By controlling pathogenic bacteria without harming healthy flora, blue light therapy supports a balanced vaginal biome, reducing the risk of recurring issues.


3. Natural Healing Boost:

Blue light has been shown to enhance the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which can stimulate tissue repair and immune response.


The Evolution of Light Therapy: From Lasers to LEDs


Early research on light therapy primarily used lasers, which delivered precise wavelengths but were often expensive and covered small treatment areas. Recent advances have shown that LEDs are equally effective, with additional advantages:


Larger treatment area: LEDs can cover more tissue at once, making treatments faster.

Improved safety profile: LEDs don’t carry the same risks of tissue overheating as lasers.

Lower cost: LED technology has made light therapy affordable for at-home use.


The Fringe Pelvic Wand uses advanced LED technology, providing professional-grade results with the convenience and cost savings of home treatment.


Why At-Home Light Therapy is Better than Professional Treatments


While professional light therapy sessions are effective, they come with significant drawbacks:


💵 Cost: Clinic sessions can cost $100-$300 each, and most conditions require multiple sessions for optimal results.


Time Commitment: Between scheduling, traveling, and the appointments themselves, professional treatments can be overwhelming for a busy mom.


🏡 Convenience: With the @FringeHeals pelvic wand, you can treat yourself anytime, anywhere.


Invest in Your Healing Journey


Postpartum recovery is a marathon, not a sprint. The FringeHeals light therapy pelvic wand empowers you to take charge of your healing, saving you time and money while delivering proven, science-backed results.


💡 Ready to heal? Comment ‘25’ below to grab my special coupon code for 25% off any light therapy product at FringeHeals until Sunday, Nov 17! Let’s make healing easier, faster, and more effective—because you deserve it.





P.S. Want to learn more from a FringeHeals expert? I did an IG live with Liz Frey from FringeHeals. Click here to watch the video.



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