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Light & Vibration Therapy – An Aid for Incontinence?
Urinary incontinence is one of the most common pelvic health issues affecting women in the US, with a recent survey finding that more than 60% report having the condition, and more than 30% report having symptoms at least every month. Despite the widespread prevalence, it remains a topic that most are reluctant to talk about. Whether it’s the occasional leak while laughing or a more persistent urgency that disrupts daily life, incontinence can erode confidence, limit activity, and affect intimate relationships. Despite how common it is, many women are left to navigate urinary incontinence alone, unsure where to go for support or what options are At Fringe, we believe that women deserve real, research-backed tools to care for their pelvic health from the comfort and privacy of their homes. The Fringe Pelvic Wand was designed with this in mind, and is a therapeutic device that combines red, near infrared, and blue light therapy with customizable vibration therapy to support pelvic tissue, muscle tone, circulation, and microbial balance. In this article, we’ll explore the science behind light and vibration therapy for urinary incontinence and describe how the Fringe Pelvic Wand can be a practical, empowering part of your daily pelvic health routine. Understanding Urinary Incontinence Urinary incontinence isn’t a single condition but rather a symptom with many potential causes. The two most common types include: Stress Urinary Incontinence: Leakage caused by pressure on the bladder during movement, coughing, or laughing. This is often due to weakened pelvic floor muscles or connective tissue. Urge Urinary Incontinence: A sudden, intense urge to urinate, sometimes followed by involuntary leakage. This is typically related to nerve dysfunction or overactive bladder signals. Factors like pregnancy, childbirth, menopause, hysterectomy, obesity, and aging all increase the risk of developing urinary incontinence. Conventional treatments range from pelvic floor exercises to medications, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery. But many women are seeking non-invasive, natural tools to improve symptoms, especially those that can be used at home. That’s where light and vibration therapy come in. How Light Therapy Supports Pelvic Health Light therapy, also known as photobiomodulation, involves applying specific wavelengths of light to tissue to stimulate healing, reduce inflammation, increase circulation, and modulate biological processes. The Fringe Pelvic Wand includes three therapeutic wavelengths: Red light (630 nm): Promotes collagen and elastin synthesis, reduces inflammation, supports tissue healing, through mechanisms including mitochondrial energy production and improving circulation Near-infrared light (830 nm): Has affects similar to red light but penetrates more deeply. Blue light (415 nm): Offers antimicrobial effects, especially for yeast and bacterial infections So how does this relate to urinary incontinence? Improving Tissue Strength & Elasticity Red and near-infrared light have been shown to increase the synthesis of collagen and elastin. These proteins are integral to maintaining the strength of the vaginal wall and pelvic floor connective tissues, areas that are often weakened in women, especially those with stress urinary incontinence. Increasing Blood Flow These wavelengths also increase nitric oxide production, causing vasodilation and enhanced blood flow. Better circulation results in improved oxygen and nutrient delivery to tissues, supporting healing and muscle function, which are both critical for proper bladder functioning. Blood flow may also increase through the synthesis of new blood vessels, a process called angiogenesis. Modulating Nerves & Pain Pathways In some types of incontinence, nerve signaling may be disrupted and pain pathways activated. Red and near-infrared light may modulate nerve activity and reduce local inflammation, which may help to reduce overactive pain or urgency signals from the bladder and pelvic floor. Supporting the Microbiome An often-overlooked component of pelvic health is the vaginal microbiome. Dysbiosis, or microbial imbalance, can increase susceptibility to infections, inflammation, and irritation. Blue light has been shown to reduce pathogens like Candida, while red light may support beneficial bacteria like Lactobacillus which is important for microbiome health. Disruptions in the microbiome are a risk factor for urinary tract infections, which are a risk factor for incontinence. The Role of Vibration Therapy Vibration therapy offers a second therapeutic modality, especially valuable for activating and strengthening pelvic floor muscles, increasing circulation, and even reducing pain. The Fringe Pelvic Wand provides four levels of mechanical vibration, from gentle (10 Hz) to strength-building (120 Hz). Research shows: Low-frequency vibration (10 or 50 Hz): Helps relax tight pelvic floor muscles, improve proprioception, and increase blood flow High-frequency vibration (90 or 120 Hz): Stimulates reflexive contractions via the pudendal nerve, strengthening pelvic floor muscles in women who struggle with voluntary control How may vibration therapy help with urinary incontinence? Improving Tissue Strength & Integrity Vibration therapy, especially low intensity vibration, may have many effects on cells associated with the structural integrity of the female pelvis, including collagen and muscle. Stronger pelvic floor muscles are associated with reduced urinary incontinence. Increasing Blood Flow Vibration therapy may also increase blood flow, which may help to deliver oxygen and nutrients to the tissues of the pelvis and improve functioning of the bladder and pelvic floor muscles. Modulating Pain Signals Pain signals from the pelvis/bladder may be modulated by vibration therapy, including neuropathic pain, low back pain, and muscle pain. Urinary incontinence is associated with pain in conditions including interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome, vulvodynia, pelvic floor myofascial pain syndrome, and neurogenic bladder disorders like Multiple Sclerosis. Regulating Muscle Tone Balanced pelvic floor muscles with proper tone are essential for proper urinary continence. Vibration therapy may help both to decrease spasticity in muscles that are overactive, as well as improve voluntary muscle contraction, such as those of the pelvic floor, which are poorly controlled in between 30 and 50% of women. The Fringe Pelvic Wand: Dual Therapy for Urinary Incontinence The Fringe Pelvic Wand brings together red, near infrared, and blue light therapy with a range of customizable vibration modes from low to high in one comfortable, easy-to-use device. It was designed to meet a broad spectrum of pelvic health needs: + Light Therapy Specs Wavelengths: 630 nm (red), 830 nm (near infrared), 415 nm (blue) Intensity: 20–40 mW/cm² (adjustable to 50%) Built-in Timer: 10-minute automatic shut-off Modes: Mode 1: Red + Near Infrared Light (deep tissue healing) Mode 2: Blue light only (antimicrobial support) Mode 3: Red only (gentle tissue support for heat/light-sensitive users) + Vibration Therapy Specs Low amplitude, rapid acceleration Built-in Timer: 10-minute automatic shut-off Modes: Mode 1: 10Hz Mode 2: 50Hz Mode 3: 90Hz Mode 4: 120Hz This level of control allows you to personalize therapy sessions to your unique needs, including calming inflammation, strengthening muscles, balancing microbes, or all of the above. How to Use the Fringe Wand for Urinary Incontinence Here's a suggested routine to start with Pelvic Light & Vibration Therapy Safety Light and vibration therapies are well-established as safe, but here are a few precautions: Avoid use if you have known light sensitivity, or are on medications that increase sensitivity to light Don’t use on open wounds Only use water-based lubricants (oil-based can damage the silicone wand material) Check with your provider before use if you're pregnant A New Era of At-Home Pelvic Health Urinary incontinence is a highly prevalent condition that impacts millions of women, yet effective, accessible, and non-invasive treatment options remain limited. The growing body of scientific research surrounding light therapy and vibration therapy offers compelling evidence that these modalities may play a valuable role in supporting pelvic tissue health, improving muscle tone, modulating nerve activity, and restoring microbial balance, all of which are relevant to the underlying causes of incontinence. The Fringe Pelvic Wand was designed with these mechanisms in mind. It provides a multi-modal therapeutic approach that is grounded in emerging science, integrating red, near infrared, and blue light with adjustable vibration frequencies to support the complex structures and functions of the female pelvic floor. Whether used on its own or as a complement to pelvic floor physical therapy, the Fringe Pelvic Wand offers a novel, at-home tool for women seeking to improve urinary continence, restore comfort, and support long-term pelvic health. As with any health intervention, individual responses may vary, and we encourage women to consult with their healthcare providers when integrating new therapies into their wellness routines.
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Light Therapy & Menopause
Menopause Menopause is the natural transition that occurs when a woman stops menstruating, which usually happens between the ages of 40 and 58. The term “transition” refers to a change from one state to another, which is a very apt descriptor for what happens during menopause. Hormonally speaking, menopause marks a shift to an entirely new hormonal milieu, which not surprisingly, can be quite challenging. Hormonal Changes During Menopause The hormonal changes that accompany menopause are dramatic. From perimenopause (the stage leading up to menopause) to post-menopause (the stage following menopause), levels of estrogen and progesterone drop to a fraction of their previous levels. This sharp decline is not linear, instead showing fluctuations that can create a whirlwind of physical and psychological symptoms. Levels of testosterone also decrease during this transition. The effects of menopause The effects of menopause on the brain and body are similarly dramatic. Although these vary widely between individuals, there are many common symptoms, including hot flashes, loss of libido, vaginal dryness, sleep issues, weight gain, dry skin, hair thinning, digestive changes, sexual dysfunction, urinary symptoms (including incontinence) and mood disturbances. Some menopausal symptoms are local, occurring mainly in the pelvic region, while others (such as hot flashes) are felt throughout the body. Similarly, some symptoms are transient while others cause persistent and long-term physical changes. The experience of menopausal symptoms is extremely common. Overall, it is estimated that 75-80% of women suffer from symptoms related to menopause, of which 20-30% are considered severe. Approximately 75% of women worldwide experience hot flashes, while 40-60% suffer from sleep issues. As many as 83% of women report experiencing vaginal dryness, often with associated pain during intercourse. Research has found that 9 in 10 women weren’t educated about menopause, and since talking about these symptoms has long been viewed as “taboo”, women often suffer menopause symptoms in silence, leaving them unable to access tools that might help to alleviate them. Improving access to supportive tools during menopause is a critical public health issue. This includes natural and alternative therapies, as well as novel tools such as light therapy. Light - including red, near infrared, and blue light – may help to alleviate several of the challenging symptoms of menopause, including sleep and mood issues, vaginal dryness and atrophy, hair loss, overactive bladder, sexual dysfunction, cognitive and digestive changes, and skin problems. Read on to learn how light therapy can be used to support women’s health during this important transitional period. Light therapy Before we can explore how light therapy can be used to support women’s health during menopause, we first need to answer the question: what is light therapy? The answer is really quite simple. Light therapy (also known as photobiomodulation) is the application of light with specific wavelengths to the body for the purposes of influencing biology. In theory, light therapy can use any wavelength of light, but the most commonly used are red, near infrared, and blue. The use of red and near infrared light is commonly referred to as “red light therapy”. All three wavelengths of light may be useful in supporting women during menopause, although red and near infrared light have the greatest utility. Research has shown that light therapy has many effects on a cellular level. Briefly, with red and/or near infrared light, the most notable observed effects include an increased production of cellular energy, reduced inflammation, decreased oxidative stress, decreased pain, increased blood flow, enhanced collagen and supportive tissue production, and improved microbiome health (gut and vagina). Blue light is mainly used to destroy pathogenic microorganisms like yeast and bacteria. Light Therapy & Menopause Given that there is such a wide range of menopausal symptoms (note that for simplicity, symptoms related to peri-, meno- and post-menopause are being considered here as “menopausal” symptoms), it is likely that the various physiological effects of light therapy will be more or less relevant for certain ones. For example, some of the changes seen during menopause – such as vaginal atrophy, dryness, and urinary incontinence - are due in part to a decrease in blood flow and loss of connective tissue in the pelvis. While specific research into using light therapy to treat these symptoms is still sparce, researchers have proposed that based on existing scientific evidence, red light therapy may alleviate these symptoms by stimulating the production of collagen and elastin, supporting bladder function, and enhancing blood flow. Many symptoms of menopause are also experienced in other states, and we can look to those conditions for clues regarding how to use light therapy to alleviate the same symptoms during menopause. This includes anxiety and depression, hair loss, sleep disturbances, acne, digestive issues, and infections. While research specific to these symptoms in menopausal women is lacking, there is clear evidence that light therapy (with red, near infrared, and/or blue light) can be helpful in other conditions, and we can extrapolate from there to the menopausal state. Based on the known physiological effects of light therapy, and the evidence of benefits in a range of clinical conditions, we propose that the use of red, near infrared, and/or blue light may help to alleviate several of the most common symptoms experienced by women during this life transition, including: Mood: Mood changes are a common experience during menopause, with many women reporting increases in anxiety and depression. Light therapy (with red and near infrared light) has been shown to reduce depressive symptoms in both humans and animals, likely due to improvements in mitochondrial function, increased brain blood flow, and decreased neuroinflammation. A 2009 clinical trial found a reduction in symptoms of depression and anxiety in as little as a single session. The effects of light therapy on mental health are so compelling that a recent systematic review concluded that it is “strongly recommended” as a treatment for moderate depressive disorder and is “recommended” for the treatment of anxiety disorder. Studies of red light therapy and depression often apply light therapy directly to the skull, while some use an intranasal approach. Cognition: Cognitive changes, such as memory loss, are also commonly experienced by women during menopause. Researchers have shown in a series of controlled clinical studies that near infrared light therapy improves cognition in young and middle-aged healthy adults when applied to the prefrontal cortex of the brain. Cognitive improvements were accompanied by changes in brain function, including increased brain blood flow. In 2019, a meta-analysis of all the research looking at the effects of light therapy (including near infrared light, or near infrared and red light in combination) found that the overall effect on cognition was positive, leading the authors to conclude that light therapy is a “cognitive-enhancing intervention in healthy individuals”. Hair Loss: Menopausal women frequently report hair loss and thinning. The ability of light therapy to induce hair growth was observed in studies conducted more than 50 years ago. Early clinical trials used primarily red light, and the effectiveness of these studies led to the development of several red light therapy devices for hair loss. Subsequent studies have shown that near infrared light also stimulates hair growth, with red and near infrared light improving hair growth in androgenetic alopecia, which is the most common type of hair loss that affects both men and women. Light impacts hair growth through effects on mitochondria, which lead to increases in the length of time the hair follicle spends in the growth phase. Overactive Bladder: Overactive bladder, involving a frequent urge to urinate, is a urinary symptom experienced during menopause. Overactive bladder often results in urinary incontinence. Although research related to light therapy and overactive bladder is limited, one study found that application of red light to the abdomen three times per day for 12 weeks resulted in a reduction of urinary incontinence as compared to a control group, suggesting a potential benefit in this condition. Skin Changes: During menopause, many women report skin changes, including acne, dryness, altered pigmentation and wrinkles. Light therapy has been widely used in spas and dermatology clinics for its effects on skin health, in addition to at-home use. Red and near infrared light is helpful in the treatment of wrinkles, psoriasis, acne, hyperpigmentation, and rosacea, while blue light is helpful in the treatment of acne. Studies show results such as smoother skin; wrinkle reduction and improved skin elasticity; and normalization of skin pigmentation. The effect of red light therapy on wrinkles can be quite dramatic, with one study showing a 30% decrease in eye wrinkle volume. Gut: Gut dysbiosis, involving changes in the gut microbiome, are common around the time of menopause. Estrogen is known to affect the gut microbiome and similarly, some of the microbes in the gut microbiome (called the estrobalome) are able to influence levels of estrogen in the body. Keeping the microbiome healthy during menopause is essential, and light therapy (with red and near infrared light) may provide some support. Animal research has shown that when red or near infrared light was applied to the abdomen of mice, the composition of the microbiome shifted to include more of a bacterial strain that is associated with better health. In humans, red and near infrared light applied to the abdomen of Parkinson’s disease patients modulated the composition of the gut microbiome, with a shift towards more “healthy” bacteria, and in a case report of a patient with breast cancer, application of near infrared light to the abdomen was associated with increased diversity of gut microbes, which is considered to be a healthy change Vaginal Dysbiosis: Similar to the gut, the vagina has a microbiome, and menopause can cause dysbiosis in this region as well. Hormone-induced dysbiosis can increase the vaginal pH and change the composition of the microbes, which is associated with bladder dysfunction and bladder pain syndrome. Light therapy, particularly with red and near infrared light, is proposed as being a positive modulator of the vaginal microbiome. There are several proposed mechanisms, including modulation of nitric oxide. Nitric oxide is important for the lactobacillus species that dominate in the vagina that are known to decrease during menopause. Sleep: As already mentioned, sleep disturbances are experienced by 40-60% of menopausal women. Light is a primary regulator of the body’s circadian rhythm, so it is not surprising that light therapy has effects on sleep. Application of red and near infrared light during wakefulness improves sleep quality in people with cognitive decline, Guillain-Barré Syndrome, fibromyalgia and stroke. When red light therapy is applied during sleep, there is an increased clearance of waste products from the brain and improved flow of cerebrospinal fluid, which are required for optimal brain health. Blue light triggers wakefulness, suppressing melatonin, so direct exposure of the eyes to blue light should be limited to daytime hours. Vaginal Infections: Vaginal infections with yeast and bacteria are more common during menopause due to the changes in estrogen, vaginal pH, and vaginal dryness that occur. In addition to their positive effects on the microbes in the gut and vagina, red and near infrared light have also been shown to have effects on pathogenic (harmful) microorganisms in the female pelvis. Red light has been shown to be helpful in treating vaginal candida, as has blue light. Specifically, blue light at 415nm (the same wavelength as in the Fringe Pelvic Wand) had the most potent anti-candida effects. Blue light has also been shown to be helpful in the treatment of vulvovaginitis. Vaginal Atrophy: Vaginal Atrophy, Dryness & Sexual Dysfunction: The loss of estrogen during menopause causes many changes to the integrity of tissues in the vagina. This results in tissue atrophy and dryness, which can cause great discomfort, especially during sex. The main structural connective tissues are collagen and elastin, which provide strength and flexibility to the vagina. These changes occur for a variety of reasons, including a decrease in blood flow which results from the loss of estrogen. Application of red and near infrared light is known to increase blood flow by increasing levels of nitric oxide. It has also been shown to increase the synthesis of collagen and other supportive connective tissue including elastin. Suggesting that red and near infrared light may help with tissue support and rejuvenation during menopause. Light Therapy Products for Menopause While early research on light therapy used primarily lasers, more recent research has found that LED’s can also be used, which also have the advantage of applying light to a larger area of the body as well as an improved safety profile. The use of LED in red/near infrared/blue light therapy devices has also greatly reduced the cost of treatment, making it something that can be done in the comfort of one’s own home. A wide range of products are available, each of which is uniquely suited to address specific needs. The four most useful light therapy products to address the symptoms of menopause are: Red light therapy panel Panels usually deliver red and near infrared light, ideally with the option to use separately or in combination. Panels can be used to treat most body parts, including the face, chest and back. They’re great for supporting sleep and mood, when light should be entering through the eyes. They can also support digestion when directed towards the skin of the abdomen, as well as the skin on the face. The Fringe Red Light Therapy Panel delivers both wavelengths of light at the same “sweet spot” intensity as the sun. shop our panel Red light therapy wraps Red Light Therapy Wraps deliver light directly to the skin and can be applied to specific body parts, such as the head and abdomen. They should also deliver both red and near infrared light. Wraps have the advantage of being cordless and very convenient to use. The Fringe Red Light Therapy Head Wrap delivers light to the head (including red and two wavelengths of near infrared light) and is ideally suited to support mood, cognition, and hair loss. The Fringe Red Light Therapy Wrap has a rectangular shape and can be applied to the abdomen to support bladder function and digestion. shop our wraps Light therapy face mask Like wraps, face masks deliver light directly to the skin but are specifically contoured to the face. Due to the antimicrobial effects of blue light, it should be included in face masks for the treatment of acne along with red and near infrared light. The Fringe Red Light Therapy Face Mask delivers all three wavelengths of light to support skin health, including acne, wrinkles, pigmentation, and more. shop the mask Light therapy pelvic wand Light therapy pelvic wands are inserted directly into the vagina, delivering light directly to the vaginal tissues that are affected by menopausal hormonal changes. The Fringe Light Therapy Wand delivers red, near infrared, and/or blue light to support blood flow and tissue rejuvenation, which may help alleviate vaginal dryness, atrophy, and sexual dysfunction. shop the wand To recap Menopause is a time of dramatic hormonal changes, which create uncomfortable symptoms for many women. Light therapy is a safe and effective tool that may be used to alleviate a wide range of menopausal symptoms in the comfort of one’s own home. Red and near infrared light provide support for symptoms including sleep and mood issues, cognitive changes, hair loss, gut and vaginal dysbiosis, skin problems, and vaginal tissue changes, while blue light may provide antimicrobial activity for menopausal acne and vaginal infections. Many different light therapy products are available - including panels, wraps, face masks, and pelvic wands – that provide light therapy support for different symptoms. Choose products that use LED lights to deliver red, infrared red, and blue light (where appropriate) at approximately the same intensity of the sun for best results. For more information about Fringe light products, go to: https://fringeheals.com/shop-all-products/
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Light Therapy and Vibration for Female Pelvic Health
One of our missions at Fringe is to create high quality, evidence-based light therapy products, and to make them readily accessible to consumers. Our goal is to help people heal from the conditions that commonly ail them – like arthritis, post-exercise muscle soreness, and eczema (just to name a few) - in the comfort of their own homes. Recently, we turned our attention to some of the more common conditions affecting women and those born female at birth specifically: disorders of the female pelvis. Disorders related to female pelvic health (including pelvic floor pain and dysfunction, urinary incontinence, sexual dysfunction, and vaginal infections) are incredibly common, affecting up to 50% of the population at some point in their lives. shop fringe pelvic wand Enter, the fringe pelvic wand In response, we made the Fringe Pelvic Wand - which combines light therapy with vibration, two well-established healing modalities - which may support recovery from these challenging issues. What is red light? Light therapy (also known as photobiomodulation) is the application of light with specific wavelengths to the body for the purposes of influencing biology. The most common form of light therapy uses red light, which is visible as the color red, and/or near infrared light, which is not visible but can be felt as heat. Blue light is also used in many light therapy products, mainly for its antimicrobial effects. Red, near infrared, and blue light are naturally produced by the sun, which gives off solar radiation. The term radiation describes energy that is transmitted in the form of waves or particles. The spectrum of light in our environment consists of both light we can see (visible light) and light that our eyes can’t perceive (invisible light). This is called the electromagnetic spectrum. The visible light spectrum is quite narrow, consisting of wavelengths that range from 400 to 700nm and span from violet to red in color. Blue and red light are part of this visible light spectrum, while near infrared light is not. Different colors of light have different depths of skin penetration, with red and near infrared light penetrating the deepest. While early research on light therapy used primarily lasers, more recent research has found that LED’s can also be used, which also have the advantage of applying light to a larger area of the body as well as an improved safety profile. The use of LED in red/near infrared/blue light therapy devices has also greatly reduced the cost of treatment, making it something that can be done in the comfort of one’s own home. Both laser and LED lights have been used in research and practice to support pelvic health. Light therapy delivers light at a measurable level of intensity, which can be generally classified as low, moderate, and high. The intensity of sunlight is between 20 and 40mW/cm2, which is described as the “sweet spot” between higher intensities, which can have harmful effects, and lower intensities, which will have no effect at all. This range is optimal for healing while minimizing adverse effects, and is the range used in the Fringe Pelvic Wand. How might light therapy support female pelvic health? Light therapy may have physiological effects related to female pelvic health, including: Tissue Rejuvenation Loss of connective tissue, such as collagen and elastin, in the female pelvis is commonly experienced by women as they age and can also occur because of childbirth and infections. Through its effects on mitochondria, light therapy (especially red and near infrared light) may increase cellular energy production and increase connective tissue production. Light therapy may also modulate the production of reactive oxygen species, causing a shift towards tissue rejuvenation rather than breakdown, and may support muscle strengthening. Reduced Inflammation & Pain Chronic pain is commonly associated with disorders of the pelvic floor, which may also be associated with pelvic inflammation. Light therapy (especially with red and near infrared light) may have powerful effects on inflammation. Studies have found that light therapy may affect levels of many molecules involved in inflammation, including reactive oxygen species, reactive nitrogen species, and prostaglandins. Increased Blood Flow A decrease in blood flow to tissues in the female pelvis, especially the vagina, occur with age. This loss of blood flow negatively affects tissues by reducing the supply of oxygen and nutrients and contributes to age associated changes such as vaginal atrophy. Light therapy (especially red and near infrared light) may increase blood flow in two ways. First, it may increase levels of nitric oxide through its effects on the mitochondria, which causes vasodilation. The dilation of blood vessels allows more blood to flow through. Second, it may increase angiogenesis, which is the synthesis of new blood vessels. A greater density of blood vessels may increase the delivery of blood to tissues. Effects on Microorganisms Infections with pathogenic microorganisms in the female pelvis are quite common, and include bacteria (such as chlamydia), fungi (such as candida), and viruses (such as HPV). The vagina also naturally hosts the vaginal microbiome, which has a balance of microorganisms. When imbalanced, susceptibility to infections and bacterial vaginosis is increased. Light may have effects on microorganisms, both pathogenic and non-pathogenic. Blue light may have powerful effects on pathogenic microbes that can infect the vagina, such as candida, while red light may have positive effects on the microbes that comprise the microbiome, including the vaginal microbiome. Some clinical conditions related to female pelvic health that may improve with light therapy include: Vaginal candidiasis Human papillomavirus and associated vaginitis and cervicitis Vulvovaginitis Chronic pelvic pain Urinary incontinence and sexual dysfunction Overactive bladder Interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome Menopause Episiotomy recovery What is vibration therapy? Vibration therapy may have physiological effects related to female pelvic health, including: Tissue Rejuvenation Vibration therapy may have many effects on cells associated with the structural integrity of the female pelvic. Collagen in particular may respond to vibration therapy, especially at low magnitudes, and both collagen and muscle formation respond well to low magnitude vibration at between 8 and 10Hz. Increased Blood Flow Vibration therapy may increase blood flow, after as little as 10 minutes of therapy. Increasing blood flow helps to perfuse tissues with oxygen and nutrients and improve function and speed healing. Muscle Tone Regulation While proper functioning of the pelvic floor muscles is integral to bowel, bladder, and sexual health, in many women these muscles are weak. Others experience chronic hypertonicity in muscles of the pelvic floor, which is also suboptimal. Vibration therapy may regulate muscle tone in two ways. First, it may decrease spasticity in muscles that are overactive. Second, it may improve the potential to voluntarily contract muscles, such as those of the pelvic floor, which are poorly controlled in between 30 and 50% of women, and in this way activate and strengthen the muscle. Muscle tone regulation is accomplished by activating muscles via a spinal reflex and increasing blood flow. Decreased Pain Vibration therapy may reduce many different pain types, including neuropathic pain, low back pain, and muscle pain. This may happen via several mechanisms, such as regulating muscle tone and increasing blood flow. Some clinical conditions related to female pelvic health that may improve with vibration therapy include Urinary incontinence Pelvic floor dysfunction Vulvodynia (a pelvic pain condition) Pelvic pain penetration disorder Sexual dysfunction The Fringe Pelvic Wand The Fringe Pelvic Wand delivers three wavelengths of light via three modes: + Mode 1 - Deep Rejuvenation MODE ONE - red/near infrared light (630nm & 830nm): delivers both red (630nm) and near infrared (830nm) light to the pelvic tissues. This mode may help with pelvic pain and inflammation; bladder and muscle health; optimizing the vaginal microbiome; increasing the production of collagen and elastin; and improving blood flow and tissue health. Use Mode 1 for deep pelvic rejuvenation if you are NOT sensitive to light or heat. + Mode 2 - Antimicrobial MODE TWO - Blue Light (415 nm): delivers blue light (465nm) to the pelvic tissues. This mode may support the destruction of microbes including fungus and bacteria and healing from yeast infections and bacterial vaginosis. + Mode 3 - Rejuvenation MODE THREE - Red Light (630 nm): delivers only red (630nm) light to the pelvic tissues. This mode may help with pelvic pain and inflammation; bladder and muscle health; optimizing the vaginal microbiome; increasing the production of collagen and elastin; and improving blood flow and tissue health. Use Mode 3 for pelvic rejuvenation if you ARE sensitive to light or heat. The Fringe Pelvic Wand also delivers optional vibration, via four modes: + Mode 1 - 10hz (default mode) MODE ONE: provides very low frequency vibration which may help to support muscle relaxation and pain reduction. + Mode 2 - 50hz MODE TWO: provides low/moderate frequency vibration which may help to support muscle relaxation, reduce pain, and increase awareness of pelvic muscle function. Mode 2 can be combined with gentle pelvic floor exercises. + Mode 3 - 90hz MODE THREE: Provides moderate/high frequency vibration that increases awareness of pelvic muscle function and may help to support pelvic muscle contraction. Mode 3 can be combined with moderately active pelvic floor exercises. + Mode 4 - 120hz MODE FOUR: provides high frequency vibration that may help to support strengthening of pelvic muscles. Mode 4 can be combined with active pelvic floor exercises. Let's get started How to use the fringe pelvic wand Light & Vibration Therapy Safety The safety of light and vibration therapy has been demonstrated in thousands of research studies. However, there are some precautions to be aware of before you begin your therapeutic journey.Photosensitivity is the main contraindication to light therapy. If you are sensitive to light or are using medications that increase light sensitivity (see https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7672668/ for a recent list), you may need to reduce treatment time, interval, and/or frequency, as well as reduce light intensity. Light & Vibration Therapy Safety Here are some other precautions to consider. Please don’t: Exceed the recommended treatment times and frequency. Use on open fresh wounds. Use in combination with lotions, balms or other topical products that contain heat producing ingredients. Use with a non-water based lubricant. If you’re pregnant, we recommend checking with your health care provider to see if they think it’s appropriate for you to use the Fringe Pelvic Health Wand. They can assess your unique health needs and determine if light and vibration therapy is right for you. However, we do know that it’s a great tool to use postpartum when it may help to support healing and recovery of pelvic tissues. Co-Author Elizabeth Frey, FCAMPT, MCISC (MANIP), MSc. PT, MSc, BPHE, BSc, MCPA - Fringe Pelvic Health Advisor Liz holds a BSc and BPHE from Queen’s University; a MSc in Exercise Physiology from the University of Toronto, a MSc (PT) from McMaster University, and a MCISC (Manip) from University of Western Ontario. Liz is a clinic owner and practicing physiotherapist with a specialty in pelvic health physiotherapy. She is a clinical lab facilitator at the University of Toronto, and a clinical supervisor for physiotherapy students. As an orthopaedic and pelvic health physiotherapist, Liz integrates her over 10 years of clinical expertise to provide a unique whole-body approach to wellness. Liz’s practice focuses on helping women navigate pregnancy, menopause, and everything in between. The contents in this blog; such as text, content, graphics are intended for educational purposes only. The Content is not intended to substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your healthcare provider.
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