Red light therapy: What’s the buzz, does it work?
Light therapy, specifically near and far infra-red light, has been used therapeutically to promote healing over many decades, and it is now available for consumer self-care.
How does it work?
Near and infrared (NIR) light therapy, or photobiomodulation (PBM), uses 600–1000+ nm wavelengths to penetrate skin, improving cellular function by stimulating mitochondria to increase adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production. Key physiological benefits include enhanced blood circulation, reduced inflammation, accelerated wound healing, pain relief, improved skin health (collagen production), and potential cognitive or neurological recovery.
What are the benefits?
Enhanced Cellular Energy (ATP Production): NIR light acts on cytochrome c oxidase in mitochondria to boost cellular energy, which helps repair tissues.
Reduced Inflammation & Pain: It minimizes oxidative stress and reduces inflammation in muscle tissue, helping with chronic pain conditions like arthritis, back pain, and joint pain.
Improved Skin Health & Wound Healing: It promotes collagen production, reduces wrinkles, and helps treat conditions like psoriasis, acne, and eczema.
Muscle Recovery and Performance: It reduces muscle soreness and aids in faster recovery after exercise.
Neurological Health & Brain Function: NIR light can penetrate the skull to potentially help with recovery from traumatic brain injury (TBI), stroke, and neurodegenerative diseases.
Improved Circulation & Metabolic Health: It encourages vasodilation (widening of blood vessels), increasing blood flow and nutrient delivery to tissues.
Common Applications
Skin Care: Reducing fine lines, wrinkles, and acne.
Pain Management: Treating arthritis, fibromyalgia, and injury recovery.
Brain Health: Supporting recovery from stroke or TBI.
Hair Growth: Stimulating hair follicles to treat androgenic alopecia.
It is generally considered a safe, non-invasive, and non-toxic therapy with no significant adverse side effects.
A small study of exercise and light therapy vs sole use of exercise for low back pain demonstrated that those receiving the light therapy had significant improvement in pain reduction and “pain pressure threshold”, but both groups had improved lumbar range of motion and reduced disability ratings. (Shiran et al 2022, 27:33, Bulletin of Faculty of Physical Therapy).
I received a red-light therapy wrap as a gift, and have noted the benefits of reduced stiffness and aching, and enhanced exercise ability in the treatment of my Achilles tendonitis, hamstring and lumbar stiffness, and mild rotator cuff discomfort. In addition to the light therapy, I undertook the anti-inflammatory diet, more regular targeted exercise, increased hydration, and supplements with Omega 3’s and also magnesium glycinate.
Therapeutic use of a modality such as red light therapy is not advised as a stand-alone rehab measure, because we know exercise and nutrition both help healing. Robust strategies for stress/ mood management, sleep hygiene, and social support also promote your health and healing.
Ask your health care provider for direction and guidelines on use if you choose to self- apply at home. Those with a lack of sensation, scar tissue, active infection, or other ongoing health challenges may be at risk for injury or symptom aggravation. Medical guidance is required for safety and the prevention of harm.
References
Shiran et al 2022, 27:33, Bulletin of Faculty of Physical Therapy
https://www.physio-pedia.com/Infrared_Therapy
