Red light therapy continues to grow in popularity as a natural, non-invasive, non-pharmaceutical treatment for a variety of conditions. If you’ve heard of red light therapy, which is also called low-level light therapy (LLLT), photobiomodulation, and LED therapy, you’ve undoubtedly wondered if it works.
Red light therapy is a natural treatment that uses red and near-infrared (NIR) light to stimulate beneficial biological processes in the body. The term “red light therapy” is often used to refer to both red and NIR light.
Using light for healing is not a new phenomenon; it has been used for centuries. Yet even though ancient healers knew about the therapeutic effects of sunlight, they had no way of knowing how or why it was effective. It wasn’t until much later that scientists learned about wavelengths of light, and how they differ in size based on their color.
For instance, scientists now know that of all the colors in the spectrum, red and NIR wavelengths are the longest – and therefore, the most beneficial. Red wavelengths range from 620 to 750 nanometers (nm) and NIR wavelengths range from 780 to 1200 nm.
Hundreds of studies have revealed that the greatest positive biological effects on the human body are achieved with red light between 630 and 660 nm, and NIR light from 810 to 850 nm. This range of red and NIR wavelengths is known as the “therapeutic window.”
When we talk about “positive biological effects,” it’s in reference to red/NIR light’s ability to stimulate cells; more specifically, the mitochondria inside cells. These tiny organelles control each cell’s metabolism and energy production, and their primary task is to produce cellular fuel known as adenosine triphosphate (ATP).
If mitochondria fail to produce enough energy, it results in a condition called mitochondrial dysfunction – and as a result, cellular performance, metabolism, and lifespan suffer. In fact, many chronic diseases are now attributed at least partially to mitochondrial dysfunction.
Red light is best known as an anti-aging powerhouse, but there's so much more to it. Let’s look at some of the areas where red LED therapy has proven itself to be effective, with before and after images to support the use of this natural treatment.
Many areas of the body can be treated with red light, from head to toe. It can become a valuable part of anyone’s self-care and health management routine, whether it’s used for skin concerns like skin rejuvenation or for deep-tissue conditions such as joint pain.
Some of the most popular and well-documented uses for red/NIR light therapy include the following:
We’ve compiled photographic evidence of conditions that are successfully treated with red and near-infrared (NIR) light: real people, with real results.
Numerous studies, along with plenty of anecdotal evidence, have confirmed the benefits of red/NIR light for relief from osteoarthritis knee pain, relief from neuropathy pain, better sleep, brain health, muscle performance and recovery, Alzheimer’s, and improved eye health.
For more in-depth information about how red light therapy can benefit these and other conditions, visit the PlatinumLED Therapy Lights Learning Center.
Note about research: Many of the studies conducted on red light have used low-level laser devices rather than light-emitting diode (LED) devices, simply because LED light therapy devices are relatively new. However, LED light has been shown to be as effective as low-level laser therapy in generating results. Thus, researchers are starting to use LED red light therapy devices in their studies.
Let’s deep-dive into some of the many ways you can benefit from red light treatments.
Red Light Therapy Products and Solutions
Since red/NIR therapy has so many applications ranging from targeted treatments like carpal tunnel syndrome to full-body wellness, it makes sense to get a powerful red LED light therapy panel that can do it all: a device that has the power, wavelengths, and size you need for the best results.
Power matters. The light energy delivered by an LED red light therapy device has to be strong enough to deliver light with the intensity needed to penetrate deep into the tissues.
Weak LED light therapy devices such as masks, wraps, or handheld devices simply don’t have the power of panels. This significantly limits their effectiveness.
Another key consideration is using an LED light therapy device with the right wavelengths: specifically, red and NIR. Using these wavelengths together amplifies the effects and gives you a more comprehensive treatment.