Anyone with a social media account and passing interest in health knows that wellness trends are increasing in both frequency and gimmickry. Whether its okra water, the mostly meat carnivore diet, or turning the post-birth breastmilk of cows into a consumable colostrum powder, the options are many and the corresponding skepticism is justified.
When I first heard of red light therapy, I reacted with the same skepticism.
The idea of achieving improved health outcomes by sitting under red lightbulbs can sound far fetched at best and deceptive at worst. In a 1989 paper biophysicist Tiina Karu referred to red light therapy as "“highly incredible . . . even mysterious,” and went on to note that its many purported health benefits adds to the skepticism around it.
But Karu's research, and roughly 6-7,000 research papers published since then, including by entities likes NASA and Harvard Medical School, collectively support the conclusion that red light therapy can positively impact biological processes in the body. To be sure, research is still ongoing as to whether commercial red light therapy treatments can benefit particular biological processes, but the totality of research done so far gives reason to believe in many of red light therapy's use cases.
Red light therapy uses wavelengths of red and near-infrared light to penetrate cells, thereby stimulating mitochondria to produce cellular energy called adenosine triphosphate (ATP). This increase in cellular energy enhances various bodily processes, including tissue repair, inflammation reduction, and improved cellular communication. As a result, red light therapy can support overall health. Below, we explore how red light therapy can support healing and pain relief, athletic performance, enhance the circulatory system, and improve mood and cognitive function.
1. Red Light Supports Healing and Pain Relief
Red light therapy is widely recognized for its ability to reduce pain and accelerate healing, with studies showing its effectiveness in various applications (e.g., Amaroli et al, 2019). By prompting bodily tissues to produce more ATP, those tissues are able to repair themselves more quickly when injured.
Studies have shown that the increase in ATP production caused by red light therapy can also reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, which are key drivers of pain (Freitas & Hamblin, 2017). The increased ATP production also helps to promote blood flow, thereby providing critical oxygen and nutrients to injured tissue. Red light therapy can thus be an effective treatment for conditions like arthritis, chronic back pain, and joint injuries.
2. Red Light Therapy for Athletes
Intense workouts can lead to muscle fatigue and microtears that ultimately cause the muscle to rebuild stronger. Just as red light therapy helps promote recovery after an injury, it can also enhance recovery after a challenging workout (Crow et al, 2024).
By reducing inflammation and strengthening connective tissues, red light therapy helps prevent more serious injuries that could sideline an athlete.
But even more than its healing properties, the increased ATP production caused by red light therapy can also directly enhance endurance and physical performance, allowing athletes to train and play harder when they are exposed to red light on a regular basis (Machado et al, 2020).
3. Circulatory System Benefits
Healthy circulation is vital for overall health, and red light therapy has shown promise in supporting the cardiovascular system. Red and near-infrared light stimulate the release of nitric oxide, a molecule essential for dilating blood vessels and improving circulation (Mitchell et al., 2013).
Further, by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress, red light therapy may help lower the risk of conditions such as hypertension and arterial stiffness. Regular red light use use could also support circulatory health by enhancing the efficiency of your vascular system, resulting in better nutrient delivery to each of your cells.
4. Red Light Therapy for Mood and Cognitive Function
Emerging research highlights the powerful effects of red light therapy on mental health and brain function.
Red light therapy has been shown to stimulate the production of serotonin, a neurotransmitter associated with happiness and well-being. It may also help regulate circadian rhythms, improving sleep and overall mood. Regular sessions of red light therapy can help lower cortisol levels, reducing stress and promoting relaxation. This makes it an excellent tool for those seeking to improve mental clarity and emotional balance.
Research indicates that red and near-infrared light can even penetrate the skull to reach brain cells, enhancing mitochondrial function in neurons and supporting cognitive health (Naeser et al, 2014). This has potential benefits for memory, focus, and overall cognitive performance. It’s also being explored as a treatment for neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s.
Incorporating Red Light Therapy Into Your Routine
Whether you're recovering from an injury, aiming to enhance athletic performance, or seeking better mental clarity and mood, red light therapy offers a science-backed, non-invasive solution. With regular use, this innovative treatment can help you unlock better health and wellness from the inside out.
Do you have any questions or topics you'd like us to cover? Leave a comment below, and we'll make sure to address them in future articles.
Proactive Massage + Bodywork is proud to offer three different red light therapy treatments: a full body red light therapy bed, LightStim Pro panel for a more targeted treatment, and our deep tissue laser therapy that penetrates deep into the skin to help repair damaged tissues.
Give us a call at (804) 559-7990 or visit our website to book an appointment or learn more!
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