The 2025 Ultimate Guide to Red Light Therapy for Pain
Everything to know about using red light therapy to ease painand enhance healing.
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Jump to a Section:
- Introduction
- What is Red Light Therapy?
- Blue vs. Full-Spectrum vs. Red Light Therapy
- The History of Red Light Therapy
- How Does Red Light Therapy Work?
- What Types of Pain Does Red Light Therapy Treat?
- Is Red Light Therapy Safe?
- Red Light Therapy Benefits
- Red Light Therapy Pros and Cons
- Red Light Therapy Compared to Other Pain Relief Methods
Related ARticles
The Ultimate Guide to Red Light Therapy for Pain - Understanding the Light Spectrum
- Science-Backed Red Light Therapy Benefits and Uses
About 20.3% of Americans—approximately 50 million people—experience chronic pain. While pain is inevitable, we frequently underestimate its physical and mental impacts. Ignoring acute pain can lead to chronic pain. Thus, creating a cycle that limits mobility and contributes to health issues.
Pain medications often come up in discussions of pain relief. While they may offer convenience, they can lead to significant health complications. Overuse of low-risk drugs like ibuprofen can have adverse effects, and opioids can become addictive and lose effectiveness.
To address the question, "How do we manage pain safely and effectively?" one holistic option is red light therapy. This guide will explore what red light therapy is, how it works, the health conditions it treats, and its benefits.
What is Red Light Therapy?
Red light therapy is a holistic pain relief method used to treat various pain and skin conditions. It uses low-level red wavelengths of light to treat ailments, including:
- Skin issues (wrinkles, acne, and scars)
- Wounds
- Carpal tunnel
- Arthritis
- And more
Red light therapy is called many things, including:
- Photobiomodulation (PBM)
- Low-level light therapy (LLLT)
- Soft laser therapy
- Cold laser therapy
- Biostimulation
- Photonic stimulation
- And low-power laser therapy (LPLT)
Red light treatment is known for being convenient, painless, and an excellent alternative to traditional pain medications.
Full-Spectrum Therapy vs Blue Light Therapy vs Red Light Therapy
Various types of light therapy serve multiple purposes. We'll cover blue light therapy, full-spectrum light therapy, and red light therapy for the sake of simplicity. Each type treats different health conditions such as seasonal affective disorder, skin conditions, jet lag, pain, and more.
Blue Light Therapy
One the light spectrum, blue light is measured at 400 to 500 nanometers. This type of light therapy is commonly used for bright light therapy (aka phototherapy). It's proven to increase alertness, memory, and moods.
It's beneficial for turning off melatonin production to make us feel more alert. It should be noted that too much blue light can cause sleep disorders. It's recommended to limit electronic usage at night because they emit blue light.
When it comes to blue light therapy, it's best to proceed with caution. Due to its lower wavelengths and higher energy levels, blue light can cause eye damage. Studies have shown light colors between 415 and 455 nanometers to cause harm to the eyes.
Standard electronics including TVs, computers, and cell phones produce wavelengths from 400 to 490 nanometers. Additional research is needed to understand the long-term effects.
Full Spectrum
Full-Spectrum light therapy is also used to boost energy, improve moods, enhance sleep, and maintain wellness. Full-spectrum uses all colors in the electromagnetic spectrum, including infrared, ultra-violet, and blue. While it's still disputed which is more effective, full-spectrum is proven to be safer.
When considering bright light therapy as a treatment, an important aspect to consider is light intensity. Light therapy lamps must produce 10,000 LUX from 10-12" to be effective. 10,000 LUX is the equivalent of morning sunlight.
With light therapy lamps, timing is vital. They should be used in the morning for 20 to 30 minutes within an hour of waking. While generally safe, some common side effects include headaches, nausea, dizziness, and eye strain. Lowering the dosage can prevent these adverse side effects.
Red and Infrared Light
In comparison to blue light, red light is on the opposite end of the spectrum. Red light is delivered in the mid-600 nanometer range, while infrared is in the mid-800s. Due to its range and longer wavelengths, infrared is invisible to the human eye.
Red and infrared light, commonly used to treat skin and pain conditions, have been proven to be a holistic treatment for:
- Increasing injury recovery time
- Recovering muscles
- Balancing hormones
- Reducing wrinkles
- Lowering inflammation
- Losing weight
- And more
These types of light are effective because of their ability to penetrate deep into the skin. Red and infrared light promotes melatonin production. This stimulates the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP).
ATP is essential to function properly as it provides our body's cells with energy. This is why red light therapy products are so effective for speeding up the healing process.
The History of Red Light Therapy
1879
Thomas Edison invents one of the most essential items today, the light bulb. By 1925, light bulbs would be in half of US homes.
1917
Albert Einstein theorizes the foundational properties of the laser. Laser stands for light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation.
1960
Theodore H. Maiman, an engineer, and physicist, develops the first laser with his team. This breakthrough allows light wavelengths to emit consistently and in a focused manner.
1967
Hungarian physician Endre Mester develops the first low-level laser therapy device to test on skin cancer. His device is then used to used to highlight its impact on the wound healing process.
1990s
NASA starts to research red light therapy for growing plants in space. They discovered that intense light from red light-emitting diodes promotes growth and photosynthesis in the cells of plants. NASA found that red light therapy did not help plants grow in space. However, they discovered it was effective for reducing pain and helping astronauts keep their muscle mass while in space.
2002
The FDA first approves low-level laser therapy devices.
today
Red light therapy and LEDs are widespread. Advances in technology have made red light therapy devices more efficient, cheaper to make, and more accessible to the general public.
How does red light therapy work?
Red light therapy is effective because of its ability to penetrate deep into the skin without damaging it. Red light therapy machines penetrate 2-7 cm into inner skin layers to reach muscles, nerves, and bones.
After the skin absorbs red and infrared light, photoreceptors in our cells initiate various metabolic processes:
- Energy Boost for Cells: Red light increases mitochondrial function, leading to higher production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which enhances cellular energy and function.
- Enhanced Repair and Regeneration: The extra energy helps cells repair and regenerate more quickly, promoting healing in skin and muscle tissues.
- Nitric Oxide Release: This gas supports healthy arteries. It improves blood circulation, reduces oxidative stress, and aids in nutrient delivery to damaged tissues. These benefits reduce pain and inflammation.
- Increased Collagen Production: Exposure to red light boosts collagen production, essential for skin and tissue structure, aiding in effective healing.
- Activation of Stem Cells: Red and infrared light activate stem cells, enabling them to travel to injured areas and transform into the necessary cell types for healing.
What types of pain does red light therapy treat?
Red light therapy is a versatile treatment for various types of pain. Its targeted approach to pain relief makes it practical for treating a wide range of conditions, including:
Is red light therapy safe? What are the side effects?
In general, health experts consider red light therapy to be safe and effective. Some users have reported instances of blistering and burns from using this treatment method. However, some of these were caused by misuse such as:
- Falling asleep while in use
- Or from damaged wires and device corrosion.
Compared to traditional lasers, red light therapy is safer. However, there is a risk of eye damage.
It's recommended to have proper eye protection when using red light therapy. It will depend on the device type, size, and treatment length. Be sure to consult a doctor to learn more about potential red light therapy side effects that may occur.
Another concern when it comes to red light therapy is "how often should you use it?"
Adequate red light therapy machines can be used up to three times per day per target area. Red light therapy for pain management has few side effects and is generally safe.
Red Light Therapy Benefits
Promotes wound healing and tissue repair
Research has found red light therapy to promote healing by reducing inflammatory cells. This effect stimulates blood vessels, increases collagen production, and boost fibroblast production.
Improves Blood Flow
A study found it to improve blood flow for chronic heel pain. The boost of energy cells receive results in improved blood flow.
Reduces Pain and Inflammation
A study of seven patients with bilateral Achilles tendonitis found that red light therapy reduced inflammation and pain in all 14 tendons. The findings suggest that red light therapy may be beneficial for managing inflammatory conditions.
Mends Sun-Damage
A study in PubMed treated thirty-six patients with sun-damaged skin using red/infrared LEDs over five weeks. The results showed significant improvements in wrinkles, smoothness, softness, and firmness.
Improves Joint Health
Another study exposed elderly patients with degenerative osteoarthritis of the knee to red light therapy. Researchers found it helpful for:
- Reducing pain
- Improving joint health
- And extending the period between retreatment.
Improves Injury and Recovery Time
Red light therapy has gained popularity in athlete recovery. During the Rio Olympics, the US track team used a $181,000 red light therapy bed. Harvard Expert Micheal Hamblin noted its potential benefits, including:
- Improved recovery from exercise
- Better sleep
- And healing for injuries like tendonitis and arthritis.
Additionally, a study of 65 athletes showed red light therapy reduced recovery time from an average of 19.23 to 9.6 days.
Safe for All Skin Types
Red light therapy is generally a secure method of treatment. There are no reports of red light therapy being harmful to any skin type in all of the research conducted. However, it should be noted that extensive exposure to any light type can be damaging to the skin. It's vital to practice moderation.
Is an Alternative to Prescription Drugs
Depending on the type, prescription medications can pose a threat to long-term health and can be addictive. Naturally, red light therapy is non-addictive and can serve as an alternative or in unison with traditional drugs.
Improves Bone Repair and Growth
Rats with Osteoporosis experienced enhanced bone repair and growth via red light therapy. This was achieved through stimulation of the newly formed bone, fibro vascularization, and angiogenesis.
Enhances Sleep
A study involving twenty female athletes exposed them to 30 minutes of red light therapy for 14 continuous days. The subjects experienced:
- Increased melatonin levels
- Better sleep
- And even better playing performance.
Promotes a Healthy and Active Lifestyle
Minimized pain and faster recovery time improve physical activity. Chronic pain limits the use of injured areas, hindering a healthy lifestyle. Red light therapy can reduce pain and enhance healing, alleviating injury-related limitations.
Weight Loss
Red light therapy offers a promising approach to weight loss in several ways:
- Boosted cellular metabolism: Energized cells improve performance, reduce inflammation, and enhance metabolism and organ function.
- Increased muscle mass: Exposure to red light therapy promotes muscle growth, which boosts energy needs and burns more calories at rest. Studies show athletes benefit from improved muscle recovery and increased mass.
- Regulated thyroid function: Red light therapy has decreased autoimmune activity, helping restore thyroid function and improve metabolism, particularly for those with hypothyroidism.
Red Light Therapy Pros and Cons
Red light therapy offers an excellent source of pain relief and better health. These pros and cons provide an insight into this treatment to make your decision better:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
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Red Light Therapy Compared to Other Pain Relief Methods
Modern medical discoveries have helped us lead healthier lives. Yet, all these options can make it overwhelming when deciding upon a pain relief method. For convenience, we've highlighted key differences of each type. It should be noted you should consult a doctor before trying these treatments.
| Red Light Therapy | TENS Therapy | Hot & Cold Therapy | Pain Medications | Physical Therapy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Penetrates deep into the skin to relieve pain via red and near-infrared lights. | Blocks pain receptors using electrical stimulation, so you don't feel pain. | Provides targeted pain relief using either hot or cold compress devices. | Are drugs used to treat various types of pains and ailments. | Uses special techniques to relieve pain and expand movement and functions in injuries. |
| - Promotes healing and boosts blood circulation - Uses a red light therapy device for targeted pain relief - Little to no side effects - Readily available over the counter | - Doesn't treat the injury; it only blocks pain from being felt - Uses electrodes placed over the pain area for targeted pain relief - Little to no side effects - Readily available over the counter | - Hot therapy enhances blood flow to promote healing - Cold therapy reduces blood flow to lower swelling and pain - Both need to be alternated to be most effective - May require a microwave, freezer/fridge, or electrical outlet access - Offers targeted pain relief Little to no side effects Readily available over the counter | - Available through a prescription and over the counter - Range from low to high strength - Can pose dangers to health based upon dosage and type - Potentially addictive It doesn't provide target pain relief - Convenient since they're typically taken orally | - Sometimes requires a physical therapist - It might require tools such as stretch bands, braces, and more - Improves body mobility through stretching and strength training - Commonly uses TENS units and red light therapy in unison |
About the Author
Brandon Landgraf is the Digital Marketing Manager for Carex Health Brands. He finds passion and fulfillment in creating content that enhances, improves, and enlivens others' quality of life. All of his written work is formulated to not only offer essential advice and tips but back it with proven studies and experts. His mission is to connect with readers and provide steps to make their lives better.
You can connect with him on LinkedIn here.
About Carex Health Brands
Carex is your one-stop shop for home medical equipment and for products that assist caregivers with providing the best possible support and care for their loved ones. Carex Health Brands has been the branded leader in in-home, self-care medical products for over 35 years. Our goal is to improve the lives of our customers by bring them quality products that bring dignity back to their lives. With our three nationally distributed brands, Carex Health Brands serves national, regional and independent food, drug and mass retailers along with wholesalers, distributors and medical dealers.