What Is Red Light Therapy? Benefits and What to Expect
If you’ve spent any time looking into wellness and recovery treatments lately, there’s a good chance you’ve come across red light therapy. What was once a relatively unfamiliar technology has become increasingly common in wellness centers, gyms, spas, and even at home.
But with that popularity comes a lot of big claims. So, what does red light therapy actually do, and why are so many people adding it to their wellness routines?
Red light therapy, also known as photobiomodulation, uses specific wavelengths of red and near-infrared light to expose the skin and underlying tissues to light energy. Unlike ultraviolet (UV) light, the wavelengths used for red light therapy are not intended to tan or burn the skin.
At Wellness and Recovery Lounge in Mansfield, Texas, we offer whole-body red light therapy using the NovoTHOR system, allowing clients to comfortably expose a large portion of the body to red and near-infrared light during a single session.
How Does Red Light Therapy Work?
The basic idea behind red light therapy is surprisingly simple.
Our cells contain structures called mitochondria, which play an important role in producing the energy cells use to function. Researchers studying photobiomodulation believe certain wavelengths of red and near-infrared light can interact with cellular processes associated with mitochondrial activity.
That’s one reason red light therapy has become an area of interest for researchers studying everything from skin health to exercise and muscle recovery.
However, red light therapy isn’t magic, and it’s important to separate what researchers are actually studying from some of the much larger claims you may encounter online. Results can depend on factors such as wavelength, intensity, treatment duration, the area being treated, and the reason the therapy is being used.
Why Do People Use Red Light Therapy?
One of the interesting things about red light therapy is the variety of reasons people are interested in it.
Some clients incorporate it into a fitness and recovery routine, while others are primarily interested in its potential skincare applications. Others simply enjoy having a quiet wellness session where they can relax for a little while.
Research into photobiomodulation has explored its potential relationship with muscle recovery and physical performance. Some studies and reviews have reported encouraging findings for certain measures of exercise recovery, although results can vary depending on how the therapy is administered.
Red light therapy has also received considerable attention in skincare research. Red and near-infrared light are being studied for their potential effects on processes associated with skin appearance, collagen production, inflammation, and tissue repair.
The important word here is potential. Red light therapy continues to be studied, and not every benefit promoted online has the same amount or quality of scientific evidence behind it.
What Is Whole-Body Red Light Therapy?
You may have seen small red light devices designed to expose one particular area of the body. Whole-body red light therapy takes the same general concept and applies the light across a much larger area.
At Wellness and Recovery Lounge, our NovoTHOR system is a whole-body red light therapy bed. Instead of holding a small device against one area at a time, clients can comfortably lie down while the system provides broad exposure to red and near-infrared light.
That makes whole-body sessions particularly convenient for people interested in incorporating red light therapy into a broader recovery or wellness routine.
What Does a Red Light Therapy Session Feel Like?
Despite its futuristic appearance, red light therapy is actually a pretty straightforward experience.
There are no needles or incisions involved. You simply relax while the red and near-infrared light does its work.
The light itself is bright, but red light therapy is not the same thing as using a tanning bed. Tanning beds primarily rely on ultraviolet radiation, while red light therapy uses different wavelengths of light and is not intended to produce a tan.
For many people, that simplicity is part of the appeal. A red light therapy session doesn’t require a strenuous workout or complicated routine. It can simply become another part of the time you set aside for yourself and your wellness goals.
Is Red Light Therapy Only for Athletes?
Not at all.
Athletic recovery is certainly one reason people explore photobiomodulation. Research has examined whether red and near-infrared light may influence muscle soreness, fatigue, and recovery following exercise.
But you certainly don’t have to be training for a marathon to be interested in red light therapy.
Someone who spends the week working at a desk may have completely different wellness goals than someone who spends five days a week in the gym. Others may be interested primarily in skincare or simply want to explore different ways to complement an existing wellness routine.
That flexibility is one reason red light therapy appeals to such a wide range of people.
How Often Should You Use Red Light Therapy?
This is one of the most common questions surrounding red light therapy, and unfortunately, there isn’t one universal answer.
Research protocols vary substantially, and the appropriate frequency can depend on the device being used and what you hope to accomplish. More is not automatically better.
If you’re new to whole-body red light therapy, it makes sense to talk with your wellness provider about the equipment being used, recommended session frequency, and whether there are any reasons the treatment may not be appropriate for you.
Red light therapy should also complement appropriate medical care rather than replace it. If you’re dealing with an injury, chronic pain, a skin condition, or another health concern, speak with a qualified healthcare professional about appropriate treatment.
Building Red Light Therapy Into Your Wellness Routine
One advantage of visiting a wellness center rather than purchasing a random device online is having access to several different recovery options in one place.
For example, someone focused on physical recovery might be interested in incorporating red light therapy alongside services such as compression therapy, cryotherapy, or PEMF therapy at different points in their wellness routine.
That doesn’t mean everyone needs every treatment. In fact, a good wellness routine doesn’t need to be complicated.
The goal is finding services that make sense for your needs, schedule, and personal wellness goals. Consistency and realistic expectations are much more important than trying every wellness trend that comes along.
Try Whole-Body Red Light Therapy in Mansfield, TX
If you’ve been curious about red light therapy but haven’t known where to start, experiencing a professional whole-body session can be an easy introduction.
At Wellness and Recovery Lounge in Mansfield, Texas, we offer NovoTHOR whole-body red light therapy alongside a variety of wellness and recovery services, including cryotherapy, compression therapy, PEMF therapy, oxygen therapy, facials, and more.
Whether recovery is your priority or you’re simply exploring new additions to your self-care routine, we’re here to help you learn about your options and find services that fit your wellness goals.
Ready to experience whole-body red light therapy for yourself? Schedule a session with Wellness and Recovery Lounge in Mansfield, TX, and discover how red light therapy can fit into your wellness routine.