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Red Light Therapy (RLT), (also known as photobiomodulation, low-level light therapy and LED light therapy) uses specific wavelengths of red and near-infrared light to deliver light energy to tissues. The light is absorbed by cells and is thought to influence mitochondrial activity, cellular energy production, circulation and inflammatory processes.
At our wellness centre, Red Light Therapy can be enjoyed as a stand-alone session or added to your massage therapy or osteopathic treatment as part of a personalized approach to recovery, mobility and overall wellness.
What is Red Light Therapy?
Red Light Therapy is a non-invasive treatment that exposes the body to specific wavelengths of red and/or near-infrared light.
Unlike ultraviolet light, RLT does not use the UV wavelengths associated with sun damage. The light is delivered at low levels and generally does not produce significant heat.
How does Red Light Therapy work?
Think of it as giving your cells a little extra light energy. Red and near-infrared wavelengths can be absorbed by cellular structures, particularly the mitochondria — the structures responsible for producing much of the cell's usable energy. This interaction may help support cellular function and repair while influencing circulation and inflammatory processes.
Red Light Therapy for Pain & Recovery
Research suggests that Red Light Therapy may help reduce certain types of musculoskeletal pain, particularly pain associated with inflammation. Studies have investigated its use for conditions including tendon problems, rheumatoid arthritis, and other sources of musculoskeletal pain.
The research is encouraging, but RLT should be considered a complementary therapy rather than a replacement for appropriate medical care.
Can Red Light Therapy help arthritis?
For someone experiencing stiff, achy joints, however, RLT may be a useful addition to a broader approach involving movement, exercise, manual therapy and appropriate medical care.
Can Red Light Therapy help with joint recovery?
RLT is being investigated for its potential effects on inflammation, circulation, cellular energy and tissue repair. These effects may make it useful as part of a recovery-focused wellness program. It may be particularly appealing before or after massage, osteopathic treatment, exercise or other movement-based work.
Can I combine Red Light Therapy with massage?
Absolutely. Red Light Therapy can be incorporated into a massage session as a complementary modality. For example, RLT may be used before massage to provide a period of gentle, passive therapy before hands-on work, or afterward as part of a recovery-focused session. Your therapist can determine how best to incorporate it based on your goals and the area being treated.
Can I combine Red Light Therapy with osteopathic treatment?
Yes. From a manual therapy perspective, RLT can be viewed as a complement to hands-on treatment. An osteopathic treatment addresses the mechanical relationships and function of the body through palpation and manual intervention. Red Light Therapy provides a different type of stimulus — light energy directed toward the tissues.
Combining the two may provide a relaxing, recovery-oriented treatment experience while allowing your practitioner to focus hands-on treatment where it is most beneficial.
Does Red Light Therapy have benefits beyond pain relief?
Research into RLT is ongoing, and potential applications extend beyond muscles and joints. Depending on the wavelength, dose and treatment protocol, research has explored RLT for:
It is important to recognize that the strength of evidence varies considerably between these applications. Some uses have more encouraging evidence than others.
Can Red Light Therapy help my skin?
This is one of the more established areas of interest in RLT. Research suggests that red light may stimulate processes involved in collagen production and may help improve certain aspects of skin texture, wrinkles, redness, acne and sun-damaged skin.
Results vary from person to person and generally require repeated treatments rather than a single session.
Can Red Light Therapy help with inflammation?
Research suggests that RLT may influence inflammatory processes within tissues. This is one of the reasons researchers are investigating its potential role in pain, tendon problems and recovery.
Inflammation is a normal part of the body's response to injury and stress, so our goal is not simply to "turn inflammation off." Rather, RLT may help support the body's normal physiological processes.
Does Red Light Therapy improve circulation?
Some research suggests that RLT may increase local blood circulation. From a wellness perspective, this may complement treatments designed to encourage movement, relaxation and normal tissue function.
What Does a Red Light Therapy Session Feel Like? Is Red Light Therapy painful?
No. RLT is generally described as a gentle, non-invasive treatment. You simply relax while the light is directed toward the area being treated. Depending on the device and treatment settings, you may feel little to no sensation or a gentle warmth.
How long does a session take?
Treatment time depends on the area being treated, the equipment being used and whether RLT is being combined with another service. We can incorporate a shorter RLT session into a massage or osteopathic appointment, or provide it as a stand-alone recovery session. Your practitioner will recommend an appropriate treatment approach based on your goals.
Stand-alone treatments can range from 30-60 minutes
How many treatments will I need?
There isn't one treatment schedule that works for everyone. Research and clinical protocols vary considerably depending on the condition being addressed, the wavelength and intensity of the device, the area being treated and the frequency of treatment. Clinical research notes that repeated treatments are commonly used for many applications rather than expecting a single session to produce lasting results.
We recommend looking at RLT as part of a consistent wellness and recovery strategy, rather than expecting an instant fix.
Is Red Light Therapy Safe?
When used appropriately and according to the manufacturer's instructions, short-term RLT appears to have a good safety profile. It is non-invasive and does not use ultraviolet light.
However, more research is needed regarding the long-term effects of repeated exposure, and inappropriate use may cause skin or eye problems.
For this reason, treatments should be administered using appropriate equipment and protocols.
Do I need eye protection?
Depending on the equipment and treatment area, eye protection may be recommended.
We follow the manufacturer's safety recommendations for the equipment being used and will provide appropriate instructions before your treatment.
Is Red Light Therapy suitable for everyone?
Not necessarily. If you are pregnant, taking medications that increase light sensitivity, have a photosensitive condition, have an active medical condition affecting the treatment area, or have another health concern that may affect your suitability for light therapy, please speak with your healthcare provider before treatment.
If you have a diagnosed medical condition, RLT should be considered complementary care and should not replace treatment recommended by your physician or other regulated healthcare professional.
Why Add Red Light Therapy to Your Treatment? What are the benefits of combining RLT with massage or osteopathic treatment?
Combining therapies allows us to approach your session from more than one direction. Massage therapy and osteopathic manual therapy provide hands-on assessment and treatment of the body's mechanical relationships, tissues and movement. Red Light Therapy provides a non-invasive light-based stimulus that may support cellular function, circulation and recovery. Together, they can create a treatment experience focused on relaxation, mobility, recovery and overall tissue support.
Who might consider Red Light Therapy?
RLT may be worth exploring if you are looking at supporting:
Your practitioner can help determine whether it makes sense as part of your individual treatment plan.
Is Red Light Therapy a replacement for medical treatment?
No. Nothing replaces good medical advice.
If you have persistent pain, significant swelling, unexplained symptoms or a diagnosed medical condition, we recommend appropriate assessment by your physician or other qualified healthcare professional.
Ready to add a little more light to your treatment? Ask us about adding Red Light Therapy to your next massage or osteopathic treatment, or book a stand-alone Red Light Therapy session.
Relax. Recover. Move better.
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