Red light therapy has become increasingly popular among people looking for a comfortable, noninvasive way to support muscle recovery, circulation, relaxation, and overall tissue wellness. But what exactly is red light therapy, and what happens during a session?
At Pritchette Physical Therapy, red light therapy is available as a recovery-focused service that may complement physical therapy, exercise, massage therapy, and an active lifestyle.
What Is Red Light Therapy?
Red light therapy uses specific wavelengths of red and near-infrared light delivered through light-emitting diodes, commonly known as LEDs.
The medical and scientific term for this process is photobiomodulation, or PBM. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration describes photobiomodulation devices as systems that deliver a non-heating dose of light energy into the body to produce a potential clinical benefit.
Unlike ultraviolet light, red light therapy does not expose the body to UV radiation. It also differs from an infrared sauna because the primary purpose is not to heat the body or produce heavy sweating. Instead, the light is directed toward the skin and underlying tissues.
How Does Red Light Therapy Work?
During a session, red and near-infrared wavelengths are directed toward the treatment area.
Red light primarily interacts with tissues closer to the surface, while near-infrared light may reach somewhat deeper structures. Photobiomodulation is typically delivered using LEDs or low-level lasers, depending on the device and intended application.
Researchers believe certain components inside cells absorb this light energy. One proposed mechanism involves the mitochondria—the structures responsible for helping cells produce energy.
Light absorption may influence mitochondrial activity, cellular signaling, blood flow, and the body’s inflammatory response. However, these effects depend heavily on factors such as wavelength, intensity, treatment time, distance from the device, and the amount of energy delivered.
A simple way to think about it is that red light therapy does not force the body to respond. Instead, it may provide light energy that influences normal cellular processes.
What Are the Potential Benefits?
Red light therapy is being studied for a variety of health, recovery, and wellness applications. Depending on the person and the treatment protocol, it may help support:
Muscle recovery following physical activity
Temporary relief of muscle or joint discomfort
Healthy circulation
Relaxation and reduced muscle tension
Normal tissue-repair processes
Recovery between workouts or rehabilitation sessions
General tissue and skin wellness
Some research has reported promising results involving exercise recovery and muscular fatigue. However, researchers have also noted considerable differences among treatment devices, wavelengths, dosages, and study protocols. This means red light therapy should not be presented as a guaranteed solution for every condition.
Results can vary based on your health, treatment goals, consistency, and the type of device being used.
What Does a Red Light Therapy Session Feel Like?
Red light therapy sessions are generally comfortable and require little preparation.
You may be positioned in front of or near a panel containing red and near-infrared LEDs. The treatment area will typically need to be uncovered so the light can reach the skin without being blocked by clothing.
Most people experience mild warmth or no significant sensation at all. Red light therapy is noninvasive and does not involve needles, medication, electrical stimulation, or manual pressure.
Afterward, you can usually return to your normal daily activities immediately.
Is Red Light Therapy the Same as Heat Therapy?
No. Although some people notice gentle warmth during a session, photobiomodulation is designed to produce its effects primarily through light rather than significant tissue heating. FDA guidance describes PBM devices as delivering a non-heating dose of light energy.
Traditional heat treatments, such as heating pads or warm towels, primarily work by increasing tissue temperature. Red light therapy uses selected wavelengths of light to influence biological activity at the cellular level.
Both approaches may be useful in a recovery program, but they do not work in exactly the same way.
Can Red Light Therapy Be Combined With Physical Therapy?
Red light therapy may be used alongside physical therapy as part of a broader recovery plan.
For example, a therapist may recommend combining it with:
Therapeutic exercise
Mobility and flexibility training
Manual therapy
Massage therapy
Dry needling
Shockwave therapy
Strength and conditioning
A personalized home-exercise program
It is important to understand that red light therapy does not replace movement, strengthening, medical evaluation, or skilled rehabilitation. It is best viewed as a complementary service that may support recovery while you continue addressing the underlying cause of pain or limited function.
How Many Sessions Are Needed?
There is no universal treatment schedule that works for everyone.
Some people use red light therapy occasionally after strenuous activity, while others incorporate it into a more consistent recovery or wellness routine. The appropriate frequency depends on your goals, the area being treated, the device settings, and your response to treatment.
Because photobiomodulation may have a dose-dependent response, more exposure is not necessarily better. Following the recommended treatment duration and frequency is important.
Is Red Light Therapy Safe?
Red light therapy is generally considered noninvasive and is often well tolerated when an appropriate device and treatment protocol are used. However, it may not be suitable for everyone.
Before beginning treatment, tell your therapist or healthcare provider if you:
Take medication that increases sensitivity to light
Have a condition that causes photosensitivity
Have an active cancer or suspicious skin lesion in the treatment area
Are pregnant
Have significant loss of sensation
Recently had surgery or another medical procedure
Have been advised to avoid light-based treatments
Have an eye condition or concerns about light exposure
Protective eyewear may be recommended depending on the device, treatment area, and manufacturer’s instructions.
Red light therapy should not be used to delay evaluation of persistent pain, unexplained swelling, weakness, numbness, a new injury, or another concerning symptom.
Is Red Light Therapy Right for You?
Red light therapy may be worth considering if you are looking for a comfortable, noninvasive addition to your recovery or wellness routine.
The most effective approach depends on your individual needs. A physical therapist can help determine whether red light therapy makes sense as a stand-alone wellness service or as an addition to a broader rehabilitation plan.
Experience Red Light Therapy at Pritchette Physical Therapy
Pritchette Physical Therapy offers red and near-infrared light therapy for patients, athletes, active adults, and wellness clients in Ahwatukee and the surrounding Phoenix community.
Our team can help you determine how red light therapy may fit into your recovery, rehabilitation, or wellness goals.
Contact Pritchette Physical Therapy at 480-785-5415 today to learn more or schedule your red light therapy session.