Red Light Therapy (RL)

RLT works by delivering photons to cells. In each of our cells we have specialized energy-producing organelles called the mitochondria. These mitochondria are responsible for producing a substance called adenosine triphosphate (ATP). ATP is the currency of the body, and every single physical function carried out by the body is dependent on ATP. 

A few signs of poor mitochondrial function are as follows:

• Overall function: fatigue, chronic inflammation, autoimmunity, poor wound healing, insomnia

• Brain: memory loss, brain fog, anxiety, depression, ADD, bipolar, schizophrenia

• Muscles: chronic pain, stiffness, poor recovery after exercise 

• Digestive tract: gas, bloating, constipation, discomfort

• Joints: pain, stiffness, arthritis

When mitochondria are suboptimal in quantity or quality, cells lose their ability to heal and repair and function at full capacity.  RL/NIR therapy can help mitochondrial function by enhancing ATP production. Although the mechanisms of how this works are still being investigated, it is believed that ATP production is enhanced through the absorption of photons through specialized molecules called chromophores. When these chromophores absorb photons, they trigger a chain reaction that activates multiple important functions:

• Increased production of ATP

• Increased cell survival of healthy cells

• Increased apoptosis (programmed cell death) of unhealthy cells

• Improved wound healing

• Reduced oxidative stress (that leads to degeneration, aging, and illness)

• Reduced inflammation

Every device is different. Some devices offer only one wavelength, but ours offers six different wavelengths that emit light simultaneously. These wavelengths are as follows:

• 590 nm (yellow light spectrum). Although this is not technically in the red light spectrum, it still offers several benefits relating to skin health and rejuvenation. It supports circulation and collagen production and helps with tone and pigmentation. It has also been shown to have nervous system calming effects. 

• 630 nm (RL spectrum). Stimulates collagen production and promotes skin rejuvenation and repair. It can help with wound healing, wrinkles, fine lines, and acne. Other potential benefits include improved hair growth.

• 660 nm (RL spectrum). Improves cellular energy by stimulating the mitochondria, increasing ATP production, and improving cellular activity. Improves muscle repair and recovery, making it beneficial for athletes and people with chronic muscle pain. Improves pain and stiffness in joints.  Boosts metabolism. Stimulates collagen production and promotes skin repair. May improve mental health and fatigue by boosting antioxidant production.

• 810 nm (NIR spectrum). Promotes neurological health, tissue repair (especially nerves), and circulation. Has been shown to help with traumatic brain injury and post-stroke cognition. Decreases inflammation and chronic pain in muscles and joints.

• 830 nm (NIR spectrum). Accelerates wound healing and decreases scar formation. Improves pain in soft tissue and nerve injuries, including post-herpetic neruralgia. Can help reduce inflammation in the muscles and joints and help with musculoskeletal injuries. Improves athletic recovery. Because it can penetrate the skull and reach the brain it can help with mental health and cognitive function. 

• 850 nm (near-infrared or NIR). This wavelength penetrates more deeply than wavelengths within the red light spectrum (620-750 nm) and can help accelerate healing of muscles, joints, tendons, and ligaments, including post-workout recovery. It also helps promote healing by increasing blood flow and enhancing nutrient and oxygen delivery to cells. Can improve cognition, memory, and mental health.

The difference between the red light (RL) and near-infrared light (NIR) comes down to the differences in wavelengths. RL wavelengths are shorter and have more shallow penetration, while NIR wavelengths are longer and tend to penetrate more deeply. When varying wavelengths of each type pass through the skin simultaneously, the photons will travel together and have a synergistic effect on the area. By combining five different wavelengths (590 nm, 630 nm, 660 nm, 810 nm, 830 nm and 850 nm) the photons work together and scatter in the skin, increasing effectiveness. 

• Red light (620–700 nm): Penetrates up to ~5mm into the skin, great for surface-level issues (skin, wrinkles, wounds).

• Near-infrared light (700–850+ nm): Penetrates deeper (up to 2 inches), better for muscles, joints, and inflammation.

Commonly supported benefits include:

• Reduced inflammation and pain

• Improved skin health (acne, wrinkles, scars)

• Faster muscle recovery and wound healing

• Enhanced collagen production

• Improved sleep and mood

• Hair regrowth (especially in androgenetic alopecia)

• Improved mental function

It can help with inflammation via multiple pathways:

• Improved ATP production. When ATP production is strong, our cells have the energy they need to heal, repair, and clear out the toxins and debris that can accumulate with daily wear and tear. 

• Decreased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. These are oxygen-containing molecules that are highly reactive and cause damage to cells. This damage can target proteins, lipids, and DNA and they can even cause cell death. ROS are created as part of the normal mitochondrial process, but when the mitochondria aren’t healthy they will produce an abundance of ROS that contribute to pain and further cellular damage. 

• Improved nitric oxide (NO) release. Nitric Oxide plays a major role in blood flow and inflammation. It signals to the blood vessels to dilate, and this vasodilation leads to increased blood flow. When the blood flow is increased, cells have a greater delivery of oxygen and nutrients needed for optimal function. Improved blood flow also improves the cells’ ability to clear out cellular toxins and debris. When released in appropriate amounts, NO can balance the immune system and decrease the chemicals that lead to chronic inflammation, 

• Reduced inflammatory chemicals. Studies show that light therapy can help reduce pro-inflammatory cytokines (like IL-6 and TNF-alpha), which are molecules your body releases when it’s hurt or under stress. This lowers inflammation at the cellular level.

• Reduced pain signaling. Studies suggest RLT may reduce the transmission of pain signals by calming overactive nerves and possibly increasing the body’s own production of endorphins and natural painkillers.

• Joint pain and arthritis

• Back and neck pain

• Tendonitis or bursitis

• Post-exercise soreness

• Neuropathy (e.g. from shingles, chemotherapy, or diabetes)

• Autoimmune inflammation

• Chronic generalized pain (e.g. fibromyalgia)

Emerging research shows that RL/NIR can have protective effects on neurons and brain tissue. Because neurons are so susceptible to decreases in mitochondrial function, RL/NIR is a promising, non-invasive way to help with conditions affecting the brain. These include:

• Learning and memory

• Post-stroke cognition

• Traumatic brain injury

• Anoxic brain injury

• Mood and sense of well-being

• Deep, restful sleep

When used correctly. RL/NIR therapy is non-invasive and generally well-tolerated with minimal side effects. It does, however, come with some risks when exposure is intense and prolonged. Some of the risks include the following:

• Retinal damage. For this reason we do provide and require protective eyewear for our patients. 

• Skin irritation and damage. There have been reported cases of blisters and burns with prolonged exposure. If you tend to have fragile, sensitive skin, or are taking any photosensitizing medications, it is best to start with shorter treatments at lower settings to be safe. 

• Although RL/NIR therapy can be helpful for acne, some patients may experience a worsening effect. 

• Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE). While RL/NIR actually help with SLE, it is helpful to keep in mind that some people with SLE are very sensitive to light and can develop a rash after exposure. 

• Photosensitizing medications. Medications (e.g. certain antibiotics, accutane, retinoids) that make you more sensitive to the sun can also make you more sensitive to red light. 

• Melasma/hyperpigmentation. Studies do show that RL/NIR therapy can help with skin pigmentation problems, but in rare instances the opposite can occur.

Certain conditions should be considered contraindications to RL/NIR:

• Recent burns

• Hyperthyroidism (neck and chest therapy only)

• Epilepsy

• Pregnancy (abdomen therapy only)

Some small studies suggest red light therapy may assist in fat loss by affecting fat cells and metabolism, but it's not a standalone weight loss method. More research is needed to confirm long-term effects.

Yes. RL/NIR can improve the quality of skin through several different ways, although visible results often require several weeks of consistent use. It can help improve the skin through multiple mechanisms:

• Reducing acne by decreasing inflammation and bacteria

• Minimizing wrinkles by increasing collagen and elastin

• Improving tone and texture by enhancing blood flow and cellular turnover

The FDA has cleared several red light therapy devices for specific uses like pain relief, wrinkle reduction, and hair growth.

Yes, many home-use red light therapy devices are available and effective if used properly. Clinical treatments typically offer stronger output and larger coverage. Specifications of the light panel used in our clinic are as follows:

• Wavelengths: 590, 630, 660, 810, 830, and 850 nm

• LED count: 600 lens/1200 chip

• Irradiance at six inches: >130 mW/cm2

• Fluence: 3.0 joules/cm2/minute

With our RL/NIR device the maximum treatment time is 20 min.

Frequency depends on the goal, but a common protocol is:

• 3–5 sessions per week for the first month

• 2–3 sessions per week for maintenance Each session typically lasts 10–20 minutes per treatment area.