Red Light Therapy: A Powerful Ally in Healing and Recovery

By Candace Seabolt, SPTA

At FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Centers, we are committed to offering research-backed treatment options that support your recovery and improve your quality of life. One tool that has gained attention in recent years is red light therapy, also known as low-level laser therapy (LLLT) or photobiomodulation. 

This blog will explore what red light therapy is, how it works, what conditions it may help, and what current research says about its effectiveness in physical therapy.

What Is Red Light Therapy? 

Red light therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses specific wavelengths of red and near-infrared light to stimulate healing within the body. These wavelengths typically range from 600 to 1000 nanometers and are absorbed into the skin and underlying tissues. The treatment is painless, safe, and free from the risks associated with UV light exposure. 

During a typical session, light is delivered to the body using LED panels or laser devices. Sessions usually last between 10 and 20 minutes. Most patients report feeling a slight warmth but no discomfort.

How Red Light Therapy Works

The primary mechanism behind red light therapy is the stimulation of the mitochondria in your cells. Mitochondria are responsible for producing adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which is the energy your cells use to function and repair. When the cells absorb red or near-infrared light, ATP production increases. 

This increase in energy can improve the body’s ability to repair damaged tissues and reduce inflammation. Red light therapy has also been shown to improve blood flow, reduce oxidative stress, and increase collagen production, all of which contribute to faster and more effective healing.

Conditions That May Benefit from Red Light Therapy 

Red light therapy may support recovery from a variety of musculoskeletal and neurological conditions commonly treated in physical therapy. 

• Arthritis and Joint Pain – For individuals dealing with chronic joint inflammation, red light therapy may help decrease pain and stiffness, particularly in conditions such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. 
• Soft Tissue Injuries – Muscle strains, ligament sprains, and overuse injuries may respond well to red light therapy. By enhancing circulation and reducing inflammation, the body is better able to heal soft tissue damage. 
• Tendon and Ligament – Healing Tendons and ligaments often heal slowly due to limited blood supply. Red light therapy has shown promise in improving healing outcomes in these structures by encouraging cellular repair. 
• Peripheral Neuropathy – Symptoms such as tingling, numbness, or burning sensations may result from peripheral neuropathy, which is common in people with diabetes or those undergoing chemotherapy. Red light therapy has been shown to reduce these symptoms and may even aid in nerve regeneration. 
• Post-Surgical Recovery – Patients recovering from orthopedic surgeries may benefit from red light therapy, which can help manage post-operative pain, reduce swelling, and promote tissue regeneration. 
• Wound Healing – While not always used in traditional PT clinics, red light therapy can also aid in the healing of chronic wounds, especially in individuals with slow or compromised healing due to underlying conditions.

What the Research Says 

Red light therapy is supported by a growing body of research, particularly in areas relevant to rehabilitation and musculoskeletal care. Below are some examples of studies that support its use. 

In a 2020 meta-analysis published in Lasers in Medical Science, researchers found that low-level laser therapy significantly reduced pain and improved joint function in patients with both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. These effects were especially noticeable in the knees, a joint commonly treated in physical therapy (Baltzer et al., 2020). 

A 2015 review in the Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology B: Biology evaluated the effects of red light therapy on musculoskeletal pain. The authors concluded that red light therapy reduces inflammation and encourages tissue regeneration in conditions such as muscle strains, tendonitis, and back pain (Cotler et al., 2015). 

A 2021 systematic review published in Pain and Therapy examined the use of red light therapy for peripheral neuropathy. The findings indicated that red light therapy improved nerve regeneration and significantly reduced symptoms such as burning and tingling, particularly in cases of diabetic or chemotherapy-induced neuropathy (de Oliveira et al., 2021).

What to Expect During a Session 

Red light therapy is generally a simple and comfortable process. You may be seated or lying down, depending on the area being treated. The therapist will place a red light or laser device over the affected region, and you will sit or rest quietly while the treatment takes place. There is no downtime or recovery period, and you can continue with your physical therapy session or daily activities immediately afterward. 

Treatment frequency will vary based on the condition being addressed and your individual response. Some patients notice improvement after just a few sessions, while others benefit most from several weeks of consistent treatment.

Is Red Light Therapy Right for You? 

Red light therapy is not a replacement for traditional physical therapy, but it can be a powerful complement to your treatment plan. If you are recovering from an injury, experiencing chronic pain, or dealing with slow-healing tissues, red light therapy may help enhance your recovery. 

At FYZICAL, our therapists take the time to evaluate whether red light therapy is appropriate for your goals and medical condition. We consider your full history, assess your symptoms, and tailor each treatment plan based on what will be most effective for you.

Interested in Learning More? 

Our goal at FYZICAL is to help you feel better, move better, and live better. If you are curious about whether red light therapy could be a good addition to your recovery, speak with your therapist during your next visit. We are happy to answer your questions and guide you toward the most effective treatment options available.

References 

Baltzer, A. W., Ostapczuk, M. S., Stosch, D., Seidel, F., & Stosch, K. (2020). Low-level laser therapy for osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis: A meta-analysis. Lasers in Medical Science, 35(4), 987–994. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10103-019-02930-3 

Cotler, H. B., Chow, R. T., Hamblin, M. R., & Carroll, J. (2015). The use of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) for musculoskeletal pain. Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology B: Biology, 149, 275–289. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jphotobiol.2014.07.008 

de Oliveira, M. C. S., de Freitas, R. P., de Paula Eduardo, C., & Ribeiro, M. S. (2021). Photobiomodulation therapy for the management of peripheral neuropathy: A systematic review. Pain and Therapy, 10(1), 465–484. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40122-021-00249-7