What is red light therapy and why I’ve added it to my work

I’ve been using red light therapy within my treatment for a while now and thought I'd share what it's all about. Red light therapy is something people often ask about after seeing it online. Most aren’t sure what it actually does, and a lot are understandably sceptical. That’s fair.

Red light therapy, often shortened to RLT, is a non invasive form of light therapy that uses red and near infrared light applied to the body. You sit or lie comfortably while the light is applied for a short period of time. There’s no pain and very little sensation.

You may also hear it called low level laser therapy or photobiomodulation. These are different names for similar approaches that use light to influence tissue.

What red and infrared light mean

Red light is visible and tends to affect tissue closer to the surface, such as skin and superficial muscle. These wavelengths usually sit between 630nm and 700nm. Near infrared light is invisible. It penetrates deeper into muscle and joint tissue, which is why the two are often used together. In practice, I use both red and near infrared light at the same time.

How red light therapy works, simply

At a basic level, red light therapy works by exposing cells to specific light wavelengths. Certain cells respond to this light in a way that may support energy production and tissue function.

You’ll often hear this explained in terms of mitochondria, sometimes described as the powerhouse of the cell. The short version is that light exposure may help cells produce energy more efficiently, which is why red light therapy is often discussed in relation to recovery and healing.

That’s the science bit. I’ll leave the deep biology to someone else and focus on what seems to help people in real life.

Why people tend to explore it

People usually look into red light therapy for a small number of reasons.

• Ongoing muscle or joint aches

• Slow recovery from exercise or training

• General stiffness or fatigue

• Support alongside hands on treatment

I want to be clear here. Red light therapy isn’t a cure and it isn’t essential. Some people notice a difference. Others don’t. Both responses are normal.

How I use it in practice

I don’t see red light therapy as a replacement for massage. It doesn’t change movement patterns, workload, or the reasons pain developed in the first place. I use it as optional support.

For some clients, especially those dealing with long standing issues, persistent tension, or slow recovery, adding red light therapy alongside massage seems to help things settle more effectively. It’s gentle, low effort, and easy to tolerate, which is why some people like it.

What it may help with

Based on current understanding and how it’s commonly used, red light therapy is often explored for:

• Supporting muscle and joint recovery

• Reducing inflammation linked to pain or stiffness

• Helping tissue cope better with load

• Supporting skin and soft tissue health

It’s not a quick fix and it won’t suit everyone. I’m open about that.

Who it may suit

• People managing long term aches or stiffness

• People who struggle to recover between sessions

• People wanting something gentle alongside massage

• People curious but cautious

Who it’s probably not for

• People expecting instant results

• People wanting a passive fix without addressing load or habits

• People who only want hands on treatment

Safety

Red light therapy is generally considered safe when used appropriately. If you’re taking photosensitising medication or have a medical condition you’re unsure about, it’s sensible to check with your GP or healthcare provider first.

Trying red light therapy at home

If you’re curious to try red light therapy at home, I share a discount code for a system I trust and have used myself. There’s no pressure to buy. It’s simply there if you want to explore it further. Save 10% using code: JAMES10 here at Red Light Rising*.

If you’d like to try red light therapy as part of your massage treatment, you can book your session here.

*Affiliate disclosure

If you choose to use the link, I may receive a small commission. This does not change the price you pay.