In the fitness and health world, new alternative methods to recovery are constantly being released and improved upon—from the best cold plunge tubs to the best acupressure mats, and everything in-between. Some are simply fads, while others have been shown to produce results.
Here, I’m going to cover one of the latest biohacking products to gain momentum in the market: The best red light therapy devices. The team at Garage Gym Reviews has tried out top brands and different light therapy treatments to bring you a well-rounded list of top products to fulfill your needs for muscle recovery and skin care—along with some benefits you may not know about yet.
With our team of certified personal trainers, CrossFit Level 1 instructors, weightlifting coaches, and athletes, we’ve tested these at-home devices looking for their effectiveness, ease of use, and overall value.
As an Olympian and internationally competitive weightlifter, I have used red light therapy for the past year in my recovery. I’ll go over my experience with these red light therapy devices, as well as the results found by the rest of our fitness experts. Along with the effectiveness, we looked at other factors, including light intensity (irradiance), frequency (wavelength), ease of use, and overall value.
So with that said, let’s dive into the finer points of phototherapy and these devices.
The Best Red Light Therapy Devices
- Best Red Light Therapy Device Overall – Hooga HG300 Red Light Therapy for Face & Body
- Best Red Light Therapy Sauna – Heavenly Heat 2 Person Red Light Therapy Infrared Sauna
- Best Red Light Therapy Device with Other Lights – Megelin LED Light Therapy Machine
- Best Red Light Therapy Wrap – LifePro AllevaRed Light Therapy Belt
- Best Deep Tissue Red Light Therapy – Kineon MOVE+ Pro LED & Laser
- Best Red Light Therapy for Face – Therabody TheraFace Pro
Current Top Deals
- Megelin LED Light Therapy Machine – Save 54% for a limited time
- LifePro AllevaRed Light Therapy Belt – $85 off for a limited time
- Kineon MOVE+ Pro LED & Laser – Save 40% for a limited time
Best Red Light Therapy Device Overall: Hooga Red Light Therapy Panel
Good for: Those wanting a versatile panel for a variety of treatment areas
The Hooga HG300 is an affordable option for at-home red light/near infrared light therapy. Since it is a whole body device and not focused on a body part it will require safety goggles. You also have to adjust your positioning to treat different body parts. Most customers were satisfied with the device and thought it was effective. If you’re one of the customers that doesn’t like the device they have a 60-day period for full refunds when purchased from their site.
What our tester says:
“At $170, this panel is very versatile and feels high quality. Depending on what you are hoping to get out of it, I think it’s a reasonable value compared to similar products.”
Red light therapy panels can come in all shapes and sizes, with some freestanding or wall-mounted panels being as tall as some users. However, a more compact panel can provide a bit more versatility, which is why we chose the Hooga Red Light Therapy Panel as our pick for the best overall red light therapy machine.
At just over 12 inches tall and 8 inches wide, the Hooga panel was easy and versatile to use according to former GGR Editor Frieda Johnson, NASM-CNC, ISSA-SET. “Being a panel, it’s easy to use for any area of the body,” she says, adding, “It also has three different settings for treatment times, as well as the ability to use just the red light or the infrared light independently or together.” The panel also has a hanger for easy storage and more versatility. She rates the ease of use a 5 out of 5.
The panel has a total of 60 LED lights, alternating between red and infrared lights in a 1:1 ratio. The type of lighting earns a 5 out of 5 for having both light frequencies available.
However, the irradiance, like all red light therapy devices, varies depending on the distance from the light-emitting diodes. On the panel’s surface, the brand says there is much more than 100 milliwatts per square centimeter, although it drops to 73 milliwatts per square centimeter from about 6 inches away. That level of irradiance isn’t ideal for deep tissue relief, earning it a 3 out of 5.
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Frieda says that the panel felt good while in use, but she didn’t feel any long-term improvement from it. “My husband used it more regularly over the course of a month and had a similar experience,” she explains. “He felt it helped soothe muscle and joint pain while it was in use, and for a little while afterward. It still didn’t have the lasting effects of the similar, infrared-light-only device my husband typically uses, though.” She rates the effectiveness a 3.5 out of 5.
Still, for a versatile red light therapy panel, the Hooga panel is a good choice, and at an affordable price of $199. Plus, if the smaller panel isn’t to your liking, there is an array of different panel sizes available.
| Price | $199 |
| Type of device | RLT panel |
| Irradiance | 73 mW/cm2 at 6” |
| Type of lighting | Red light, near-infrared light |
| Number of LEDs | 60 |
| Warranty | 3 years |
| FDA approved? | No |
Best Red Light Therapy Sauna: Heavenly Heat 2-Person Red Light Therapy Infrared Sauna
Good for: People wanting a complete light therapy experience in their sauna
The Heavenly Heat 2-Person Red Light Therapy Infrared Sauna combines a sauna, red light therapy, and grounding into one. It’s not cheap, but it uses premium materials and provides more benefits than your average sauna.
Best Red Light Therapy Device with Other Lights: Megelin Red Light Therapy Machine
Good for: Anyone wanting phototherapy using a broad array of LED lights
The Megelin LED light therapy machine includes seven different wavelengths of light, each with a different benefit. This machine was designed primarily to improve the health of skin; however, it can also be used on other parts of the body to reduce inflammation and pain. Customer reviews were generally positive and people noted improvements in the appearance of their skin. Still, there were complaints about the quality of the customer service when there were issues.
What our tester says:
“This machine is great. It’s a pretty big panel that I can easily fit over my head, arms, or legs – it’s a little too narrow for my torso, but fine for anything else.”
Red light and near-infrared light therapy run on specific wavelengths; for different wavelengths of light, we recommend the Megelin Red Light Therapy Machine. This machine not only projects red and infrared lights, but can also use other color light therapies: Blue, yellow, green, cyan, purple, and white light.
While LED chromotherapy still needs more research and studies, recent reviews4 show different colors showing promise in wound-healing and treating some psychiatric diseases.
The Megelin machine is a rounded panel unit that’s freestanding; simply set your head, arm, or leg under the unit and turn on the machine. “This thing is great,” says GGR Senior Staff Writer Matt Dustin, CSCS, PN1-NC, after testing out the red light therapy machine. “The panel’s big enough for me to fit over my head, arms, or legs, but a little too narrow for my torso.” He rates the coverage and use of the Megelin Red Light Therapy Machine a 4 out of 5.
Its irradiance is stated at 40 milliwatts per square centimeter, which is on the lower end of irradiance, earning it a 3 out of 5. This level of irradiance is best for surface-level recovery, notably skin health.
Matt has mostly been trying it out for skin blemishes and anti-aging benefits, and rates the effectiveness a 4 out of 5. “I think I see benefits, but it’s hard to say,” he explains. “I believe I see improvements, but it’s hard to measure small differences from one day to another.”
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The machine costs nearly $300, but Matt was able to get it on sale for $160. He rates the value a 4 out of 5, though, as at the sale price, it’s a pretty good value. Despite its lackluster warranty of one year, the lower price and multiple lighting options make this a solid option for red light therapy.
| Price | $299 |
| Type of device | RLT panel machine |
| Irradiance | 40 mW/cm2 |
| Type of lighting | 7 different colors and near-infrared light therapy |
| Number of LEDs | 287 |
| Warranty | 1 year |
| FDA approved? | No, but it is FDA cleared* |
*We detail the differences between “FDA approved” and “FDA cleared” a little later in the article.
Best Red Light Therapy Wrap: LifePro AllevaRed Light Therapy Belt
Good for: Those looking for a large wrap to target large muscles and joints
The LifePro Red Light Therapy Belt is designed to help improve your recovery. The belt’s circumference ranges from 8 to 43 inches so it can be used on various parts of the body. Customer reviews generally found it helpful. However, multiple customers had issues with the belt malfunctioning within a year of ownership. They also had difficulty reaching customer service to use the lifetime warranty.
What our tester says:
“This has been great for my lower back pain, but I haven’t really used it anywhere else because my lower back is all I can really put it on effectively.”
The LifePro Red Light Therapy Belt is a 49-inch-long red light therapy wrap capable of treating large areas—the back, legs, and arms. Using a combination of red and near-infrared light, this wrap is great for deep tissue pain relief; while it’s not a full-body treatment, it can be pretty close.
Certified Personal Trainer and GGR Senior Director of Content Kate Meier says the wrap is great for her back. “It’s big, thick, and easy to apply with massive coverage,” she notes, adding, “But almost too much. It’s great for your back, core, and legs, but it’s harder to laser a small area like a wrist or an ankle.” She rates the coverage and ease of use both at a solid 4 out of 5. Larger users may prefer this, but may struggle with smaller joints.
The irradiance of the red light therapy belt isn’t disclosed, but another good indicator of the power output is the device’s wattage. A unique feature of the LifePro belt is that it has five levels of intensity, maxing out at 16 watts from each LED light, earning it a 4 out of 5 for its irradiance—or, in this case, its wattage.
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Kate rates the effectiveness of the wrap a 4 out of 5, as well. She explains, “This has been great for my lower back pain, but I haven’t really used it anywhere else because my lower back is all I can really put it on effectively.” Kate adds, “I don’t know if I can totally attribute it to the device, as I also do a lot of stretching and rehab exercises; but I do think it’s a good complement to what I do.”
Because it’s a less versatile wrap, Kate rates the value a 3 out of 5. Still, for larger areas and your choice of intensity, this is a solid red light therapy wrap for around $275, though you can often find it on sale for under $200.
RELATED: LifePro Coupon Code
| Price | $274.99 |
| Type of device | RLT wrap |
| Irradiance | Not disclosed |
| Type of lighting | Deep red light, near-infrared light |
| Number of LEDs | N/A |
| Warranty | Lifetime |
| FDA approved? | FDA cleared |
Best Deep Tissue Red Light Therapy: Kineon MOVE+ Pro
Good for: Those who are looking to target joint and muscle aches
The Kineon MOVE+ Pro is a light therapy device designed to decrease your joint pain. It uses 3 light emitting modules that are inserted into an adjustable strap. Many customers experienced pain relief using the device. However, some did not see results. You can try the device at home for 30 days, if it doesn’t help your pain you can get a refund.
What our tester says:
“This isn’t cheap, however, I think it’s totally worth it. Our chiropractor has this and uses this on patients, and it’s for a reason! We saw benefits and we continue to use this every week. It’s an investment, but a worthwhile one.”
Looking to relieve some specific aches and pains? The MOVE+ Pro from Kineon uses small modules to pinpoint targeted areas. The near-infrared light therapy can penetrate 5 to 6 centimeters, which will get deep into muscles and joints for recovery.
GGR Director of Content Kate Meier, NASM-CPT, USAW-L1, CF-L1, has used the MOVE+ Pro on a nagging ankle injury; likewise, Jacob Penner, NCSA, USAW-L2, CF-L1, used it to treat an elbow injury from weightlifting. Kate says it helped both of them get over the pain, rating the effectiveness a 5 out of 5.
“We are obsessed with this,” Kate explains. “It really seems to have made a difference with my ankle. I started using the laser, and within a week, I no longer had pain walking.”
“Jacob’s elbow injury included some small ligament tears,” Kate continues. “Not enough for surgery, but enough to sideline him. He has worn this laser almost every day since, and he is back to lifting weights—not as heavy as before, but being able to get back on the barbell within a few weeks was big.”
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The FDA-cleared laser modules have 50 milliwatts of near-infrared light and 80 milliwatts of deep red light, earning it a 4 out of 5 for its irradiance. Kate rates its ease of use a 4 out of 5, as well, since the laser points are easily adjusted and secured by Velcro straps. An added bonus is that the device is wireless; one charge lasts for 24 10-minute sessions.
The main downside is the price, which is about $500 to $700, depending on if it’s on sale or not. Still, Kate says it’s worth it, rating the value a 5 out of 5. “Jacob and I saw benefits and we continue to use this every week. It’s an investment, but a worthwhile one,” she says.
| Price | $699 |
| Type of device | RLT modules |
| Irradiance | 50 mW near-infrared, 80 mW deep red light per module |
| Type of lighting | Near-infrared light, deep red light |
| Number of LEDs | 18 (10 infrared laser diodes, 8 deep red) |
| Warranty | 1 year |
| FDA approved? | FDA cleared |
Best Red Light Therapy for Face: Therabody TheraFace PRO
Good for: People needing help with blemishes, fine lines, and other skin conditions
Therabody TheraFace PRO uses six included attachments to provide both facial massage and facial therapies. According to Therabody, the device can reduce wrinkles around the eyes, relax facial muscles, increase circulation, reduce inflammatory acne, and relieve tension. Hot and cold rings are available for an additional $100. There are a variety of contraindications for each attachment, so check the Therbody website prior to purchasing.
What our tester says:
“I liked the LED red light setting, It felt slightly warm on my face and overall just comforting knowing I was taking care of my skin.”
While we did test most products for their use on muscle recovery, the Therabody Theraface PRO is mostly used for skin care—particularly the face. While it may not compare to the treatments you’d see at a dermatologist’s office, it provides a substantial amount of features for facial health and wellness.
There are three different LED light therapies on the Theraface PRO—red light, near-infrared light, and blue light. Blue light therapy has potential to help treat inflammatory acne breakouts, although a 2021 review3 also notes that more clinical trials should be performed before coming to a definite conclusion.
The Theraface PRO also has percussive technology similar to their Theragun line, but the vibrations won’t go as deep into muscle tissue. The shallower percussion makes the Theraface PRO ideal for skin-surface facial massages. The gun also includes a cold and hot ring, a microcurrent attachment, and a cleansing ring for hydration.
It’s a lot to choose from, but lead reviewer of GGR Everything Lindsay Scheele, CPT, found it easy enough to work with, rating its ease of use a 4 out of 5. She says, “I’d use this right before going to bed, mostly the infrared and microcurrent ring attachments. A session takes about 10 to 15 minutes, and is pretty simple.”
At just over $400, the Theraface PRO earns good value due to its versatility; Lindsay rates the value a 4 out of 5. “The price seems comparable to other red light therapy devices on the market,” she adds.
That said, we weren’t fans of the warranty, with one year’s coverage on the gun and only 90 days on the attachments—it earns a 3 out of 5 from us on its warranty and policies. Also, this isn’t the ideal therapy device for muscle tissue. Still, if you have skin concerns, this might be worth adding to your daily routine.
| Price | $419 |
| Type of device | RLT gun |
| Irradiance | Not disclosed |
| Type of lighting | Red light, infrared light, and blue light therapy |
| Number of LEDs | N/A |
| Warranty | 1 year (device), 90 days (accessories and attachments) |
| FDA approved? | FDA cleared |
Other Red Light Therapy Devices We Tested
Not every red light therapy device we tried made our top list. Here are a couple products worth mentioning that didn’t quite break into our panel.
- NovaaLab Deep Healing Pad: The NovaaLab Deep Healing Pad is a powerful tool, combining red light with infrared light for optimal recovery. I used it to help heal from a knee injury; since then, however, the price has risen quite a bit, which has dropped its value.
- Sunlighten Solo Portable Infrared Sauna: This portable infrared sauna also has chromotherapy options, allowing for red light therapy, along with other lights, as well. While it may be a good portable option for a sauna, we felt it might be tight quarters for larger people.
How We Picked and Tested Red Light Therapy Machines
To construct our list of the best red light therapy devices, our team of fitness experts tried out several top brands in the industry. Being that we all have fitness backgrounds, we looked at red light therapy more for muscle and joint recovery. However, we still tested and made picks that can help with certain skin conditions and anti-aging.
Because we were focused on muscle recovery, we kept our devices to panels, wraps, and guns. Although LED hats are made to prevent hair loss and promote hair growth, we didn’t try any out. The same goes for light therapy masks and LED masks, since these devices solely focus on facial treatments and not so much muscle recovery.
We looked at certain aspects of each red light therapy device according to our fitness equipment testing methodology—including customer service and reviews, as well as policies on warranty, returns, and financing. Here are some other criteria we used to rate and rank our red light therapy devices:
- Irradiance: Does the red light therapy provide enough energy to penetrate into muscles and joints?
- Frequency: Does the RLT device offer a range of wavelengths from the red light and near-infrared part of the light spectrum (about 600 to 850 nanometers)?
- Effectiveness: Does the device work as intended, and did it provide effective results (especially when it comes to muscle recovery)?
- Coverage: How much area can the device treat, and how versatile is its use?
- Ease of use: How easily can you apply the device and begin your red light therapy treatment?
- Value: Does the price match the versatility and effectiveness of the device?
What Is Red Light Therapy?
Red light therapy is a non-invasive treatment using low-level wavelengths of either deep red light or near-infrared light—or often a combination of the two. These frequencies (around 660 and 850 nanometers1, respectively) are supposed to increase activity in the cell’s mitochondria and their production of ATP (adenosine triphosphate), which allows for faster healing and recovery.
Also known as photobiomodulation and low-level laser therapy, modern red light therapy was discovered by NASA in the 1990s2 when astronauts who were studying plants in red and blue light noticed faster healing rates across minor hand cuts after constantly handling the plants under the lights.
With growing research showing benefits in muscle recovery, joint pain relief, and anti-aging, you can find red light therapy at the doctor’s office, health and beauty spas, and dermatology clinics.
RELATED: What Is Red Light Therapy?
Benefits of Red Light Therapy
While it’s not a magical medicine that solves every problem, red light therapy has quite a few benefits, some of which are surprising. Adding it to other recovery methods—using a home sauna, for example—can prove to have several benefits.
Reducing Inflammation
While using a turmeric supplement with a balanced diet can help to ease up chronic inflammation, red light therapy seems to help as well. In particular, a study from 20175 showed that one of the most reproducible benefits of red light therapy is a reduction of inflammation. Not just inflamed muscles, either: The study particularly pointed out a reduction of inflammation in the brain, abdominal fat, wounds and injuries, spinal cord, and lungs, too.
Aiding Muscle Recovery
Red light therapy can prove to be an effective muscle recovery tool, repairing the micro-tears that occur from weight lifting. One review from 20176 that analyzed several randomized control trials and case studies found that deep red and near-infrared light therapy can help heal and regenerate damaged muscle tissue. It went even further and showed that it could also increase the muscle mass gained after training, too.
Providing Pain Relief
As a competitive weightlifter, I deal with chronic pain from overuse injuries, such as tendinitis. Red light therapy can help alleviate chronic joint and tendon pain, as seen in a 2022 study7. In the study, red light therapy treatments didn’t just help with acute and chronic musculoskeletal conditions; they also relieved other pain-related conditions like fibromyalgia, low back pain, and non-specific knee pain.
Speeding Up Wound Healing
Red light therapy—particularly deep red light—has been shown to speed up wound healing, as seen by NASA scientists in the 1990s. The wavelengths help stimulate cells called fibroblasts to form connective tissues. A study from 20238 demonstrated that wound healing was sped up on an in vitro sample of tissue, showing that the same results could happen to an in vivo sample (a living organism).
Helping With Fine Lines and Wrinkles
While it’s not the legendary fountain of youth, red light therapy has been shown to help rejuvenate your skin with certain anti-aging effects, like lessening wrinkles. According to a study from 20209, low-level laser light therapy can be an effective treatment for aging skin, as the fibroblasts stimulated during the treatment also aid in collagen production, a vital component to the elasticity and structural integrity of your skin…and nails, hair, and more.
Treating Skin Conditions
Phototherapy has been shown to be helpful in treating certain skin conditions, such as acne, rosacea, eczema, and psoriasis. In particular, a 2018 study10 had patients with plaque psoriasis clear up between 60% and 100% of their skin after two weekly red light therapy sessions for one month.
Promoting Hair Growth
Photobiomodulation can be an effective tool for hair loss, too, according to a 2021 study from the Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery11. The study found that red light therapy was able to stimulate hair growth in both men and women, meaning RLT may prove to be a safe, non-invasive treatment for those suffering from hair loss or alopecia.
Side Effects of Red Light Therapy
Red light therapy is non-invasive and generally considered a safe practice and treatment. However, there are certain precautions you may want to take to keep it safe.
For one, near-infrared light can produce warmth and heat. Over time, that heat can irritate your skin, or in rare cases, cause blisters or burns. Never use a red light therapy device longer than the recommended time (usually between 10 and 20 minutes), as using it for longer in a single session may increase your chance of skin irritation or burns.
Also, wear eye protection if you’re using an LED face mask or red light therapy bed, as the lights on these devices can irritate your eyes.
Talk to a board-certified dermatologist before using a red light therapy device if you are concerned about skin sensitivity. Also, don’t use red light therapy if you’re pregnant, or if you have a heightened eye sensitivity.
RELATED: Red Light Therapy Dangers
What to Look for in Red Light Therapy Devices
There’s a lot of different devices in the world of chromotherapy, and it can be a hassle to determine exactly what you want or need. To help you out in your search, here are some things to consider before making your red light therapy purchase.
Light Intensity
The irradiance (aka light intensity) of a red light therapy device is a measurement of the light energy your body can receive from a certain distance of the LED lighting. This measurement is typically given in milliwatts per square centimeter. The larger the number, the more power and energy the light can bring, meaning it’ll be easier to penetrate the skin’s surface for deep tissue therapy.
An irradiance of 25 to 120 milliwatts per square centimeter is best for skin treatment, while an irradiance over 120 milliwatts can also penetrate to deeper muscle tissues and joints.
The distance of an irradiance reading is also important, as the irradiance dissipates the farther away from the light it goes. For a light therapy wrap, you’ll want to know the irradiance at 0 inches, since that’s how far the wrap will be while in use. Panels may have several measurements, since you may have it at different distances while in use, depending on the treatment area and purpose.
Finally, irradiance isn’t always disclosed by brands. In that case, wattage is a good indicator of power output. While there aren’t exact numbers, the main thing is that a higher wattage is usually better.
RELATED: What Is Red Light Therapy?
Frequency
Deep red light and invisible near-infrared light are on specific wavelengths: around 660 and 850 nanometers, respectively. Red light doesn’t penetrate as deep as infrared light, so it’s typically used more for surface-level treatments, while infrared light is for deep tissue recovery.
Red light therapy devices can use red light, infrared light, or a combination of the two. We prefer devices that use both. Bonus points if a RLT device has extra features, like intensity levels or the option to use red light or infrared light only.
Red Light Coverage
During your comparison shopping process, you’ll want to think about where you’ll want to apply red light therapy and how well will a device cover your desired treatment area. The size and coverage can vary, from laser-like pinpoints to a full red light therapy bed, which surprisingly looks a lot like a tanning bed. While they can work for in-office use at the doctor’s, these larger options often aren’t a viable option for at-home setups.
Effectiveness
Before you buy, consider some of the benefits I listed in the section above (pain relief, skin treatment, wound healing, etc.). If a brand is claiming its RLT device can treat or cure diseases, I’d say that’s a red flag.
Value
Although red light therapy devices for home use can vary from a couple hundred bucks to $1,000 or more, the bottom line is that they can be pricey. We found that larger devices like full-length panels and light therapy beds can cost thousands of dollars.
Whatever device you choose to go with, make sure it can still fit within your budget. Also, make note of any financing options, or if devices are HSA- or FSA-eligible.
FDA Approved Vs FDA Cleared
Buying a red light therapy device that’s been given the green light by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) should help you feel confident in its effectiveness. Before you go looking for an FDA-approved product, though, it’s important to understand the different classifications of medical devices that the agency uses.
- Class I: These devices offer a low risk of harm to users and can include elastic bandages, exam gloves, and other general medical products.
- Class II: This encompasses moderate-risk medical devices such as insulin pumps, ultrasound machines, and pregnancy test kits. This class accounts for 43% of medical devices, according to the FDA12, and applies to most red light therapy devices.
- Class III: Devices with a higher potential for risk fall into Class III. Think pacemakers and mechanical heart valves.
According to the Journal of the American Medical Association13, Class II devices don’t undergo the rigorous clinical trials required for Class III devices. Instead, these devices go through a 510(k) review, which, according to the journal, “Determines whether the new device is ‘substantially equivalent’ to an existing device.”
Basically, a company has to prove that its device is similar in safety and effectiveness to another device that has already been approved for the market. If the device clears those hurdles, it earns a “cleared” status. This is why red light therapy devices have an “FDA cleared” designation, rather than “FDA approved.”
When shopping for a red light therapy device, it’s best to look for one that is FDA cleared. You might see some that say “FDA registered”—that just means the product is registered with the FDA but has no definitive designation yet.
Intended Use
How do you plan to use your red light therapy device? Different profiles can cater to different goals and uses. Here’s a quick reference for picking the right red light therapy device for your specific needs:
| Goal | Device Type | Ideal Irradiance |
| Wound healing | Red light panel | 15 milliwatts per square centimeter (mW/cm2) |
| Help treat fine lines and wrinkles | Face mask or a wand/gun | 25-120 mW/cm2 |
| Muscle or joint pain | Wrap or belt | 120 mW/cm2 |
Best Red Light Therapy Devices: FAQs
What level of red light therapy is the best?
While frequencies between 630 and 910 nanometers are used for red light and infrared light therapy, the most common frequencies (and also the most effective1) are around 660 nanometers for deep red light and 850 nanometers for near-infrared light.
Are at-home red light therapy devices worth it?
With purported benefits of reducing inflammation, helping with muscle recovery, and even helping with skin conditions, an at-home red light therapy device can be a beneficial product to add to your recovery routine. While it’s not a magical tool that removes all pain, it can definitely help when supplemented with other muscle recovery tools.
What is the most effective red light therapy device?
When it comes to muscle recovery and pain relief, our top choice for a red light therapy device is the Hooga Red Light Therapy Panel. For face and skin treatment, we like the Therabody Theraface PRO.
Are red light therapy devices HSA/FSA-eligible?
Yes, many brands feature red light therapy products that are HSA/FSA-eligible. Check the brand’s website for more information and how to utilize your funds accordingly.
How often should you use red light therapy?
This all depends on the condition being treated. One study7 put the number at three sessions per week for four weeks to help chronic knee pain. Another study10 centered on patients with plaque psoriasis. It found that two 20-minute sessions per week for a month cleared up patients’ skin by 60% to 100%.
References
- Tafur, J., & Mills, P. J. (2008). Low-intensity light therapy: exploring the role of redox mechanisms. Photomedicine and laser surgery, 26(4), 323–328. https://doi.org/10.1089/pho.2007.2184
- NASA research illuminates medical uses of light | NASA spinoff. (n.d.-b). https://spinoff.nasa.gov/NASA-Research-Illuminates-Medical-Uses-of-Light
- Diogo, M. L. G., Campos, T. M., Fonseca, E. S. R., Pavani, C., Horliana, A. C. R. T., Fernandes, K. P. S., Bussadori, S. K., Fantin, F. G. M. M., Leite, D. P. V., Yamamoto, Â. T. A., Navarro, R. S., & Motta, L. J. (2021). Effect of Blue Light on Acne Vulgaris: A Systematic Review. Sensors (Basel, Switzerland), 21(20), 6943. https://doi.org/10.3390/s21206943
- Azeemi, S. T. Y., Rafiq, H. M., Ismail, I., Kazmi, S. R., & Azeemi, A. (2019). The mechanistic basis of chromotherapy: Current knowledge and future perspectives. Complementary therapies in medicine, 46, 217–222. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctim.2019.08.025
- Hamblin M. R. (2017). Mechanisms and applications of the anti-inflammatory effects of photobiomodulation. AIMS biophysics, 4(3), 337–361. https://doi.org/10.3934/biophy.2017.3.337
- Ferraresi, C., Huang, Y. Y., & Hamblin, M. R. (2016). Photobiomodulation in human muscle tissue: an advantage in sports performance?. Journal of biophotonics, 9(11-12), 1273–1299. https://doi.org/10.1002/jbio.201600176
- DE Oliveira, M. F., Johnson, D. S., Demchak, T., Tomazoni, S. S., & Leal-Junior, E. C. (2022). Low-intensity LASER and LED (photobiomodulation therapy) for pain control of the most common musculoskeletal conditions. European journal of physical and rehabilitation medicine, 58(2), 282–289. https://doi.org/10.23736/S1973-9087.21.07236-1
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