Red light therapy, also known as low-level laser therapy (LLLT) or photobiomodulation, involves the use of red light (or near-infrared light) for therapeutic benefits on the body. Red light therapy can be administered through a laser that emits light in the red light spectrum on an injured body part or through a red light LED shone on the body.
Research shows that light in the red and near-infrared spectrum has many benefits on the body, and specific wavelengths ranging from 620 nanometers (nm) to around 1000nm in length penetrate deeply into bodily tissues and are well-absorbed by the body. This range constitutes only a small slice of the electromagnetic spectrum, compared to the visible light spectrum.
Full-spectrum light, emitted by sources like the sun and lightbulbs, consists of light in all spectra of visible light, while red light therapy devices emit light only in the therapeutic range. Near-infrared light at around 800–1000nm is invisible to the naked eye, but it’s included in the red light therapy range because of its health benefits.
Red light therapy works by stimulating ATP production in the body. Red light has a greater penetration depth compared to other forms of light, such as UV, blue, green, or longer infrared wavelengths, enabling it to reach deeper bodily tissues. This deep-tissue penetration allows red light therapy to have a systemic effect on the human body, improving mitochondrial function and enhancing overall body health.
Red light therapy devices can emit very specific light wavelengths, such as 630nm or 670nm, to maximize absorption by mitochondria. Traditional bulbs, such as incandescent or halogen, use many wavelengths that do not have any proven therapeutic effects. For optimal benefits, it’s important to choose wavelengths that are therapeutically effective.
source
