Selecting Your Light Therapy System

Medically reviewed by Karen Wolters, RN and Joanna Fearnley, LPN

Why not own your own Near Infrared Light Therapy system?  That way you and your family can use it to get pain relief whenever and wherever you want – in the comfort of your own home while relaxing, reading, studying, watching television, or answering emails — or in your hotel room when traveling.

Light Therapy is painless, non-invasive, drug-free, has no known side effects, and can be very easily administered.  So what’s stopping you from taking advantage of Light Therapy’s pain management and natural acceleration of your body’s innate healing processes?  Perhaps only one thing — knowing how to choose the right Light Therapy system.

Choosing the Most Effective Light Therapy System

In order to be easy and effective, a system must:

• Have the correct wavelengths of light
• Deliver the right amount of power density
• Have adequate area coverage for your needs

Your most important priority should be purchasing your system from a reputable manufacturer that is cleared by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA).  FDA-cleared systems meet important safety standards. Be aware that some Light Therapy systems may be of low quality or non-FDA-cleared.  Also watch out for systems that have inadequate power and energy output, or whose designs will limit their therapy applications.

Questions to Ask Before Buying a Red Light Therapy System

Before you make a purchase a red light therapy device, here are some important questions to ask:

• Is this Light Therapy system FDA-cleared?
• Is there a warranty and, if so, how long is the warranty period?
• Is there a repair center?
• Is there a way to repair my system after the warranty expires?
• Is there support if I have any questions in the future?
• Is this system flexible enough to allow for a variety of therapy applications?

All HealthLight devices are cleared by the FDA.  There is a one-year warranty on all Express systems (pads with Express inline controllers) and a two-year warranty on all Clinical systems (3 and 6-port controller systems).  Any needed repairs after the warranty period can be made at our manufacturing facility in Illinois for a reasonable flat rate fee per item.  The turnaround time for repairs is only 3 to 5 business days (not counting the device’s travel time to and from the repair facility), so you will not have to wait long for your Light Therapy system to return to you.

Choosing the Right Red Light Therapy Pads

A general rule is that to be most effective, the pad(s) in your system should cover the entire body area where pain relief and increased circulation are needed. For example, a large pad would be best if you need Light Therapy over your back, knee, or shoulder.  A long thin pad can be wrapped around a joint, hand, or wrist.  A medium-sized rectangular pad might be sufficient if you require therapy on your lower back. A small, square pad would be adequate for applying Light Therapy at the back of your neck, or over your wrist, your TMJ area, or other smaller, localized area.  And if you are one of millions who suffer from foot and leg pain, pads in a boot-like shape would be your best pick to cover the calf and foot at one time.

Be sure to choose pads that are not only comfortable but also flexible, for pad flexibility allows versatility — being able to use one pad for therapy on many parts of the body.  In the HealthLight catalog, the Large 264 Pad offers flexibility, versatility, and large area coverage. For therapy on bigger areas such as the back, spine, shoulder, or hip, the Large 264 Pad is an excellent choice.  And it can also be wrapped around a knee, ankle, or wrist. HealthLight’s Long 180 Pad is extremely well suited for use on hands and feet, as it can be folded over for either a mitt or slipper-like effect, sending Near-Infrared light to both sides of the hand or foot at once.  HealthLight’s Foot and Ankle 122 Pad is excellent for increasing circulation and bringing relief to those with various types of leg and foot pain.

HealthLight Express Controller Systems — Perfect for Home Use

A Light Therapy system usually has two types of components: a pad containing near infrared/red emitting diodes, and a separate electronic controller that powers the pad(s).  But HealthLight‘s Express Controller Systems offer in-line controllers, which are controllers that are attached to the the power supply for the pads. Since the controller is attached, it will not be lost or forgotten. HealthLight’s very affordable Express Controller Systems are user-friendly, with one-touch operation that runs a twenty-minute program and then alerts you to the automatic shut-off by a beep. HealthLight offers their Express Controllers with both one-pad and two-pad configurations, as one controller is able to operate two pads at once. The new Express In-Line Controller System’s Long 180 & Large 264 Combo Pad Multi-use System can handle almost any therapy need.

Selecting a System with a Separate Controller

If you do desire to have more comprehensive therapy sessions utilizing three or more pads simultaneously, you might consider investing in a system that has a separate controller that can power more pads at one time. Controllers usually have two  to six ports, with each port operating a single pad. Just make sure you determine exactly how many pads you want to use simultaneously, and purchase a controller with enough ports. HealthLight offers 3 and 6-port controller systems that pair with their Clinical Therapy Pads. HealthLight’s Clinical Therapy Pads all come with a two year warranty.

Make the Purchase for You and Your Family

Bringing a Light Therapy system into your home will be a big boost to the health and well being of your entire family.  Having Light Therapy immediately available will bring years of effective relief from pain and poor circulation. HealthLight offers a wide range of in-home systems for your needs and pocketbook.