What Are The Benefits of Red Light Therapy?

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

Increased circulation. Better nerve sensitivity. Reduced pain. These are just some of the benefits of red light therapy. Unfortunately, they are also the needs of millions of people. Those with diabetes. Those suffering from peripheral neuropathy. Those with chronic pain.

Poor sensation in the toes or feet is usually caused by a lack of blood supply or nerve damage. This condition can be symptomatic of a large number of diseases, disorders, or conditions that hamper blood flow (circulation) or cause injury to the nerves. This loss of sensation can be in one foot (unilateral) or both feet (bilateral). This condition almost always progressively worsens if not handled properly, and will never completely disappear.  At best, it can only be managed. So, what are the benefits of red light therapy, how can red light therapy help you?

Red Light Therapy Increases Circulation

As the infographic below illustrates, the key to both decreasing pain and increasing sensation is to increase circulation. One of the easiest and non-invasive ways to improve circulation is by using red light therapy.  The diodes in the red light therapy device release photons of light of specific wavelength and intensity, which penetrate deep into the body and trigger a cascade of beneficial chemical reactions, especially the instant release of nitric oxide. This is one of the biggest benefits of using red light therapy.

Nitric oxide is the human body’s natural vasodilator, instantaneously widening the blood vessels and capillaries and allowing for improved circulation in the local area under the NIR Light Therapy pad. This improved blood flow brings nutrient-rich and oxygen-rich blood into the nerves and other tissues, which reduces pain.  This increased flow of blood helps the body to operate in a state of homeostasis, or a stable equilibrium of physical and chemical conditions, thereby promoting optimal functioning where circulation is increased and pain is reduced.

Nitric oxide is also a messenger molecule that helps kick start the body’s own natural healing ability.  Nerves become healthier and begin to fire more normally. And over time, nerves are able to transmit sensation again. So, by increasing the production of nitric oxide, NIR Light Therapy increases circulation, speeds healing, and relieves pain.  And, as nerves heal and sensation is increased, balance is improved and falls reduce. This boost in local circulation and pain reduction produced by a twenty-minute NIR Light Therapy session can last for several hours after the treatment concludes.

Benefits of Red Light Therapy Infographic

This easy-to-understand infographic above illustrates the benefits of Light Therapy for increased circulation and pain reduction. The right half of the wheel tells how Light Therapy works, while the left half of the wheel illustrates the life-changing improvements that using Light Therapy can bring to you and those you love.

Start clockwise at the top right yellow segment, “Photon energy releases Nitric Oxide,” and by the time you reach the last dark blue segment at the top left, “Reduction in falls that are caused by lack of sensation,” you should have a good basic understanding of how Light Therapy works its magic within the body.  This infographic is based on the solid science of thousands of peer-reviewed studies over the last several decades that prove how effective Light Therapy is in supporting the human body’s innate healing capabilities.

The Many Benefits of Red Light Therapy

In addition to all the important benefits of red light therapy listed on this infographic — the reduction of pain and discomfort which leads to improved sleep, tissue healing, and healthier nerves firing more normally that eventually increase sensation — Red Light Therapy offers many advantages when compared to other types of treatment.

List of the benefits of red light therapy:

• Non-invasive and Painless: Near-infrared LED light therapy is a non-invasive and painless treatment option. It does not require any incisions or injections, making it a comfortable and well-tolerated choice for individuals seeking alternative therapies.
• Versatile Application: One of the notable advantages of red light therapy is its ability to be used on any area of the body (except the eyes). Whether you’re targeting joint pain, muscle soreness, skin conditions, or other specific areas, near-infrared light therapy can be applied directly to the desired location.
• All-natural Alternative: Red light therapy provides an all-natural alternative to costly and potentially addictive drugs. Instead of relying solely on medication to manage pain or other conditions, individuals can explore the benefits of near-infrared light therapy as a drug-free option.
• Non-surgical Alternative: For individuals considering expensive and painful surgical procedures, Red light therapy offers a non-surgical alternative. It can provide relief and promote healing without the need for invasive interventions, reducing the associated risks and downtime.
• Simple and effective: Red light therapy is a simple yet highly effective treatment modality. It involves using LED light devices that emit near-infrared wavelengths, which penetrate the skin and stimulate cellular processes. The treatment can be easily incorporated into daily routines and is known for its effectiveness in various applications.
• Simultaneous Treatment of Multiple Areas: Red light therapy allows for the simultaneous treatment of different areas of the body using multiple pads. This feature enhances convenience and efficiency, as multiple regions can be addressed simultaneously during a single session.
• Self-administration at Home: Near-infrared LED light therapy is user-friendly and can be self-administered in the comfort of one’s own home. This accessibility makes it a convenient option for individuals seeking regular treatments without the need for frequent visits to a healthcare professional.
• Multimodal Integration: Red light therapy can be used in conjunction with other therapies such as chiropractic, massage, physical therapy, PEMF (Pulsed Electromagnetic Field) therapy, or electrical stimulation. Combining near-infrared light therapy with other modalities can potentially amplify therapeutic results and offer a comprehensive approach to wellness.
• Multi-tasking Comfort: During near-infrared LED light therapy sessions, individuals can comfortably sit or lie down while receiving treatment. This allows for multitasking activities like watching television, listening to music, reading, or talking on the phone, making it a convenient and enjoyable experience.
• Improved Circulation and Pain Reduction: Red light therapy has been shown to increase circulation and reduce pain. The wavelengths of near-infrared light penetrate deep into tissues, promoting vasodilation and enhancing blood flow. Improved circulation can aid in tissue repair, reduce inflammation, and alleviate pain.

Red Light Therapy at Home

If you suffer from a decrease in sensation caused by a lack of circulation in your feet (or hands), or acute or chronic pain anywhere in your body, consider purchasing your own red light therapy devices from HealthLight.  One of the biggest benefits of red light therapy is that it can be performed from the comfort of your home. Owning your own HealthLight system for your convenient use at any time will bring you years of improved circulation and pain relief. Plus:

• The same pad(s) can be used to treat multiple issues affecting different body areas
• One system can be used by the whole family, boosting their health and well-being
• HealthLight Red Light Therapy systems are light-weight and can be easily packed and carried with you when traveling. 

HealthLight offers a wide range of affordable red light therapy devices for every need and pocketbook. HealthLight’s Express At-Home line of easy-to-operate systems is user-friendly, with one-touch operation that runs an automatic twenty-minute program with automatic shut-off. For those seeking to improve circulation in their feet, HealthLight’s 131 Foot & Calf pad covers both the top and bottom of the foot. Their 122 Foot & Ankle pad also covers the top and bottom of the foot plus the Achilles tendon, and partially wraps around the ankle. Both of these pads can be purchased singly, or as a double pad package — allowing both feet to receive treatment at once. For those needing support in other areas, HealthLight’s Large 264 & Long 180 Pad Package can handle almost any therapy need.