Medically reviewed by Karen Wolters, RN.
To help you understand whether red light therapy works—and whether it’s right for you—this guide covers how it works, what it does in the body, its benefits, potential side effects, and how often to use it.
Last medically reviewed: Nov 2025
Quick Summary
Red light therapy works by stimulating mitochondria (your cell’s energy centers) to produce more ATP.
Uses therapeutic wavelengths such as 660 nm (red) and 850 nm (near-infrared).
Shown to help with joint & muscle pain, circulation, inflammation, and tissue repair.
Side effects are usually mild (temporary warmth, redness, or fatigue).
Safe for most people when using FDA-cleared devices correctly.
Not a replacement for medical care, but a supportive therapy.
What Does Red Light Therapy Actually Do?
Red light therapy delivers low-level red (typically around 660 nm) and near-infrared (around 850 nm) light into your tissues. These wavelengths penetrate the skin and activate mitochondria, stimulating cytochrome c oxidase, a key enzyme in cellular energy production.
This process helps cells generate more ATP (cellular energy), which may:
Reduce joint and muscle pain
Improve blood flow and oxygen delivery
Promote skin health and wellness
Because ATP fuels cellular repair mechanisms, red light therapy supports healing at the source — your cells.
Note: Individual results vary depending on the device, wavelength, condition, and consistency of use.
Is Red Light Therapy Legit?
Yes — red light therapy has been studied for over 50 years, with hundreds of peer-reviewed trials. It is commonly used in physical therapy clinics, hospitals, and wellness centers. The key is using clinically validated wavelengths with appropriate energy delivery.
However, results depend on:
device quality
treatment consistency
wavelength accuracy
power density
user’s condition
Red Light Therapy vs. Infrared Therapy
Red light therapy targets external benefits, while infrared therapy penetrates deeper for pain relief and circulation improvement. HealthLight’s therapy pads incorporate both red and near-infrared wavelengths to support a more complete therapeutic response.
Red Light Therapy
Wavelength
620–700 nm
Penetration Depth
Surface tissues
Heat Produced
Minimal
Mechanism
Stimulates mitochondria near the skin
Best For
Wellness
Common Devices
Pads, Panels
Infrared Therapy
Wavelength
700–1000 nm
Penetration Depth
Deep muscles, joints, nerves
Heat Produced
Slight warmth depending on device
Mechanism
Reaches deeper tissues for pain & circulation
Best For
Joint pain, deep tissue injuries, circulation
Common Devices
Pads, lamps, clinical devices (like HealthLight)
Does Red Light Therapy Work? What Science Says
Research on red light therapy—also known as photobiomodulation (PBMT)—has grown rapidly over the past two decades. Clinical studies show that specific wavelengths of red and near-infrared light can support cellular energy production, circulation, and tissue repair.
What the Research Shows
Across multiple randomized controlled trials (RCTs), red light therapy has been shown to:
Increase cellular ATP production by stimulating mitochondria
Improve local circulation
Conditions with Evidence of Benefit
While results vary by device, wavelength, and condition, studies suggest potential benefits for:
Joint and muscle pain
Arthritis-related discomfort
Circulation challenges in the feet, ankles, and lower legs
Soft-tissue injuries
Post-exercise muscle recovery
Types of Red Light Therapy Devices
Not all red light therapy devices are built the same. At HealthLight, we focus on high-efficiency, clinical-strength LED therapy pads, but it’s helpful to understand the broader landscape when choosing the right solution.
LED Pads
Flexible medical-grade pads that contour to the body.
Pros:
Cons:
LED Panels
Large flat panels commonly used for whole-body or facial exposure.
Pros:
Cons:
Handheld Units
Small portable lights used for spot treatments.
Pros:
Cons:
Why We Focus on Pads:
HealthLight devices are engineered to deliver maximum energy directly to the treatment site, with flexible pads that maintain optimal contact for consistent, effective therapy.
Important Limitations
Red light therapy is not a cure for medical conditions and does not replace clinical care.
Outcomes depend on:
Consistency of use
Device power and wavelength
Severity and type of condition
For best results, use FDA-cleared devices and follow manufacturer or clinician guidance.
Red Light Therapy FAQs
Red light therapy works in multiple different applications. Research suggests that it can temporarily relieve pain and improve circulation, leading to its increasing popularity. However, the effectiveness of red light therapy can vary depending on the condition being treated, the specific parameters used (wavelength, intensity, duration), and individual responses. In conclusion, YES, red light therapy works.
Choosing a Device
Research supports that home-use red and infrared light therapy devices, like HealthLight pads, can deliver safe and effective therapy when used according to recommended guidelines [LiebertPub]. When looking for a red light therapy device, take these factors into consideration:
Wavelength accuracy
(660 nm red, 850 nm NIR)
Power density
(consistent therapeutic range)
FDA clearance
Treatment area size
Durability & design
(pads vs panels)
How Long Until You See Results?
Pain Relief
Some users report noticing changes with consistent use; results vary by individual. Chronic conditions may require 2–4 weeks of regular treatment.
Circulation Improvement
Enhanced blood flow and warmth in the treated area may occur immediately or within several days.
Muscle Recovery
Some users report improved muscle comfort after exercise. For best results, follow the HealthLight usage guidelines or your healthcare provider’s instructions.
Can Red Light Therapy Replace Other Treatments?
Red light therapy is considered a supportive therapy, not a replacement for medical treatment.
How It Fits Into a Care Plan
Red light therapy works best when used alongside other evidence-based treatments, not in place of them. It can complement:
Physical therapy
Medical care for chronic pain
Exercise programs
Recovery routines
for athletes
When to Consult a Professional
Always check with a clinician if you:
Have a medical condition
Are pregnant
Use photosensitizing medications
Are unsure whether red light therapy is appropriate for your situation
HealthLight encourages all users to integrate RLT safely and responsibly.
Myths vs. Facts: Red Light Therapy
Myth 1: Red light therapy is just a heat treatment.
Fact: High-quality red light therapy delivers light energy, not heat. HealthLight pads do not rely on warming the tissue to be effective.
Myth 2: More power or longer sessions always deliver better results.
Fact: There is a therapeutic “sweet spot.” Excessive exposure does not improve outcomes and may reduce effectiveness over time. HealthLight recommends 20 minute sessions.
Myth 3: Red light therapy is only for skin treatments.
Fact: Research supports potential benefits for pain relief, circulation improvements, and wellness—not just cosmetic uses.
Myth 4: All red light devices work the same.
Fact: Wavelength, power density, device design, and FDA clearance significantly affect results. HealthLight red light therapy pads are engineered for clinical-grade performance.
Myth 5: You’ll see results immediately.
Fact: Some people notice changes quickly, but most improvements occur gradually with consistent use.
HealthLight Difference
HealthLight devices are engineered to deliver therapeutic wavelengths directly to the target tissue using flexible, clinical-strength pads with consistent power output.
Our red light therapy pads feature:
- Maximum energy delivery to the treatment site
- Safe pulsing to avoid tolerance buildup
- Flexible pads that conform to your body
- USB-style connectors for durability
- Precise wavelength control for consistent results
Where can I buy red light therapy?
Purchase FDA-cleared devices online or from trusted medical supply vendors. HealthLight devices are available my contacting our red light therapy experts.