The Science-Backed Benefits of Red Light Therapy

Red light therapy, also known as photobiomodulation or low-level laser therapy (LLLT), has been gaining popularity as a natural treatment for a wide variety of health conditions.

But what exactly is red light therapy, and what does the science say about its proclaimed benefits?

What is Red Light Therapy?

Red light therapy involves exposing the body to low levels of red and near-infrared light using laser or LED devices.

The light is delivered directly to the skin and absorbed by cells containing mitochondria, the “powerhouses” that generate energy in our bodies.

The light wavelengths and intensities used are thought to stimulate beneficial cellular responses through light-sensitive protein receptors that help regulate biological processes. This is why red light is often called therapeutic light.

Potential Mechanisms of Action

Several processes may explain why red and near-infrared light seem to provide benefits at a cellular level:

Increasing ATP Production

• Research shows red/NIR light is absorbed by mitochondria and stimulates more ATP (adenosine triphosphate) production. ATP is the primary energy source for cells.

Reducing Oxidative Stress

• The light may help improve cell health by reducing oxidative stress from too many free radicals. It may also boost natural antioxidant defenses.

Modulating Inflammation

• Studies suggest light therapy regulates inflammatory mediators, leading to reduced inflammation. Chronic inflammation is linked to many diseases.

Promoting Circulation

• By stimulating the formation of new capillaries (angiogenesis), light may improve blood flow and oxygen delivery.

Potential Health Benefits

Red light therapy is an emerging field with a growing body of research examining its effects on human health and disease. Here are some of the ways it may benefit the body:

Muscle Recovery & Performance

Reduces Exercise-Induced Muscle Fatigue & Damage

• Several studies show red/NIR light reduces delayed onset muscle soreness after intense exercise. This may accelerate recovery.
• Human and animal research found it decreased signs of muscle damage and inflammation post-exercise.

Improves Athletic Performance

• Multiple studies report increased strength, speed, and endurance capacity with red light therapy vs inactive placebo.
• One study found NFL players sprinting 13% faster after 12 weeks of treatment.

May Enhance Muscle Growth

• Human and rodent studies note increased muscle mass and strength with red light therapy.
• One trial found red light alone increased bicep growth by 35% vs 12% with exercise alone.

Brain Function, Mood & Behavior

Improves Symptoms of Traumatic Brain Injury

• Multiple human studies report red light improved cognition, mood, sleep & other TBI symptoms vs placebo.

Reduces Symptoms of Anxiety & Depression

• Both animal and human research found red light alleviated chronic stress and anxiety behaviors.
• Multiple clinical trials show red light pads effectively reduced depressive symptoms.

Enhances Learning & Memory

• Mouse studies reveal red light promotes learning, memory & creativity by positively changing brain cell structure & function.

Lowers Risk of Dementia

• Given the effects on brain cell health, red light therapy may lower dementia risk long-term by protecting the aging brain.

Thyroid & Endocrine Health

Supports Healthy Thyroid Function

• Human studies demonstrate red light therapy boosts thyroid hormone levels in clinical & subclinical (mild) hypothyroidism.

Potential Weight Loss Aid

• By increasing thyroid hormone and metabolic rate, red light therapy could aid struggling weight loss efforts.

Improves Female Sexual Dysfunction

• Placebo-controlled trials in menopausal women found regular use of red light therapy increased sexual arousal, desire, climax capacity & satisfaction.

Immunity & Anti-Aging Effects

Speeds Healing of Wounds

• Multiple reviews of existing data concluded red light therapy accelerates the closure & healing of skin wounds in humans.

Fights Skin Aging (Photo-Aging Protection)

• Studies show red light combats wrinkles, roughness, and mottled pigmentation from UV exposure by stimulating collagen production.

Supports Immune Function

• Studies report red light increased disease-fighting immune cells, modulated inflammatory signals, and protected immunity health with advancing age.

Is Red Light Therapy Safe?

Red light therapy is considered very safe, with a low-risk profile compared to medications and other mainstream treatments. The biggest risks come from improper eye safety practices.

Potential Minor Risks

• Mild side effects like headache and dizziness have occasionally been reported. These typically resolve on their own.
• The infrared heating effect could pose a burn risk if protocols aren’t followed.
• EMF emissions are a possible concern but most devices comply with exposure standards.

Importance of Eye Safety

• Never stare into red/NIR light devices without eye protection.

Overall, red light therapy shows an exceptional safety profile. But check with your doctor to make sure it’s appropriate for your situation.

Takeaway Points: Who May Benefit from Red Light Therapy?

Advancing research suggests red light therapy may provide value as a therapeutic tool for various populations and applications:

• Athletes – faster recovery, reduced injury downtime
• Those with brain disorders – traumatic brain injury, anxiety, dementia risk
• People seeking anti-aging benefits – skin rejuvenation, immunity protection
• Thyroid issues, sexual dysfunction & unexplained weight gain
• Slow or non-healing wounds
• And more…

In many cases, red light therapy is used when other modalities have failed or as an adjunctive therapy alongside medications, diet, exercise, or other treatments.

While not a “miracle cure-all,” red light therapy holds promise as a non-invasive, drug-free intervention that modulates critical biological processes to encourage better health and performance.

More research is still needed, but current science indicates therapeutic light likely provides tangible benefits for many.

References

1. Proposed Mechanisms of Photobiomodulation or Low-Level Light Therapy by de Freitas, L.F., and Hamblin, M.R. (2016). This article discusses the mechanisms behind the effectiveness of low-level light therapy, specifically using red or near-infrared light, and its potential health benefits. Published in the IEEE Journal of Selected Topics in Quantum Electronics. Access the article.
2. Light-Emitting Diodes: A Brief Review and Clinical Experience by Opel, D.R., Hagstrom, E., Pace, A.K., Sisto, K., et al. (2015). This review evaluates the use of different wavelengths of light-emitting diodes, including red light, for various clinical conditions. Published in The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology. Read the review.
3. Repeated Low-Level Red-Light Therapy for Controlling Onset and Progression of Myopia—A Review by Zhu, Q., Cao, X., Zhang, Y., Zhou, Y., Zhang, J., et al. (2023). This review examines the effectiveness of red light therapy in controlling the onset and progression of myopia, exploring its mechanism of action. Published in the Frontiers in Medical Technology. Access the review.
4. Use of Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) for Musculoskeletal Pain by Cotler, H.B., Chow, R.T., Hamblin, M.R., Carroll, J. (2015). This article discusses the application of low-level laser therapy, including red light, for treating musculoskeletal pain, providing insights into its therapeutic benefits. Published in MOJ Orthopedics & Rheumatology. Read the article.