Red light therapy
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What is red light therapy?
Red light therapy, also known as photobiomodulation, is a non-invasive treatment that uses specific wavelengths of red and near-infrared light to support your body's natural healing processes.
During treatment, you relax in a comfortable therapy bed while red and near-infrared light penetrates your skin and underlying tissues. This light energy stimulates activity in your cells' mitochondria (the powerhouses of your cells), promoting healing, reducing inflammation, and supporting tissue repair throughout your body.
The benefits of red light therapy
Red light therapy is a gentle, relaxing treatment that works at the cellular level to support your body's natural healing. Here's what this innovative therapy can do for you:
Reduces pain and inflammation: May help relieve chronic pain from conditions like arthritis, fibromyalgia, and musculoskeletal injuries.
Supports muscle recovery: Can help reduce muscle soreness and speed up recovery after exercise or injury.
Promotes skin health: May improve skin tone, texture, and appearance by supporting collagen production.
Enhances circulation: Encourages better blood flow throughout the body, which supports healing.
Supports wound healing: May accelerate the healing process for minor wounds and injuries.
Non-invasive and gentle: No needles, no surgery, and no downtime required.
Safe and well-tolerated: Generally produces no adverse side effects when used properly.
Comfortable sessions: Treatment sessions are relaxing and typically last 10-20 minutes.
Red light therapy plus…
Red light therapy can work well on its own, but many people find that combining it with other treatments enhances their results and overall wellness. Here are some complementary therapies:
Physiotherapy: Using red light therapy alongside physiotherapy can support faster recovery from injuries and help reduce inflammation in the tissues being treated. Your physiotherapist can incorporate red light therapy into your overall treatment plan to enhance healing.
Massage Therapy: Massage therapy and red light therapy complement each other well. Massage helps relax muscles and improve circulation, while red light therapy supports cellular healing and reduces inflammation in the treated areas.
Osteopathy: Working with an osteopathic manual practitioner while using red light therapy can address both structural alignment and cellular healing, providing a comprehensive approach to recovery and wellness.
Talk to us about creating a wellness plan that combines these therapies to help you achieve your health goals!
Contact us to find out if red light therapy can help you.
Your questions about red light therapy
What conditions can red light therapy help with?
Research suggests that red light therapy may be beneficial for various conditions. Studies have shown promise for chronic pain conditions including osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, knee pain, and low back pain.
Red light therapy has also been studied for tendon injuries (tendinopathies), muscle soreness and recovery, wound healing, and skin health concerns. While research continues to explore its applications, red light therapy should be viewed as a complementary wellness treatment that supports your body's natural healing processes.
How does red light therapy work?
Red light therapy uses specific wavelengths of light (typically 660nm red light and 850nm near-infrared light) that can penetrate through your skin to reach underlying tissues. When this light energy is absorbed by your cells, it stimulates the mitochondria to produce more energy.
This increased cellular energy supports various healing processes including improved blood flow, reduced inflammation, enhanced tissue repair, and collagen production. The treatment is painless and works at the cellular level to support your body's natural healing abilities.
What does a red light therapy session feel like?
Red light therapy sessions are comfortable and relaxing. You'll lie in our full-body therapy bed while being surrounded by therapeutic red and near-infrared light. The lights produce a gentle warmth that most people find soothing. There's no pain or discomfort during treatment. Many people use their session time to rest, meditate, or simply relax. Each session typically lasts 10-20 minutes.
How many red light therapy sessions will I need?
The number of sessions varies depending on your goals and how your body responds to treatment. Some people notice benefits after just a few sessions, while others may need regular treatments over several weeks to see optimal results. Many people start with 2–3 sessions per week for the first few weeks, then transition to maintenance sessions as needed. Your practitioner can help create a treatment plan based on your specific needs and goals.
Are there any side effects?
Red light therapy is generally very safe with minimal side effects when used properly. The treatment does not use ultraviolet (UV) rays, so there's no risk of sun damage or skin cancer. Some people may experience mild, temporary effects such as slight eye strain if protective eyewear isn't used, or minor skin redness that quickly fades. Serious side effects are extremely rare. Our therapy beds are designed for safe, comfortable treatment.
Who should not use red light therapy?
While red light therapy is safe for most people, there are some situations where caution is advised or treatment should be avoided.
You should consult with your healthcare provider before using red light therapy if you are pregnant, have active cancer or areas of active carcinoma, have a photosensitive condition or take medications that increase light sensitivity, have an active infection in the treatment area, or have epilepsy or seizure disorders. Always inform your practitioner of any health conditions or medications before starting treatment.
Is red light therapy covered by insurance in Ontario?
Red light therapy is not covered by OHIP (Ontario Health Insurance Plan). Coverage under extended health benefit plans varies significantly by provider and plan.
Some extended health insurance plans may provide partial coverage when the treatment is prescribed by a healthcare provider or offered as part of a physiotherapy or wellness treatment plan. It's important to check with your specific insurance provider to understand your coverage options. We can provide receipts for you to submit to your insurance company.
How long does it take to see results?
Response times vary from person to person and depend on what you're hoping to achieve. Some people notice improvements in energy, sleep, or minor pain relief within the first few sessions. For skin health benefits, changes typically become noticeable after several weeks of consistent treatment.
For chronic pain or injury recovery, it may take 4-8 weeks of regular sessions to see significant improvements. Red light therapy works by supporting your body's natural healing processes, so results develop gradually over time rather than overnight.