Links to scientific studies on red and infrared therapy
Recovery and athletic performance
Some of the most popular benefits of red light therapy include its use before exercise to improve athletic performance, or after physical activity to reduce inflammation in the body, speed recovery, increase strength and muscle mass. Red light therapy promotes energy production in the mitochondria, collagen production, increases testosterone (if applied to you-know-where) and thus has a positive effect on the physical aspects of our body.
Scientific studies:
Red light therapy affects the mitochondria to increase the production of the main energy source called ATP. Study
Red light therapy can improve muscle performance, reduce muscle fatigue during exercise and improve muscle recovery.
Athletes, people with muscle injuries and patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy can benefit. Study
Red light therapy improves muscle strength, reduces delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) and lowers the concentration of biomarkers of muscle damage more than cryotherapy. Based on these findings, the researchers concluded that photobiomodulation can improve muscle recovery after intense training and is more effective than cryotherapy. Study
Near-infrared light applied before eccentric exercise improves hypertrophic response and muscle strength gains in healthy subjects. Study
Meta-analysis examined time to exhaustion, number of repetitions, peak isometric torque, and blood lactate levels. Positive results were found with a wavelength range of 655 to 950 nm. Study
Photo Bio Modulation with red and near-infrared light can increase muscle mass gained after training, reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in the muscles. Study
Red and near-infrared light therapy can delay the development of muscle fatigue during exercise, reduce post-exercise lactate levels and inhibit the release of inflammatory biomarkers. Study
Stimulation of the quadriceps with near infrared light immediately after leg press and leg extension exercises resulted in reduced muscle damage, muscle soreness and increased muscle mass, recovery and athletic performance. Study
Near-infrared light therapy performed immediately after leg press exercise resulted in greater strength gains compared to strength training without NIR therapy. The increase in thigh circumference was also slightly greater in the NIR group. Study
Red light therapy in elite female basketball players had a positive effect on their endurance performance. Study
Near-infrared light therapy improves the effects of exercise in obese women undergoing weight loss. Improvement in lipid profile and reduction in adipose tissue suggest increased metabolic activity and altered lipid metabolism. Study
Hormonal optimization
Near-infrared light penetrates deep into the body and depending on which endocrine glands it hits, it then strengthens them. Studies show a strong positive effect on the thyroid gland when using the light in the neck for 10 – 15 minutes per day (especially for women). In the same way that red light therapy works in the case of cross targeting for men (illuminating the parts where the light does not normally reach), women can also benefit from this. As a result, both testosterone production and spermatogenesis are increased. Positive effects are seen when using red and also near-infrared spectrum.
Scientific studies:
Red light therapy is effective in increasing testosterone levels. Study
Near infrared light therapy promotes improved thyroid function. Patients have a reduced need for the drug Levothyroxine (T4 thyroid hormone) and reduced levels of the thyroid autoimmune disease marker (TPOAb). Study
Near-infrared light therapy has a positive influence on thyroid hormone levels. Study
Treatment with infrared light increased the concentration and number of mobile forms of the spermia, reduced their degenerative forms, increased the level of serum sexual and gonadotropic hormones. Study
Irradiation of human spermatozoa with a near infrared light improves their progressive mobility. Study
Health of skin, hair and nails
As we age, our body gradually loses its ability to synthesize new collagen, resulting in the formation of wrinkles and declining quality of hair and nails. Collagen is also important for wound and scar healing. While it is helpful to include specific amino acids or collagen from diet, collagen synthesis must be activated to create maximum effect. Red and near infrared light enters here. Increasing collagen production is the main reason why phototherapy has been used in beauty salons and dermatology. You will also find various infrared lamps and emitters at those locations, but they usually do not provide the optimal spectrum in the required irradiance.
Scientific studies:
Red light therapy is an effective therapeutic method for the treatment of acne vulgaris. Study
Red light treatment significantly improved hair count in men with androgenetic alopecia. Study
Red and near-infrared light therapy is a safe and effective method for skin rejuvenation, reducing wrinkles, fine lines and increasing skin collagen density. Study
The use of red light has a positive effect on the amount of wrinkles and skin moisture on women's cheeks. Study
Red light therapy has an anti-inflammatory effect and works on both acute and chronic inflammation. It is effective for accelerating wound healing and increasing collagen synthesis. Study
Photo Bio Modulation is an effective and safe therapeutic method against scars in children. Study
Low-level laser therapy is effective at accelerating the healing process of burns. Study
Sleep and Circadian Rhythm
Our body's processes are synchronized based on a 24-hour biorhythm called the circadian rhythm. To synchronize your rhythm, avoid blue light before going to bed (e.g. with Blue Blockers glasses), and expose yourself to intense light soon after waking up. Photo Bio Modulation is ideal to use in the morning after waking up, as it produces a light spectrum that mimics the sunrise with an intensity of 30,000 lux (on a cloudy day you will barely have a few hundred lux at home after sunrise). This provides a morning reset on your circadian rhythm, which translates into energy and performance. Several studies have found improved sleep quality and increased melatonin levels when using red light therapy.
Scientific studies:
Red light therapy led to improved sleep quality and also significantly increased melatonin secretion in elite female basketball players. It also had a positive effect on their endurance performance. Study
Infrared light was used in patients whose brain activity (EEG) was measured before, during and after light stimulation. The researchers concluded that infrared light may be useful for patients with sleep problems. Study
Infrared light reduced sleep disturbances in patients with chronic migraine. It also reduced headache days, acute medication intake and pain intensity. Study
People with traumatic brain injury (TBI) had an average increase in sleep duration of 1 hour per night after red and near infrared light therapy. Study
People with traumatic brain injury (TBI) have reported improved sleep after red and near infrared light therapy. Study
Musculoskeletal system
Due to the complex mechanism of action, red and especially near-infrared light therapy are very beneficial for our musculoskeletal system. They are great for prevention and for regeneration of joints, tendons and even bones. This therapy can reduce inflammation and increase collagen synthesis; two of the most important factors for a healthy musculoskeletal system.
Scientific studies:
Applying near-infrared light is a safe and effective method for treating osteoarthritis of the knee. Study
Reduction of pain in the knee from osteoarthritis and improvement of microcirculation (circulation of body fluids - blood, tissue fluid, lymph - at the level of individual tissues) with the help of near-infrared light. Study
Near-infrared light therapy combined with exercise was more effective than exercise alone in treating patients with knee osteoarthritis. Study
Both red and infrared light helped repair damaged bones. The infrared spectrum had better effects. Study
Bones irradiated with near-infrared light show increased repair (osteoblastic proliferation), collagen deposition and bone formation. Study
Mental and cognitive function
Therapy through the red and near-infrared spectrum has a positive effect on our brain, psyche and mood. It is very effective for both depressive episodes and seasonal depression (when we often do not have enough intense light -> sunlight). However, it is beneficial for anyone who wants to improve brain health through near-infrared therapy, the synthesis of activating neurotransmitters or to reduce the negative effects of today's hectic, modern lifestyle.
Scientific studies:
After 2 weeks of shining near infrared light on the forehead, a significant improvement in the Hamilton Depression and Anxiety Scale was observed. No side effects were observed. Study
Near-infrared light therapy appears to be an effective neuroprotective treatment for patients with Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases and possibly other neurodegenerative diseases such as multiple sclerosis and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Study
Near infrared light reduced headache days, acute medication intake and pain intensity in patients with chronic migraine. It also reduced sleep disturbances. Study
Red and near-infrared light therapy for people with traumatic brain injury (TBI) not only improved their cognitive function, but patients experienced fewer episodes of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Study
Red and near-infrared light on the skull leads to improved cognitive function in traumatic brain injury patients, even years after an injury.
It also leads to reduced symptom severity in patients with post-traumatic stress disorder who share some of the same brain abnormalities with chronic TBI cases, including medial prefrontal cortex dysfunction. Study
Eye health
You often hear about the negative effects of light on our eyes, whether you sit too close to the TV or look directly at the sun without glasses. Although photo bio modulation is visually intense light (visible, it is red light; the near infrared is not visible to the naked eye). This may seem counterintuitive, but these wavelengths strengthen the eyes and vision, negating the effects of looking at screens and the negative effect of excessive blue light in general. This means that you can look into the light with your eyes closed despite the strong intensity. This strengthens the eyes for any other light during the day. You can literally see for yourself that photobia modulation works.
Scientific studies:
Near infrared light helps with complex ocular and neurological conditions such as early macular degeneration or age-related macular degeneration. Study
Red light improves vision, especially in the elderly. It works by increasing cellular energy in the retina, which decreases with age. This results in better color recognition and also better vision in low light. Study
Reduction of inflammation
Red and near-infrared light help reduce inflammation where it shines at sufficient intensity. Photo Bio Modulation with red and near infrared light can be used to locally address swelling, inflamed nodules, tense tendons, painful teeth, injured muscles or even chronic inflammation in joints. It also helps reduce chronic inflammation throughout the body.
Scientific studies:
Red and near-infrared light therapy can significantly reduce the level of inflammation in the body. Study
Photo Bio Modulation with red and near-infrared light can reduce inflammation in the brain, lungs, fatty abdomen and various types of wounds. Study
Due to the effective reduction of inflammation, photobiomodulation can be used to treat problems such as osteoarthritis, joint injuries and excessive swelling without the side effects common with drugs that reduce inflammation, such as NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs - Ibuprofen, aspirin, naproxen... ). Study
Near infrared light relieves pain and symptoms, improves functional skills, finger and hand strength in patients with mild or moderate carpal tunnel syndrome. Study
Near infrared light is effective against tingling, numbness and improves grip strength in the hands of patients with carpal tunnel syndrome. Study
Treatment of tennis elbow with LLLT shows significant long-term improvement in functional parameters such as tenderness, strength and pain. Study
Near-infrared light combined with exercise is effective in relieving pain, improving grip strength and in the subjective assessment of physical function in patients with lateral epicondylitis. Study
Immediate pain relief and improved wound healing in oral mucositis (inflammation in the oral cavity associated with ulcer formation) after treatment with near-infrared light. Study
Red light accelerates the healing process of chronic diabetic foot ulcers and can be expected to shorten the time required to achieve complete healing. Study
Health and longevity
Perhaps the greatest promise of red and near infrared light therapy lies in maintaining the long-term overall health and longevity of our bodies. This type of light purposefully strengthens the cell's energy factories - the mitochondria - which directly influence the lifespan of a given cell and how quickly we will age. It is the positive action on mitochondria that is a major theme of the current anti-aging movement. Photo Bio Modulation with RED and NIR radiation is one of the most effective ways to achieve this. Although you will feel some effects right away, consistent application supports the longevity effect. When you look back on the many years of daily phototherapy, you will smile at the fact that you haven't aged a day.
Scientific studies:
Photo Bio Modulation with red and near-infrared light alters the course of aging in the central nervous system by improving neuronal survival and function and reducing gliosis and inflammation. Study
Photostimulation with red light and near-infrared light influences the mitochondria to increase production of the main energy source called ATP. Study
Red and near-infrared light therapy has a positive effect on the composition of the intestinal microbiome. Study
Improved exercise functional capacity and less frequent angina symptoms during exercise stress testing in patients with advanced coronary artery disease after red light therapy. Study
Near infrared light therapy has demonstrated safety and efficacy in the treatment of ischemic stroke in humans when initiated within 24 hours of stroke onset. Study
Read in the following scientific study what positive effect light therapy can have on people with diabetes. Study