We Wanted to Find the Best Red Light Therapy Device to Help With Pain. Here’s Why We Can’t Recommend Any.

Published October 22,

Using a wand or scary-looking mask to bathe your face in red light is all the rage for helping to make skin look and feel better. But another use for red light therapy is also gaining traction: treating pain.

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The therapy involves using devices with laser lights or light-emitting diodes (LEDs) to deliver specific wavelengths of light that penetrate the skin surface into deeper tissues to affect cellular function—a process known as photobiomodulation. While scientists aren’t sure exactly how light relieves pain, research suggests that it may stimulate cell regeneration, reduce pain signals, and calm inflammation.

Devices for home use ranging from wraps to wands—some of them costing thousands of dollars—claim to alleviate pain for everything from an arthritic knee to an aching back. But there’s reason to be dubious.

Physician and researcher Dr. Mohab Ibrahim, who directs the Chronic Pain Management Clinic at the University of Arizona’s College of Medicine in Tucson, Arizona, has researched different forms of light therapy for pain. As a scientist, he maintains some skepticism. “Researchers still do not have a full understanding of the biological mechanisms for how red light therapy works,” he said. “Or even who is a good candidate.”

But as a clinician, Ibrahim acknowledges that people in pain often have limited options. “Here is a therapy that is low risk, relatively affordable, and has the potential to work,” he said. When patients ask about red light therapy, he encourages them to give it a go.

Unfortunately, like all the pain experts I consulted, Ibrahim wasn’t able to recommend specific devices for home use. There are no evidence-based guidelines for what type of device and settings may work best against different forms of pain, he pointed out. And neither the US Food and Drug Administration nor any independent testing organization has reviewed red light therapy devices to ensure that they’re effective at relieving pain.

That leaves us without solid grounds for judging the best red light devices. So instead, we’ll give you the lowdown on the evidence and what medical experts say. And if you’re still interested in trying a red light device, we’ll provide some general advice on what to look for—and what to avoid.

The evidence is mixed

Despite thousands of studies, research still lacks definitive answers on whether red light therapy alleviates pain. Some studies show a benefit; others do not.

To truly show that red light therapy works, we would need evidence from large clinical trials comparing the treatment with a placebo (a fake device, for example), said Dr. Praveen Arany, an associate professor of oral biology at the University of Buffalo School of Dental Medicine and former president of the World Association for Photobiomodulation Therapy (WALT), a nonprofit organization supporting research, education, and clinical applications for light therapy.

Unfortunately, Arany said, researchers haven’t yet found funding for those expensive large-scale studies.

One major problem with the research available, said Ibrahim, is that the study methods vary widely—for example, by the wavelength and intensity of the light, whether it’s pulsed or steady, and how long it’s applied. Another issue is that many studies use professional devices with laser lights rather than LEDs, which give off less focused light and are the mainstay of home products because they are safer and often cheaper than lasers.

Timothy Demchak, a professor in the department of applied medicine and rehabilitation at Indiana State University, is convinced that red light therapy is a safe, effective way to alleviate pain. He said that many of his physical therapy patients have benefited from treatment with the laser devices that he uses in his practice.

In a review of red light research published in the European Journal of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine, Demchak and colleagues reported evidence to suggest that therapy using LEDs or lasers helped against some types of muscle and joint pain, such as neck pain, osteoarthritis, and fibromyalgia.

But the group didn’t find strong evidence that red light therapy worked against some other common aches, such as lower back pain. The field desperately needs more rigorous research, Demchak said. Many of the existing studies are lower quality—they may involve too few patients, for example, or lack a comparison group that didn’t receive the red light treatment.

Nonetheless, under the right circumstances, he contends that red light therapy can be “very, very effective.” It comes down to figuring out the optimum treatment protocol for each type of pain, he said.

Those protocols don’t yet exist. WALT has developed guidelines for using red light to prevent oral mucositis (mouth ulcers that can be a side effect of cancer treatment). But the organization has had a harder time reaching a consensus for how to treat common afflictions such as back and neck pain, said Arany.

While different researchers may claim that specific devices and settings are effective, he said, as of yet they haven’t been able to provide a satisfying scientific explanation for how and why the device may work in those conditions. Without that information, he says, it’s hard to generalize results to all types of products and patients.

“There are so many devices,” said Arany. “People are just not agreeing on universal guidelines.”

The medical establishment is skeptical

Due to the lack of consistent evidence supporting red light therapy, as well as the tremendous variation in how it’s implemented, most health insurers don’t cover treatments performed in a doctor’s office. And major medical organizations haven’t issued guidelines for using red light therapy to treat pain.

Although some providers such as Demchak use red light therapy in their practices, the American Physical Therapy Association doesn’t recognize it as an effective form of therapy. And a spokesperson for the Arthritis Foundation told me that they “were unaware of any clinicians or researchers the Arthritis Foundation works with who give red light therapy much regard.”

If you still want to try a red light therapy device

If you’re in pain, check with your doctor before trying to treat yourself at home. “Pain is a warning sign,” said pain expert Mohab Ibrahim. “There might be something benign or it might be something serious that needs to be addressed.”

Even if the source of your pain has been diagnosed, you should still check with your doctor before trying red light therapy. In particular, Ibrahim cautions against using red light on areas where there is a wound, rash, or other skin condition without first getting your doctor’s okay.

If, after all those caveats, you are still interested in trying out a red light device at home, the experts we consulted offered some general advice. We link to top-selling devices on Amazon as examples of the different styles and configurations we mention, but we have not tested any of these devices and are not recommending them.

What to look for

• It’s tailored to the source of your pain. Red light therapy devices come in various configurations, including rectangular panels, wraps, wands, and gloves. The intensity of the light falls off rapidly the further away you are from the source. With that in mind, Praveen Arany, a light-therapy expert, recommends choosing a product that conforms to the aching body part so that the light is against your skin.
  
  Examples include knee-shaped wraps, belts for your back or shoulders, and gloves for your hands. If your body is larger or smaller than average, check the product’s measurements to make sure that it will fit you. Wands and panels allow you to direct the light exactly where it hurts, but keep in mind that you may have to prop the device up or hold it in place for several minutes if it doesn’t come with a base or stand.
• It offers multiple wavelengths. What’s commonly referred to as “red light therapy” typically uses wavelengths from the red, near-infrared, and infrared part of the light spectrum, about 600 nanometers to 1,000 nanometers, with longer wavelengths penetrating more deeply. There are no widely accepted guidelines for what wavelength to use for specific types of pain, so figuring out which setting works best for you may take some trial and error.
• It includes features for safety and convenience. While research suggests that red light therapy is safe, Arany is concerned that prolonged exposure could negate any benefits and possibly even damage tissues. A timer or auto-shutoff feature can ensure that you don’t exceed the manufacturer’s recommended treatment times. Other nice-to-have features include a remote control and the ability to operate from rechargeable batteries so that you are not tethered to a wall socket.
• It isn’t too expensive. Researchers would need more clinical evidence to meaningfully link price to quality, Ibrahim said. Given that a $5,000 red-light device may not be more effective than a $100 model, he recommends that patients start with a less expensive product.
  
  You may be able to save by buying a device using pre-tax dollars from a health savings account or flexible spending account. Check your plan for details.

What to watch out for

• It claims to be FDA-approved. Although you may run across the term “FDA-approved” in articles and ads, no red light devices are actually approved for treating pain, according to FDA spokesperson Carly Pflaum. Generally, the FDA regulates these devices as Class II medical devices, meaning that they don’t potentially pose a serious risk to consumers. Unlike Class III devices like pacemakers or breast implants, products in the Class II category typically aren’t required to go through the FDA’s rigorous approval process, which uses evidence from clinical studies to determine that the device works for the intended use and is safe.
  
  Red light therapy devices may be FDA-registered or FDA-listed, indicating that a company has notified the agency about a product and the manufacturing location, but it doesn’t mean that the FDA has actually evaluated the product. Companies may also go through the process for FDA clearance, meaning that the agency has reviewed information about the device and concluded that it’s substantially equivalent to others on the market.
  
  FDA clearance provides some reassurance about safety and effectiveness, since presumably equivalent products haven’t raised red flags. However, clearance doesn’t necessarily mean that treatment with the product has been proven to relieve pain. You can check whether a device is cleared in the FDA’s database.
• It makes promises that are too good to be true. Red light therapy won’t cure arthritis or eliminate chronic pain. Even in studies that show it helps, the benefit is often modest.

How to use your device safely

With red light therapy, more isn’t better, so never exceed the manufacturer’s instructions for how long or how often to use the device, advises Arany. The treatment isn’t supposed to heat the tissues, so if the area you’re treating starts to feel warm, stop immediately, he said.

Many devices come with safety goggles or dark glasses. Although the intensity and wavelength of light used in home devices is likely not harmful to the eyes, Demchak advises using eye protection out of an abundance of caution, especially if you’re using the device near your eyes.

This article was edited by Claire Perlman and Kalee Thompson.

Meet your guide

Teresa Carr

What I Cover

Teresa Carr is an award-winning science journalist based in Golden, Colorado. She is a contributing editor at Undark magazine and a former senior editor at Consumer Reports. With degrees in both physics and English literature, Teresa is curious about how the world works and eager to tell you about it.

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Table of Contents

• Science-Backed Features To Consider
• Questions To Answer Before Purchasing
• Our Favorite Red Light Therapy Device
• 4 Myths About Red Light Therapy
• Why At-Home Treatment Is More Convenient Than A Clinic
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Final Thoughts
• Want More?

Science-Backed Features To Consider

Red, Near-Infrared, Or Combo

When looking for a RLT unit, there are three different types. A red light, a near-infrared light, and a combination of both. Red light therapy and near-infrared light therapy are sometimes incorrectly referred to as the same thing. There are similarities, but they are not the same. You can’t physically see infrared light. Rather, your body feels it as heat on the skin. The longer wavelengths of near-infrared light infiltrate deep into your cells. Comparatively, you can visualize the shorter wavelengths of red light. It does not penetrate as deeply into the skin, and therefore is used to mainly treat the surface of the skin.

When considering red and near-infrared light, one is not necessarily better than the other. Both types of therapy are beneficial to the skin; they just offer different benefits. Red light is ideal for treating skin issues such as sunburns, acne, hair loss, wound healing, and even yeast infections. Near-infrared light penetrates about three times deeper into tissues than red light. While providing similar benefits for the skin as red light therapy, near-infrared extends to joints, muscles, and bones that require remedial benefits. 

If you would benefit from treatment of the skin surface as well as deeper tissues, but only want to purchase one device, a combo unit is a great choice to meet a broader range of needs. 

Hooga Red Light Therapy Belt with Near Infrared Light and Rechargeable Battery

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Optimal Wavelength

You may recall learning in science class that light is measured in nanometers (nm) by its wavelength. Red light ranges from 600 to 700 nm and is visible and bright. Infrared or near-infrared light is in the 700 to 900 nm range, which isn’t visible to the naked eye. 

Research suggests that light wavelengths ranging from 660-670 nm and 830-850 nm are in the range that has the most impact on the cellular respiration process while providing the highest level of light absorption. Finding a unit that can provide these ranges of optimal wavelengths will provide the greatest value to your skin health. 

Light Intensity & Irradiance

Light irradiance is the power density - the amount of light energy that reaches your skin. It’s measured in milliwatts per square centimeter (mW/cm2), referring to the number of photons flowing through an area and available for cells to absorb. 

Light intensity refers to the amount of light energy at the source. This is an important factor to consider, as a low-powered device won’t be the source of enough red light energy to create the irradiance necessary for maximum benefit. When the light is more intense, it can be absorbed in less time, providing a more efficient therapy.

Total Number Of LEDs

Larger light emitting diodes (LED) light therapy devices with more LED lights increase effectiveness and reduce treatment time. Having more LED bulbs delivers an increase in red and/or near-infrared light than a device with a smaller number of LED bulbs. In short, the more LED light bulbs, the better the unit will be. 

Questions To Answer Before Purchasing

Targeted Or Large Area?

Available products for home RLT units range from handheld to full-body pods. Smaller red light therapy devices, like the Medlight 630 Pro Red Light Therapy Device, are an ideal option if you have a single issue to address in one section of your skin. Smaller devices, like handheld wands or face masks, are highly portable and lightweight. 

Larger, full-body red light therapy devices, like the Hooga HG Red Light Therapy Panel, are more effective for vast problem areas, such as the torso or extremities. They are typically heavy and stationary. 

Will Family Members Be Using It Also?

There are many benefits to red light therapy, and it’s understandable if you want to share what works for you! Because RLT can address a multitude of issues, people in the same family with different needs can benefit from having this kind of treatment available at home. 

If one family member has age spots they want to lighten, and another family member has back pain, it’s more efficient to have a larger device that can treat both conditions.

Our Favorite Red Light Therapy Device

We love the Medical-Grade Red Light Therapy Device because of its versatility. This unit is unique in that it is considered a combo device, emitting red and near-infrared light. The Medical-Grade Red Light Therapy Device has four different wavelengths to choose from to target surface skin issues and deeper tissues.

It also offers photobiomodulation, which is a low-level laser therapy. You are able to customize the device to your specific needs based on specific wavelengths that can be pulsing or continuous. 

There are two panels of the Medical-Grade Red Light Therapy Device to choose from. The main difference between these models are their size and number of LED light bulbs. The “R1” is considered medium-sized at 12.5 inches tall and has 60 LEDs. The “R3” is larger at 38 inches tall and has 180 LEDs. Both models offer the same therapy and control panels. Smaller treatment areas including hands, knees, feet, and neck are well served by the R1, while more vast areas such as the back, legs, and arms are easily treated with the R3.

These RLT panels can be used up to twice a day for 20 to 30 minutes per session, and the health benefits can be achieved after only 2 to 3 weeks of regular use. 

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4 Myths About Red Light Therapy

1. Myth: Wattage Is The Most Important Specification

Bulb wattage measures the power the red light device consumes, not the device’s output. Simply put, wattage lets you know how much electricity your device requires to operate. If you are told wattage relates to the intensity of the light - then that is a red flag (pun intended)!The specification to look for is irradiance. Irradiance is the measurement of intensity of power being emitted by the device.

2. Myth: Red Light Therapy Is Risk-Free & Is For Everyone

As with any treatment, RLT can interact with certain medications and may have side effects. If you are prescribed medicine that makes you sensitive to light, have migraines or seizures triggered by bright light, pregnant/breastfeeding, or diagnosed with bipolar disorder or other conditions that are potentially influenced by light exposure, a red light therapy device might not be a good option for you right now. If you have concerns regarding if this treatment is right for you, please consult with your healthcare provider.

3. Myth: Bloggers = Experts

As you know, you can’t believe everything you read on the internet. A blogger posting a piece in support of a product doesn’t mean it’s the best product. Many bloggers may not have expertise in the area of RLT. Typically, there are incentives for their endorsement, so be weary that it may not be an unbiased expert opinion. In this age of influencer marketing, be careful who you trust online.

4. Myth: Red Light Therapy Can Burn Your Skin

No, RLT is not the same as a tanning bed. Traditional tanning beds use fluorescent light bulbs that emit UV rays which damage the skin. In contrast, red light therapy doesn't harm or burn your skin. Red light therapy devices use very low levels of heat and your skin is not exposed to any damaging UV rays.

Why At-Home Treatment Is More Convenient Than A Clinic

Red light therapy is most effective when it is used consistently. Purchasing a red light therapy device for home use allows you to have a treatment when and where it works best for you. If you have other family members who can benefit from red light therapy, it makes the unit even more cost-effective. Alternatively, taking multiple trips to a clinic for RLT can add up financially. Compliance for a treatment plan decreases when convenience is lacking. Save time and money by investing in a home RLT to see results faster.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I use a red light therapy device?

First, start with clean skin and use eye protection. Place the device about 6 to 8 inches from the intended area of treatment. Initially, start by using it 10 to 20 minutes at a time, 3 to 5 times per week. When you obtain the results you desire, ongoing treatments 2 to 3 times per week will help you maintain them. These are general guidelines; please read the instruction manual of your product for detailed information.

What is the difference between red light and near-infrared? 

Red light is visible light falling on the light spectrum between 630-700 nm. This light therapy is used to treat conditions on the skin’s surface. Near-infrared wavelengths are not visible, landing between 700 and nm on the light spectrum. Near-infrared light penetrates deeper than red light into the body’s tissues.

How long and often should I use red light therapy?

Starting with 10 to 20 minute treatments 3 to 5 times per week, you can increase up to 20 to 30 minutes 1 to 2 times per day. Once you achieve the results you’re seeking, you can maintain them with ongoing treatments 2 to 3 times per week.

How do I get the best results?

Choosing a device that is designed to give you the results you are seeking is the most important factor. Ensuring the device’s specifications match your needs for wavelengths, light intensity, irradiance, LEDs, following the user instructions, and being consistent with your treatment will ensure you get the best results.

Do I need to wear goggles during treatment?

It is not a requirement, but since the lights are very bright and may be uncomfortable for some individuals with sensitivities to light, eye protection is suggested. This recommendation is especially important if the treatment location is near the eyes. 

Will a red light therapy device increase my power bill?

Since red light therapy uses the most energy-efficient lighting technology, it is the least expensive kind of light to power. There will not be a significant impact on your power bill when you use a red light device for home use.

Final Thoughts

There are many ways red light therapy can be a benefit for your health. From skin cell rejuvenation to deep penetrating tissue healing, having a device for home use can serve a range of needs. As mentioned above, compliance with any light therapy treatment is essential. Having a device right in the comfort of the home provides the user with the utmost convenience. Apart from skin and tissue healing, many users also report an increase in mood as a result of using RLT.

The versatility and quality of the Medical-Grade Red Light Therapy Device is our favorite option for an at-home RLT unit. It allows you to choose red or near-infrared light in specific wavelengths, quantities, and continuous or pulsing waves. Available in two sizes, this unit can be customized to fit the specific needs of you and your family. You can review similar Light Therapy products for sale and compare options among different models.

Interested in learning more about light therapy? Check out all of our Light Therapy articles for everything you need to know! While you are reading, check out our full blog, Caregiver University for articles about seniors aging in place, wheelchairs, hyperbarics, pain management, special needs, and more!

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