How does light therapy work?

Light interacts with muscular and metabolic systems through two complementary routes:

• Cellular energy and mitochondrial optimization:
  Red and near-infrared LEDs (≈ 630–850 nm) are absorbed by cytochrome c oxidase in muscle mitochondria, improving ATP synthesis and delaying fatigue onset. A controlled study using 660 nm and 850 nm LED PBM before endurance running showed improved time to exhaustion and higher muscle oxygenation efficiency (Ferraresi et al., 2019).
• Inflammation and oxidative balance:
  LED PBM modulates reactive oxygen species (ROS) and cytokines, supporting faster post-exercise recovery. A 2021 review summarizing LED-based PBM in athletes reported reduced muscle damage biomarkers and enhanced neuromuscular performance following both strength and endurance protocols (de Marchi et al., 2021).

Together, these effects suggest a rhythm: use LED PBM before training to prime muscle metabolism, and after sessions to reduce inflammation and accelerate regeneration - within an evidence-informed wellness framework.

Applications for sport & performance

Light therapy can complement conventional care for a wide range of persistent complaints:

• Endurance training
  Pre-exercise LED PBM (660/850 nm) increased oxygen utilization and extended time to exhaustion in trained runners (Ferraresi et al., 2019).
• Muscle recovery
  Post-session 635 nm LED exposure lowered serum creatine kinase and reduced delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS) in cyclists (Carneiro et al., 2023).
• Performance enhancement
  Meta-analysis data indicate that LED PBM improves muscle contractile capacity and reduces fatigue across multiple sports when applied pre- or post-training (Hamblin, 2022).

Key benefits at a glance

• Enhanced endurance capacity – 660/850 nm LED PBM increased muscle oxygenation and extended running time (Ferraresi et al., 2019).
• Reduced muscle soreness and faster recovery – 635 nm LED PBM lowered CK and DOMS in cyclists (Carneiro et al., 2023).
  
• Better neuromuscular performance – Review evidence links LED PBM with stronger peak torque and reduced fatigue (de Marchi et al., 2021).
  

Note: Effects vary with spectrum, intensity, timing, and individual sensitivity; findings for PBM in wound healing contexts are evolving.

Who can benefit?

LED light therapy is suitable for athletes, fitness enthusiasts, and anyone engaged in regular training who seeks to improve recovery speed, sustain energy levels, and support long-term muscle health.

How to use it in practice

Local application:
10–20 minutes, 3–5 times weekly, at a distance of 10–30 cm.

Target zones:
Major muscle groups, joints, or areas experiencing fatigue or delayed recovery.

Consistency over intensity - steady, repeated use over several weeks builds cumulative effects on endurance, circulation, and muscular repair.

Scientific context

Controlled studies demonstrate significant benefits of LED PBM for sport & perfomance:

• 660/850 nm LED PBM improved endurance and oxygen utilization in trained runners (Ferraresi et al., 2019).
• 635 nm LED PBM reduced post-exercise muscle damage and soreness in cyclists (Carneiro et al., 2023).
• Systematic reviews (LED-focused) confirm improved strength, performance, and reduced fatigue (de Marchi et al., 2021; Hamblin, 2022).

These results support the integration of LED light therapy as a wellness-oriented complement to modern athletic recovery strategies.

Why redtreat

We focus on research-informed light patterns - bright light tools for mornings and gentle red/NIR options for local comfort - designed for ease, consistency, and high build quality.

• Timing-first design: morning bright-light options; evening low-blue options

• Targeted PBM (≈630–1060 nm) for localized comfort routines

• Swiss engineering for precision and reliability

Disclaimer

References are provided for educational and informational purposes. They summarize general research on light therapy. They do not constitute therapeutic or clinical claims for redtreat products. Products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Individuals with ongoing symptoms or medical conditions should consult a healthcare professional.

Scientific references

• Ferraresi, C. et al. (2019). Effects of endurance running training associated with photobiomodulation (660/850 nm LED).
• Carneiro, J. L. et al. (2023). Effects of photobiomodulation therapy on cycling performance and recovery.
  
• de Marchi, T. et al. (2021). Photobiomodulation and sports: results of a narrative review.
• Hamblin, M. R. (2022). Photobiomodulation in human muscle tissue: an advantage in sports performance?