What is Red Light Therapy and Can It Help at Home?

As you age, it’s natural to seek safe, drug-free ways to ease joint pain, improve sleep, or recover from everyday aches. If you’ve heard about red light therapy (RLT), you’re not alone. Once reserved for medical spas and dermatology clinics, this non-invasive therapy is now showing up in homes—and in some long-term care settings—as part of wellness routines for older adults.

But does it really work? And is it safe to use at home?

Let’s unpack what the science says, who may benefit, and how red light therapy fits into your overall health plan.

What is Red Light Therapy?

Red light therapy, also called low-level light therapy (LLLT) or photobiomodulation, uses red or near-infrared light (typically in the 630–850 nanometer range) to stimulate energy production in your cells.

Here’s how it works:

• When this light penetrates the skin, mitochondria—the energy-producing parts of cells—absorb the wavelengths and increase production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which fuels cellular repair and regeneration.
• As a result, RLT may promote tissue healing, reduce inflammation, and ease pain.

Unlike ultraviolet light, red light does not damage the skin. In fact, it's being studied for benefits in several areas relevant to aging adults.

What Conditions Can Red Light Therapy Support?

Red light therapy isn’t a magic bullet, but growing research suggests it may help:

Arthritis and Joint Pain

RLT may reduce inflammation and stiffness in joints. A 2022 review in Pain Research and Management found LLLT reduced pain and improved function in people with osteoarthritis.

Muscle Recovery and Circulation

Light therapy may improve blood flow and reduce soreness after activity or physical therapy, helping older adults maintain mobility.

Wound Healing

RLT may help with pressure sores and surgical recovery, including after joint replacements or C-sections. According to the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, red light enhances collagen production and can accelerate wound healing.

Skin Rejuvenation

Red light is also used to stimulate collagen, reduce fine lines, and support hydration. It's often used as a gentler alternative for older adults with thinning skin.

Sleep and Mood Support

Some studies suggest RLT may help reset circadian rhythms, especially when used in the evening, supporting more restful sleep. Red light may also help reduce anxiety and support emotional well-being, though more clinical evidence is needed.

Red Light Therapy at Home: What You Need to Know

With 90% of patients noticing improvement in their skin after four weeks of treatment in one study, RLT holds a lot of promise as an effective treatment.

Red light devices are now widely available for home use, ranging from handheld wands for spot treatment to large LED panels for full-body sessions. Many are FDA-cleared, which means they’ve met basic safety standards for over-the-counter use.

If you or a loved one is considering trying RLT at home:

• Look for the right wavelength. Red light therapy offers a simple way to address common challenges like muscle soreness or arthritis. Most effective devices fall between 630 and 850 nanometers. Deeper wavelengths (above 800 nm) may help with joint or muscle issues.
• Size matters. A panel may work better for larger areas like the back or hips, while a smaller wand or wrap is good for joints or targeted spots.
• Choose FDA-cleared brands. Reputable names like Mito Red Light or PlatinumLED offer therapeutic-grade devices with safety features.
• Stay consistent. Many users report benefits after 3–5 sessions per week over several weeks. Results may take time and vary by condition.

With varying wavelength settings and simple features, products from reputable companies like Mito Red Light can be used daily.

A Complement to Care, Not a Cure

RLT may offer relief for common aging-related conditions, but it’s not a replacement for medical care. It should be used as part of a broader wellness plan that includes:

• Physical activity and stretching
• Good nutrition and hydration
• Medication management
• Proper sleep hygiene
• Professional guidance from a doctor or physical therapist

Always talk to your healthcare provider before starting RLT—especially if you have cancer, photosensitivity, or implanted medical devices like pacemakers.

A Tool for Aging at Home or in Long-Term Care

For older adults who want to avoid medication side effects—or who are aging in place with help from in-home caregivers—red light therapy may offer a low-risk, easy-to-use option for:

• Easing arthritis pain
• Supporting post-operative recovery
• Reducing soreness from limited mobility
• Supporting skin health in thin or fragile skin

Some assisted living and memory care communities have started incorporating light therapy into wellness programming. The LTC News Caregiver Directory is the most comprehensive database of caregivers and long-term care facilities in the country. You can search for care providers based on city or zip code and ask if they use light therapy. Keep in mind if a loved on has Long-Term Care Insurance to tell the provider as you start starting with a admission’s director.

What the Research Shows

• A 2020 clinical trial published in Lasers in Medical Science found that RLT significantly reduced knee pain and stiffness in people with moderate arthritis.
• A study from Frontiers in Neurology suggested red light may benefit cognitive performance in older adults with mild cognitive impairment, though results are preliminary.

While ongoing research continues, current findings suggest RLT holds real promise for certain applications—especially when integrated with other therapies.

Final Thoughts

As more people look for safe, effective ways to manage pain, improve function, and stay independent longer, red light therapy offers an exciting complementary option.

With the right device and proper use, you or a loved one may find it helps with comfort, recovery, or sleep—especially when paired with support from family or professional caregivers.

But as with any health treatment, talk to your doctor first—and never use light therapy as a substitute for professional care.

Medical Editor’s Note

This article has been reviewed for accuracy and aligns with current clinical research on photobiomodulation. It is intended for informational purposes and should not replace personalized medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new therapy.