==> For more information about the colors of the Visum Light, please refer to our Use of Colors page.

How Red and NIR Light Therapy Works

Much has been said about the healing power of Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT), also known as Photobiomodulation Therapy (PBMT).

Red, infrared, blue, green, magenta, turquoise, yellow, and white light at specific wavelengths and frequencies are shown to be effective in:

• Lowering pain
• Increasing circulation
• Stimulating cellular repair
• Accelerating natural healing
• Reducing swelling and inflammation
• Cell rejuvenation

Today, we’ll take a more in-depth look at 2 primary colors of PBMT: red and near-infrared. We will share more about other PBMT colors in the coming weeks.

Visible Red Light

Red light at a wavelength of 660 nm penetrates tissue to a depth of around 8-10 mm (about 3/8′′). This means it is extremely beneficial in treating problems close to the surface of the skin and particularly effective in accelerating healing, for example:

• Burns (de Oliveira et al., 2018)
• Chronic Wounds (Jere et al., 2021)
• Scar Prevention (Kurtti et al., 2021)
• Trigger points (Simunovic, 1996)

The red light, also known as Photonic Therapy, has been proven to be a drug-free, safe, natural, and non-invasive way to promote healing and control pain. Red light increases circulation and revitalizes cells to accelerate healing. We like to call this the “Great Energizer.”

Near-Infrared Light

Near-Infrared light at a wavelength of 810nm is not visible to the eye. It penetrates to a depth of about 30-40 mm (1.2′′ to 1.4′′) — which makes it extremely effective on deeper structures such as bones, joints, deep muscles, and bursa.

Infrared light is one of the safest therapies on the market today. It reduces sensitivity of neural pathways and causes the body to release endorphins that provide a nontoxic, natural form of pain relief.

Unlike ultrasound and electrical stimulation, infrared technology is so gentle that patients can use it frequently without causing more damage to injuries or other chronic pathologies.

Although both red and infrared wavelengths penetrate to different depths and affect tissues differently, their therapeutic effects are similar.

Cells that are injured can actually be rejuvenated by light. The visible red and invisible infrared portions of the spectrum have been shown to have highly absorbent and unique therapeutic effects in living tissues.

• Joint Pain/Inflammation (Langella et al., 2018)
• Arthritis(Kuboyama et al., 2014)
• Tendonitis(Foley et al., 2016)
• Muscle pain(Foley et al., 2016)
• Restless Leg Syndrome(Mitchell et al., 2011)
• Scars(Barolet & Boucher, 2010)
• Generalized Anxiety Disorder (Maiello et al., 2019)
• Anxiety and depression (Schiffer et al., 2009)
• Dementia(Nizamutdinov et al., 2021)