Red Light Therapy – Is It Worth the Hype?
- Brainz Magazine
- 3 days ago
- 5 min read
Written by Cristina Rodriguez, Spa Director | Owner
Cristina Rodriguez, with more than a decade of caring for others as a massage therapist, now shares her heartfelt dedication to wellness as the Spa Director and Owner of The Spa at 10 North, welcoming guests to a unique experience focusing on recovery and restorative care in Downtown OKC.
When you first hear about red light therapy, it might sound like something out of a sci-fi movie. Standing in front of glowing red panels to improve your health? But this isn’t some futuristic fantasy, it’s a scientifically backed treatment that’s been gaining serious momentum in the wellness world. And after extensive research and testing, we’re thrilled to announce that we’ve added red light therapy to our spa at 10 North. Here’s why we believe everyone should give it a try.
What exactly is red light therapy?
Red light therapy, also known as photobiomodulation or low-level light therapy, is a treatment that uses specific wavelengths of red and near-infrared light to penetrate the skin and stimulate cellular function. Unlike UV rays from the sun (which can damage skin), red light therapy uses wavelengths typically between 630-850 nanometers that are considered safe and beneficial.
During a session, you simply stand, sit, or lie down near LED panels that emit these therapeutic wavelengths. The light penetrates deep into your skin, muscles, and even bones, where it works its magic at the cellular level. Sessions typically last between 10-20 minutes, making it an easy addition to any wellness routine.
A brief history: From NASA to your local spa
Red light therapy isn’t some trendy wellness fad that appeared overnight. Its roots go back decades. Niels Ryberg Finsen, the Danish physician who won the 1903 Nobel Prize for his pioneering work in light therapy, used red light to treat skin diseases such as lupus vulgaris and smallpox. He developed treatments using concentrated light that filtered out the harmful UV rays and found that the remaining red light helped heal lesions, opening a new field in medicine and laying the foundation for modern phototherapy. However, he was reluctant to investigate further to understand why it worked.
In the 1990s, NASA began experimenting with red light to help grow plants in space. Scientists quickly discovered that these specific wavelengths of light also accelerated wound healing in astronauts and helped prevent muscle and bone atrophy during extended space missions.
From there, researchers began exploring its applications for everyday health. Medical professionals started using it for wound healing, pain management, and skin conditions. Over the past two decades, the technology has evolved from expensive medical equipment to accessible wellness tools, making it available to anyone seeking its benefits.
How does it actually work?
The science behind red light therapy centers on your mitochondria, the powerhouses of your cells. When red and near-infrared light penetrates your skin, it’s absorbed by the mitochondria in your cells. This absorption triggers increased production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which is essentially cellular energy (think of it as your body's batteries).
With more ATP, your cells function more efficiently. This enhanced cellular function leads to a cascade of benefits, reduced inflammation, increased collagen production, improved circulation, faster tissue repair, and enhanced muscle recovery. Think of it as giving your cells a supercharge that helps your body heal and function at its best.
The near-infrared wavelengths can penetrate even deeper than red light up to several inches into the body, which is why red light therapy can benefit not just your skin, but your muscles, joints, and connective tissue as well.
The benefits: More than just skin deep
So what can red light therapy actually do for you? The research suggests quite a lot:
Skin health: Red light therapy stimulates collagen production, which can reduce fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin tone and texture, and accelerate wound healing. Many users report a healthy, natural glow after regular sessions.
Pain and inflammation: Studies show that red light therapy can significantly reduce inflammation and relieve chronic pain conditions, including arthritis, muscle soreness, and joint pain.
Muscle recovery: Athletes have embraced red light therapy for its ability to accelerate muscle recovery, reduce soreness, and potentially enhance performance.
Mental clarity and mood: Some research suggests that red light therapy may improve energy levels, sleep quality, and even mood by supporting healthy circadian rhythms.
Hair growth: Emerging studies indicate that red light therapy may stimulate hair follicles and promote hair growth in people experiencing hair loss.
I’d like to add that for optimal results, it is recommended to use red light therapy 3-6 times per week. I myself use it at least 2-3 times a week and have noticed over the past 8 months that it has helped me exponentially, from helping me through my post-partum journey mentally to improving hair growth after giving birth and reducing pain and inflammation from overused muscles.
Why we brought red light therapy to 10 North
At 10 North, we’re committed to offering treatments that are both scientifically sound and genuinely beneficial for our clients. Red light therapy checked every box. We’ve seen the research, we’ve experienced the benefits ourselves.
We believe wellness should be accessible, effective, and enjoyable. Red light therapy fits perfectly into this philosophy. It’s non-invasive, requires no downtime, and sessions fit easily into busy schedules. Whether you’re an athlete looking to optimize recovery, someone dealing with chronic pain, or simply wanting to improve your skin and overall wellness, red light therapy offers something valuable.
Plus, there’s something inherently relaxing about a red light therapy session. It’s a moment to pause, breathe, and let your body do what it does best, to heal and recover.
We believe in the power of red light therapy so much that we’ll be showcasing its benefits in the coming months with a video journey documenting one of our very own after a major back surgery. Follow along as we track her real-world recovery and see firsthand how red light therapy supports healing.
Should you try it?
Here’s our honest take. Red light therapy isn’t a miracle cure, but it is a powerful tool that can support your body’s natural healing processes. The benefits are backed by science, the treatment is safe when used properly, and the potential upside is significant with virtually no downside.
We think everyone should experience red light therapy at least once. Whether it becomes a regular part of your wellness routine or an occasional boost when you need it most, we’re confident you’ll feel the difference. Your cells will thank you.
Read more from Cristina Rodriguez
Cristina Rodriguez, Spa Director | Owner
Cristina Rodriguez developed a passion for helping others achieve true recovery and well-being after her mother was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2013. Ever since, she has dedicated herself to fostering a spa environment that goes far beyond relaxation, one where restorative care takes center stage. Welcoming every guest exactly where they are, whether experiencing their first massage or working toward long-term wellness goals.
