Red light therapy is growing in popularity. While some people receive full-body therapy, some individuals prefer targeted red light therapy for more specific applications, such as facial skin or joints. Do the outcomes of whole body red light therapy differ from those of targeted red light therapy? Is it better than targeted red light therapy? Join us as we delve into the science-based information about the benefits and potential risks of full-body red light therapy and compare it with targeted red light therapy.
What is whole body red light therapy?
Whole body, or full-body, red light therapy typically uses red light and near-infrared light (630–850 nm), and devices such as beds or wall-mount panels lined with LED lights are used to administer the therapy. Typically, whole body red light therapy is administered in a healthcare setting with the presence of a healthcare professional. These healthcare settings include dermatology clinics, cosmetic clinics, and sports clinics.
While the duration of the session may vary according to treatment goals or the condition of the patient, a typical session lasts for about 20 minutes or more. During the therapy session, individuals wear minimal clothing to target the maximum body surface area. The eyes need to be covered with eye patches or goggles.
At present, there are numerous commercially available panels for full-body application that are consumer-grade and marketed as suitable for home use. Consult your doctor before you purchase a panel and start using it at home.
How does whole body red light therapy work?
The research to investigate the mechanisms behind red light therapy and its effects on the body at a cellular level is still in its early stages. Broadly speaking, red light therapy may reduce inflammation, promote tissue regeneration, and thereby help with pain relief. Hence, it is often recommended for athletes or people engaging in various sports to facilitate the healing process.
A study examined the effects of 20-minute full-body photobiomodulation therapy in collegiate women's soccer team players. The study assessed cardiovascular measures (heart rate and heart rate variability), and sleep measures (total sleep time, sleep efficiency). The researchers observed that although the total sleep time was reduced, the cardiovascular measures improved after therapy sessions, indicating adequate recovery from the stress experienced by the athletes.
Another study examined the effects of red light LED-bed therapy on cardiovascular disorders. The researchers measured blood pressure, heart rate, and arterial blood oxygen saturation during the half-body illumination red light therapy sessions for the hypertensive group and a healthy control group. Although heart rate and blood oxygen saturation showed no changes, lower blood pressure was observed in the hypertensive group as compared to healthy adults. However, this study has a small sample size (only 32 participants), and large-scale clinical trials are necessary before adopting red light therapy for cardiovascular disorders.
In a nutshell, whole body red light therapy may be beneficial for managing systemic disorders that affect various parts of the body. However, it is important to note that most of the research on red light therapy has been focused on targeted application rather than full-body application.
Potential benefits of whole body red light therapy
While more research is needed, there are a few science-based benefits of red light therapy for the whole body. Still, although whole body red light therapy is considered safe, some anecdotal evidence also suggests potential risks.
Targeted vs. whole body red light therapy
A quick comparison of whole body red light therapy and targeted red light therapy can help patients make an informed decision about their therapy.
| Whole body red light therapy | Targeted red light therapy | |
|---|---|---|
| Usage | Usually done at a dermatology clinic or medical spa; LED panels for home use have recently become available | Can be done at home using an at-home red light therapy device |
| Goal | Achieve more systemic benefits, such as reducing inflammation and improving skin health throughout the body | Focused on a targeted area, aims to address localized issues, such as joint stiffness or facial skin concerns |
| Cost | Can be expensive ($100–300 per session) | Relatively inexpensive (often done at home; device costs up to $1,500) |
| Comfort | Spa-like environment; minimal clothing may cause some discomfort | At-home treatment |
Devices for red light therapy
Whole body red light therapy devices include LED beds, wall-mounted panels, or mats. Usually, clinics and medical spas offer red light therapy using LED beds, while mats and wall-mounted devices can be used at home. However, talk to your doctor before you invest in a full-body red light therapy device.
At-home red light therapy devices are often smaller devices used for targeted areas. These devices include headbands, masks, scalp massagers, and skincare wands. While convenient in terms of usage and cost, these devices are often not considered medical-grade devices. Hence, consumers need to be cautious before they purchase the device.
How to choose the right device for the whole body
While choosing the right red light device for the whole body, talk to your healthcare provider about technical aspects such as power density, energy density, wavelength, and the total number of LEDs. Next, think of portability requirements (e.g., from one room to another), as some full-body devices can be heavy and stationery. Lastly, check the labels to ensure that it is a medical-grade device or an FDA-cleared device.
Tips for maximizing the benefits of red light therapy sessions
A few quick tips to maximize the benefits of red light therapy sessions:
- Follow the safety instructions provided by the healthcare professional.
- Wear blackout goggles to protect your eyes.
- Report any adverse symptoms, such as headaches or skin burns, immediately.
- Talk to your doctor before using red light therapy if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or in case you have a medical condition.
Technical parameters like the power density, energy, and wavelength of a device play an important role in determining the frequency and duration of sessions for the best results. Since these technical parameters differ vastly, there is a lack of consensus on the optimal session duration and frequency of sessions for whole body red light therapy sessions.
In summary, red light therapy can be administered for the entire body or limited to a targeted area. For whole body therapy, LED beds or wall-mounted panels are typically used to manage concerns such as skin aging. Typically, these sessions last for 15–30 minutes and are supervised by a healthcare professional. Although full-body therapy is perceived to be a time-efficient option for large body areas, the sessions can be expensive. Targeted red light therapy can be done at home and can be beneficial for conditions such as joint pain or hair loss.
Discuss with your healthcare provider the type of red light therapy device that is best suited for you.
FAQ
How often should you do whole body red light therapy?
It depends. Doctors determine the regime of full-body red light therapy after considering various factors such as the type of device used, the patient's overall condition, and their lifestyle. Typically, a session may last for up to 30 minutes and can be done two or more times per week. Discuss with your healthcare provider a treatment plan suitable for you and your lifestyle.
How long does it take to see results from whole body red light therapy?
Based on a number of studies with few participants, people observe relief from symptoms such as pain immediately after the session. However, in certain medical conditions, such as cellulite or hair loss, it may take up to a few weeks before results are noticeable. Usually, red light therapy sessions are spread over three months, and most people observe results during that time.
Do you wear clothes during red light therapy?
Yes; however, clothing is optional. Clothing forms a barrier between the red light and the skin. Direct exposure to red light can help achieve relief faster. During full-body red light therapy, patients usually undress to expose targeted areas such as the abdomen and legs. However, full nudity is not necessary, and patients can wear minimal clothing such as sports bras, shorts, or underwear.
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Red light therapy can offer pain relief, reduce inflammation, and help with skin rejuvenation.
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Red light therapy can be administered to the entire body or only to targeted areas.
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Whole body red light therapy can treat a wider area in a short amount of time. It is often conducted in healthcare facilities in the presence of a healthcare practitioner.
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At-home devices can be used not only for targeted relief but also for full-body application (e.g., full-body or large wall mount panels).
3 resources
- Mechanisms of Photobiomodulation Therapy. LED-bed therapy of cardiovascular disorders: a volunteer study.
- Frontiers in Sports and Active Living. The effects of whole-body photobiomodulation light-bed therapy on creatine kinase and salivary interleukin-6 in a sample of trained males: a randomized, crossover study.
- Sports. Full-body photobiomodulation therapy is associated with reduced sleep durations and augmented cardiorespiratory indicators of recovery.
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