It is important to note the major differences between clinical-grade devices and consumer devices are the lightwaves used and the depth of penetration into the body. Consumer devices only use Red Light. Clinical-grade devices use both Red Light Therapy (RTL) and Near-infrared Light (NIR) - also know as photobiomodulation, to achieve the desired therapies.

 

When applied to the skin the combined RTL and NIR lightwave energy is absorbed by the cells, increasing energy in cells (adenosine triphosphate) which leads to an improvement in blood flow, tissue repair, and cell growth. The therapy promotes the activity of certain enzymes and activates the immune system, which helps to reduce inflammation and promote healing. Combined together RTL and NIR are effective in weight loss. Researcher has determined RLT combined with NIR affects adipocytes, which are cells that store fat, causing the lipids to disperse. In other words, light therapy helps the body get rid of fat.

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Red Light Therapy's primary effects are improve skin health, reduce wrinkles, enhance collagen production, and aid in the healing of superficial wounds and injuries. It also helps with inflammation and tissue repair near the surface.

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Near Infrared Therapy's primary effects target deeper tissues, including muscles, joints, and even bones. It helps with deeper tissue repair, reduces inflammation, promotes circulation, and alleviates pain. It can also be beneficial for addressing issues that are not as close to the surface of the skin.

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Light therapy dates to ancient times when people would spend time in natural environments such as sunrooms to improve their health. Dr. Mester, a Hungarian surgeon who conducted pioneering research on the effects of LLLT in the 1960s, found that LLLT had a positive effect on wound healing and pain relief. He called this effect "biostimulation” – the effect of light in deep tissue stimulating multiple biological effects. The first studies on the biological effects of LLLT were conducted in the 1970s, and the therapy was first used to treat pain and inflammation in humans in the 1980s. NASA used LLLT in the 1980s to support wound healing for astronauts.

  

In the 1980s, the Soviet Union and the Eastern bloc countries were the first to adopt LLLT as a standard treatment for various medical conditions, including sports injuries and chronic pain. It was not until the 1990s that LLLT started to be used in Western countries, and it has been increasingly used since then in many clinics and hospitals worldwide.

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Note: Red Light Therapy is interchangeable with Low-Level-Laser-Therapy (LLLT). All of these terms are used in the research links below.

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