Red and Infrared Light Therapy: A Science-Backed Ally for Sports Recovery

Disclaimer

The information provided in this article is intended for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any condition. Always consult with your dermatologist, general practitioner, or other qualified healthcare professional before starting any new treatment or therapy.

From Muscle Strain to Joint Pain: How Photobiomodulation Accelerates Healing

For athletes and active individuals, injuries like sprains, muscle tears, and joint aches are an unfortunate reality. The search for safe, effective, and non-invasive treatments to accelerate recovery is constant. Emerging from the realm of clinical research, red and near-infrared light therapy, collectively known as photobiomodulation (PBM), is gaining significant recognition as a powerful tool for healing sports-related injuries and managing chronic musculoskeletal pain. Unlike painkillers that simply mask discomfort, this therapy works at the cellular level to reduce inflammation, relieve pain, and promote tissue repair, offering a drug-free path back to peak performance.

Understanding the Science: How Light Energises Your Cells

At its core, red and infrared light therapy is a form of photobiomodulation (PBM), a non-invasive treatment that uses specific wavelengths of light to stimulate natural biological processes. The key wavelengths for therapeutic use typically fall within the red (630-700 nm) and near-infrared (800-1200 nm) spectra.

The Cellular Power-Up: When this light is applied to the skin, photons penetrate into the tissues and are absorbed by the mitochondria, often called the powerhouse of the cell. This absorption stimulates the mitochondria to produce more adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the fundamental energy currency that drives cellular function.
From Energy to Healing: This boost in cellular energy enhances the cell's ability to repair and regenerate itself. Scientists believe that energised cells are better equipped to mend damaged tissue, whether it's skin, muscle, tendon, or bone. This is supported by a 2025 animal study that found that PBM promoted tendon healing by enhancing fibre regeneration, increasing tenocyte proliferation, and improving the crucial collagen 1-to-collagen 3 ratio.
The Anti-Inflammatory Pathway: Crucially, PBM also works to reduce inflammation, a primary source of pain and swelling in injuries. It modulates the release of inflammatory cytokines (proteins involved in cell signalling) and can influence macrophage activity, calming the body's overzealous response to injury. For instance, a 2013 animal model of osteoarthritis found that a single application of near-infrared light significantly reduced inflammatory cell infiltration and key inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-1β and IL-6, in the joint within 24 hours.

Accelerating Athletic Recovery: From Acute Injury to Return-to-Play

One of the most compelling applications of light therapy is in the treatment of acute sports injuries. Research demonstrates it can significantly cut recovery time, getting athletes back to training and competition faster.

Halved Recovery Time: A pivotal 2016 study published in Laser Therapy treated university athletes with 830 nm near-infrared light for injuries, including sprains, strains, and tendonitis. The result was a dramatic reduction in "return-to-play" time. Athletes treated with light therapy returned in an average of 9.6 days, compared to 19.23 days for those receiving conventional care alone, effectively cutting recovery time by half.
Effective Pain Relief: The same study reported significant pain attenuation, with athletes noting up to a 6-point reduction on a standard pain scale (VAS) after just 2-6 treatment sessions. This pain relief is attributed to light therapy's ability to enhance blood flow, relax muscle spasms, and reduce inflammation directly at the injury site.
Enhanced Muscle Recovery: A major 2016 review of 46 clinical trials concluded that PBM applied before or after exercise can increase sports performance and aid recovery. The review noted that PBM can help increase muscle mass gained from training and decrease markers of inflammation and oxidative stress in muscle tissue.

Managing Chronic Conditions: Osteoarthritis and Persistent Pain

Beyond acute injuries, PBM offers substantial hope for managing chronic, debilitating conditions often associated with long-term sporting activity or ageing, such as osteoarthritis (OA).

Reducing Pain and Stiffness: A 2021 systematic review and meta-analysis focused specifically on PBM for tendinopathy provides strong evidence. It concluded that combining PBM with exercise results in significantly greater reductions in pain and improved function than exercise with a sham treatment.
A Non-Drug Alternative: Multiple studies confirm that light therapy can effectively reduce pain and improve function in osteoarthritic joints. For instance, a 2024 review highlighted that phototherapy is a well-tolerated, non-invasive option that shows promise in alleviating pain and improving joint function for OA patients. A narrative review from 2023 also systematically summarised the anti-inflammatory and joint function recovery effects of PBM observed in various animal models of arthritis.
Whole-Body Benefits for Widespread Pain: For conditions involving widespread pain, such as fibromyalgia, whole-body PBM devices are being studied. A UK-based feasibility trial found that whole-body treatment was very acceptable to participants and showed "promising effects on reducing pain levels, fatigue levels... and improved sleep".

The Current Evidence: A Balanced View of Promise and Limitations

While the research is promising, it's important to view the evidence holistically. The scientific community notes varying levels of support for different applications.

Strong Areas of Support: The mechanisms of action at the cellular level are well-documented. Clinical evidence is particularly robust for specific applications, such as accelerating recovery from acute musculoskeletal injuries and as an adjunct therapy for tendinopathy when combined with exercise.
Areas with Emerging or Mixed Evidence: A 2022 study on recovery from exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD) found that while PBM reduced calf soreness, it did not enhance recovery of functional movements, such as vertical jump or agility, after high-volume sprinting. Similarly, experts from Stanford Medicine note in a 2025 article that while evidence supports uses like hair growth and skin rejuvenation, data for improving athletic performance is still lacking. This highlights that effects may be specific to the type of activity and outcome measured.

Choosing the Right Red and Infrared Light Device for Sports Recovery

Unlocking the full potential of red and infrared light therapy for accelerated healing starts with a device engineered for results.

Our premium panels and devices use scientifically-optimised red and near-infrared wavelengths to directly target the root causes of sports-related pain and stiffness. This synergistic approach reduces inflammation, soothes sore muscles, and enhances tissue repair, making it easier to recover from sprains, aches, and injuries and get back to peak performance faster.

All devices are AU/NZ safety certified, locally supplied, and designed for effortless daily use.

LIGHTFORCE LED RED & INFRARED LIGHT THERAPY 80 x 30 CM FLEXIBLE PAD

Designed for athletic recovery and performance support, the LightForce LED Red & Infrared Flexible Pad delivers targeted photobiomodulation to help reduce muscle soreness, ease joint discomfort, and accelerate recovery-wherever your body needs it most.

Key Benefits:

Deep Muscle & Joint Recovery: Dual wavelengths-Red (660 nm) and Near-Infrared (850 nm)-work together to support surface tissue repair and penetrate deep into muscles and joints to reduce inflammation and speed recovery.
High-Power, High-Coverage Output: Features 360 triple-chip LED diodes (360 × 660 nm Red & 720 × 850 nm Near-Infrared) for consistent, therapeutic light delivery across a large treatment area.
Flexible, Body-Contouring Design: The 80 × 30 cm pad wraps comfortably around any body area, from shoulders and back to knees, calves, and feet, for precise, targeted treatment.
Hands-Free & Secure Fit: Includes a 96 × 10 cm elasticised Velcro strap for stable, effortless use during rest or recovery.
Supports Circulation & Faster Healing: Helps improve local blood flow, relieve muscle stiffness, and ease post-training soreness.
Safe, Non-Invasive & Heat-Free: Delivers effective light therapy without UV rays or excess heat-ideal for regular home or professional use.
Good to know: Near-infrared light is invisible, so the pad is working even when you don’t see it.

LIGHTFORCE LED SILICONE RED & NEAR INFRARED WIRELESS VIBRATING BELT

Designed for targeted pain relief and muscle recovery, the LightForce LED Silicone Red & Near-Infrared Wireless Vibrating Belt combines advanced light therapy with soothing vibration to deliver deeper, more effective results-anytime, anywhere.

Key Benefits:

Dual-Action Recovery Technology: Red (660 nm) and Near-Infrared (850 nm) light work together to support surface tissue repair, penetrate deep into muscles and joints, and help reduce pain and inflammation at the source.
Enhanced Results with Vibration: Four integrated vibrating nodules with 3 adjustable levels help relax tight muscles, improve circulation, and enhance the overall recovery effect when combined with light therapy.
Targeted, High-Efficiency Output: Features 122 triple-chip LED diodes (122 × Red & 244 × Near-Infrared) for consistent, therapeutic light delivery to key treatment areas.
Wireless & Fully Portable: Powered by a rechargeable battery controller that magnetically attaches to the belt, allowing for complete freedom of movement and use anywhere.
Comfortable, Flexible Silicone Design: Wraps securely around the body to target the lower back, hips, abdomen, thighs, knees, or shoulders with ease.
Safe, Heat-Free & Non-Invasive: Delivers effective therapy without UV rays or excess heat, suitable for regular home use.
Good to know: For best results, use directly on bare skin, as red light does not penetrate clothing well.

LIGHTFORCE RED & NEAR INFRARED LED LIGHT THERAPY FOOT & ANKLE WRAP

Designed for targeted lower-limb recovery, the LightForce Red & Near-Infrared LED Foot & Ankle Wrap delivers deep, therapeutic light to help relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and support faster healing-right at home.

Key Benefits:

Deep-Acting Pain & Recovery Support: Dual wavelengths-Red (660 nm) and Near-Infrared (850 nm)-work together to treat surface tissue and penetrate deep into muscles, joints, and tendons to target pain at the source.
High-Coverage, Therapeutic Output: Features 159 triple-chip LED diodes (159 × Red & 318 × Near-Infrared) for consistent, effective light delivery across the entire foot and ankle.
Wrap-Around, Shoe-Like Design: Cleverly designed to cover the full foot and ankle, making it ideal for overuse injuries, strains, sprains, arthritis, tendonitis, heel pain, and post-exercise soreness.
Adjustable & Secure Fit: Two Velcro compression straps allow a customised fit for most foot sizes, with a generous 33 cm length (fits up to approx. US size 16).
Boosts Circulation & Healing: Helps improve local blood flow, reduce stiffness, and accelerate recovery without heat or UV exposure.
Multi-Use Versatility: Also suitable for targeted treatment of the elbow and other joints.
Safe, Non-Invasive & Heat-Free: Delivers optimal therapeutic wavelengths with no harmful UV rays or excess heat.
Good to know: For best results, use directly on bare skin.

LIGHTFORCE LED RED & INFRARED LIGHT THERAPY SHOULDER WRAP

Designed for targeted upper-body recovery, the LightForce LED Red & Infrared Shoulder Wrap delivers deep, therapeutic light to help relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and support faster healing-right where you need it most.

Key Benefits:

Deep Shoulder & Joint Recovery: Dual wavelengths-Red (660 nm) and Near-Infrared (850 nm)-work together to treat surface tissue and penetrate deep into muscles, tendons, and joints to target pain at the source.
High-Coverage, Therapeutic Output: Features 96 triple-chip LED diodes (96 Red & 192 Near-Infrared) for consistent, effective light delivery across the shoulder and upper arm.
Flexible, Wrap-Around Design: A contoured 59 × 39 × 29.5 cm pad with a 1 m elasticised Velcro strap provides a secure, comfortable fit for all body sizes.
Ideal for Injury & Overuse Relief: Supports relief from strains, sprains, rotator cuff injuries, bursitis, frozen shoulder, pinched nerves, dislocations, fractures, and repetitive-use injuries.
Boosts Circulation & Recovery: Helps increase local blood flow, reduce stiffness, and accelerate healing without heat or UV exposure.
Portable Power Option: Can be powered via a USB 5V 3A power bank (sold separately) for convenient, portable use.
Safe, Non-Invasive & Heat-Free: Delivers therapeutic light safely with no harmful UV rays or excess heat.
Good to know: For best results, use directly on bare skin.

LIGHTFORCE LED RED & INFRARED LIGHT THERAPY KNEE WRAP

Designed for targeted joint recovery, the LightForce LED Red & Infrared Knee Wrap delivers deep, therapeutic light to help relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and support faster healing at home or on the go.

Key Benefits:

Deep Joint & Tissue Support: Dual wavelengths-Red (660 nm) and Near-Infrared (850 nm)-work together to treat surface tissue and penetrate deep into joints, muscles, and connective tissue to target pain at the source.
High-Power, Targeted Output: Features 70 × 10W dual-chip LED diodes (70 Red & 70 Near-Infrared) for consistent, effective light delivery across the treatment area.
Flexible, Wrap-Around Design: Designed for use on the knee or elbow, the soft, flexible pad with Velcro straps provides a secure, comfortable fit during recovery sessions.
Ideal for Injury & Overuse Relief: Supports relief from strains, sprains, arthritis, meniscus issues, bursitis, tendon and cartilage injuries, and pain caused by repetitive or overuse activities.
Boosts Circulation & Recovery: Helps increase local blood flow, reduce stiffness, and accelerate healing without heat or UV exposure.
Portable Power Option: Can be powered via a USB 5V 3A power bank (sold separately) for convenient, portable use.
Safe, Non-Invasive & Heat-Free: Delivers therapeutic light safely with no harmful UV rays or excess heat.
Good to know: For best results, use directly on bare skin.

LIGHTFORCE BIO WAVE 1500 RED & NEAR INFRARED LED LIGHT THERAPY

Engineered for full-body performance and recovery, the LightForce Bio Wave 1500 Red & Near-Infrared LED Light Therapy Panel delivers powerful, clinical-grade light therapy using advanced intelligent controls and four proven wavelengths-right at home.

Key Benefits:

Full-Spectrum, Deep-Tissue Therapy: Four therapeutic wavelengths-630, 660, 830 & 850 nm-work together to target skin, muscles, joints, and deep tissue for comprehensive recovery and regeneration.
High-Powered, Clinical Output: Equipped with 300 × 5W dual-chip LED diodes, delivering over 160 mW/cm² for effective full-body treatment and deep light penetration.
Intelligent, Customisable Sessions: An LCD screen with a digital timer, brightness control, a pulse function, and a calming Ambient Mode allows fully personalised treatments.
Modular, Expandable Design: Sleek, high-grade aluminium panel is daisy-chainable, allowing multiple units to be connected from a single power point for expanded coverage.
Designed for Full-Body Use: Optimised for head-to-toe treatment, supporting skin health, muscle recovery, inflammation reduction, and overall wellbeing.
Advanced Multi-Wavelength Technology: Combines red (630 & 660 nm) and near-infrared (830 & 850 nm) light to maximise therapeutic and regenerative benefits.
Built to Last & Certified Safe: Crafted from premium aluminium, NZ/AU safety certified, and backed by an industry-leading 4-year warranty.
Good to know: Near-infrared light is invisible to the naked eye, so the panel is working even when you don’t see it illuminated.

Harnessing Light to Support Your Well-being

Red and near-infrared light therapy offers a powerful, science-backed way to support sports recovery and physical performance. It’s not a quick fix-but an advanced technology that works with your body’s natural healing processes. From accelerating muscle repair and reducing inflammation to improving circulation, supporting joint health, and enhancing sleep quality, its benefits help your body recover faster and perform at its best.

Ready to Transform Your Recovery?

Explore our premium Red & Near-Infrared Light Therapy range designed to support muscle recovery, injury repair, and athletic performance, featuring powerful outputs, proven wavelengths (660 nm & 850 nm), and simple, at-home convenience.

We are proudly New Zealand-owned and operated, specialising in:

✔ Genuine, research-backed technology that supports muscle repair and reduces inflammation

✔ Honest, expert guidance on using light therapy for effective recovery and performance

✔ High-quality devices designed to enhance training, recovery, and long-term joint health

Experience the power of photobiomodulation-recover faster, move better, and train stronger naturally.

Shop Our Range or Get in Touch, and take the next step in your recovery and performance journey.