Are you looking for a way to differentiate your spa or fitness center from the competition? Salt therapy rooms might be the answer. Salt therapy for athletes is trending in the wellness community – don’t let your business get left behind.

The events of recent years have more people than ever focused on their respiratory health in addition to their physical health. Optimizing respiratory health has long been a priority for athletes.

Offering salt therapy for athletes at your facility not only gives your business a competitive edge, but can also boost your bottom line. Let’s explore some of the benefits of salt therapy for athletes.

How Does Salt Therapy Help Athletes?
Salt therapy (aka halotherapy) involves breathing in micron-sized pharmaceutical-grade dry salt particles in a safe, hygienic, and controlled environment. It’s a great alternative treatment for lung-related issues such as asthma, bronchitis, and persistent coughs.

How we breathe and what we breathe contributes to our overall well-being. While this is true for the average individual, it plays a critical role in the lives of athletes. Inflammation, foreign particles, and bacteria can lead to lungs underperforming when athletes need them the most.

Why Athletes Should Use Salt Therapy?
Sports require mental and physical fortitude to achieve success – much of conditioning centers on eating right, getting adequate sleep, and practicing regularly. Optimizing breathing is of the utmost importance regardless of an athlete’s activity. Both professional athletes and highly active individuals can benefit from halotherapy.

Inflammation and obstruction of the airways can lead to poor breathing patterns that negatively affect athletic performance. When breathing is less than optimized, everything from increased dehydration to increased recovery time post-workout to reduced stamina can get in the way of an athlete’s goal.

5 Benefits of Salt Therapy for Athletes
As this alternative treatment grows in popularity, the question of, ‘how is salt therapy beneficial for athletes?’ is also trending. The number one advantage of salt therapy for athletes is optimized breathing. Optimized breathing results from enhanced lung capacity, clear respiratory tract and airways, and reduced stress and infection rates. When breathing is optimized, less breath is required to achieve a higher level of performance.

Take a look at how salt therapy is beneficial for athletes:

• Enhance lung capacity – When lung capacity is enhanced, airways are fully open to take in more oxygen, which improves endurance by increasing oxygen levels and red blood cells.
• Reduce stress – Increased oxygen intake has been linked with helping people relax, both physically and mentally. A clear mental state is necessary to improve attention, sharpen the body’s response, and reduce reaction time.
• Clear respiratory tract – Micron-sized salt particles are anti-inflammatory and antibacterial, which helps dissipate mucus, remove unwanted foreign particles from the respiratory tract, and treat respiratory weakness.
• Maintain clear airways – Regular treatment allows the lungs and respiratory tract to remain free of unwanted particles and blockages that hinder optimal breathing. Ridding the respiratory tract of toxins can help improve deep, clear breathing patterns.
• Fight infection – Besides being antibacterial and anti-inflammatory, the dry salt used in halotherapy has antiseptic and antifungal properties. These help fight infections by improving sleep quality so the body can focus on recovery while removing mucus and other obstructions from the airways.

This is only a partial list of how salt therapy can benefit athletes. But looking at these advantages, it isn’t difficult to see why athletes should use salt therapy to improve their performance.

How Does Salt Therapy Boost the Immune System?
The immune system consists of a complex network of organs, tissues, cells, and other substances that help the body fight off infections and other diseases. The benefits of salt therapy for athletes overlap with the benefits this treatment offers to the immune system.

Salt therapy is more than just a relaxing way to pass the time. It helps reduce inflammation, stress, and airborne toxins in the body. Our immune system weakens when stress levels are high, preventing us from being able to fend off even the common cold. The stronger the immune system, the less likely an athlete is to be sidelined by illness.

How Effective is Salt Therapy for Athletes?
Athletes are finding ways to incorporate halotherapy into their everyday lives, from at-home SALT Booths® to salt caves in fitness centers to salt therapy rooms in yoga facilities. Even professional athletes have begun using salt therapy during off-season training as part of their performance and recovery routine.

If it’s good enough for professional football players, it’s time that athletes of all levels experience the benefits of salt therapy for their endurance and performance. Some European countries even have their athletes train and practice in salt caves to improve their breathing patterns.

How Often Should You Do Salt Therapy?
Individuals can benefit from salt therapy treatment, whether they’re athletes or “armchair athletes.” The frequency of treatment may vary depending on each person’s unique health concerns. People with chronic or severe respiratory issues are encouraged to schedule sessions more often.

Athletes who want to enhance their sports performance should consider scheduling salt therapy sessions a few times per week over the course of a few months to experience maximum benefits.

Boost Your Bottom Line with Salt Therapy for Athletes
Offering athletes salt therapy as part of your services may attract new clients looking for that competitive advantage on the sports field or court. As your client’s performance improves, their friends and teammates will race to your facility to try salt therapy for themselves. With all the research and information found online, the best means of attracting new business will be a satisfied, better-performing client.

Athletes are always striving to be better. They spend hundreds of hours working to increase endurance, shorten recovery time, and improve overall performance. Can salt therapy’s benefits support better recovery for athletes?

Professional and amateur athletes alike work hard to break their records and accomplish their goals. A crucial part of training is giving the body time to rest and recover so it can mend. Pushing the body beyond its limits without allowing it to recuperate can cause lasting damage.

Salt therapy is a natural way to boost respiratory function so athletes can reach their maximum potential. This holistic therapy provides fitness centers with a profitable and unique service to engage existing clients and attract new members. It’s a new opportunity to offer effective recovery equipment for athletes.

What is Salt Therapy?
Halotherapy (aka salt therapy) is a holistic therapy that involves breathing in salty air. Halotherapy is a fast-growing treatment that may provide numerous health benefits for people with respiratory and skin conditions, as well as anxiety and depression.

The effectiveness of salt therapy is dependent on a halogenerator. This machine grinds particles of pure-grade sodium chloride (salt). Then, it disperses the particles into a hygienic and controlled environment known as a salt room or SALT Booth®.

Individuals spend between 10 and 45 minutes during a salt therapy session. They breathe the micron-sized salt particles into their respiratory system. The salt that is not inhaled and falls to the skin is absorbed into the outer and deeper layers of skin.

Along with reduced stress and better sleep patterns, those that have undergone salt therapy have also reported enhanced respiratory function and athletic performance.

Why Salt Therapy for Athletes?
Athletes are using salt therapy to enhance their lung capacity and increase endurance and performance. Recovery for runners and many other types of athletes may be improved through salt therapy.

Optimized breathing is vital for an athlete’s performance. Airway inflammation and obstruction are two respiratory conditions that can lead to a variety of health and performance issues. These include reduced stamina, longer recovery time, increased dehydration, and a greater risk of injury.

When lungs have to contend with foreign particles, bacteria, or inflammation, they can prevent athletes from achieving optimal performance. In addition to eating right, getting proper rest, and training, optimal respiratory function can be the difference between striving for a goal and shattering it.

While spas, resorts, and yoga centers have been offering salt therapy for years, health and fitness clubs are joining the movement. Salt therapy is a way for athletes to increase their competitive advantage and perform at their best. It’s a new and exciting option to consider among the many training and recovery methods for athletes.

The Benefits of Salt Recovery Therapy for Athletes
Adding salt therapy to an athlete’s fitness regimen offers many benefits, including quicker recovery and better performance. Halotherapy improves breathing, which increases oxygen intake and delivery to muscles for more energy. That puts halotherapy among the best recovery tools for athletes.

Improving the flow of oxygen to muscles before, during, and after a training session has the additional benefit of increasing aerobic capacity. This enhances the efficiency of the body’s cardiovascular system. Many athletes choose to take supplements or performance-enhancing drugs to boost their athletic performance, which is evident by the billions of dollars spent every year on these products. Salt therapy is a safe and natural alternative to those recovery strategies. It helps athletes achieve better physical performance without harmful side effects.

Salt Therapy for Stamina, Endurance, and Recovery
Salt therapy provides athletes with a performance boost in three interconnected ways:

• Stamina
• Endurance
• Recovery

Stamina and endurance enable athletes to be more powerful for longer. Regardless of the sport and style of training, each is essential for greater athletic performance.

Stamina
Salt therapy helps enhance athletic stamina, allowing for short, highly effective bursts of energy during training to break through plateaus. Stamina is the ability to sustain physical or mental activity over a long period. Both physical and mental stamina are critical for athletic performance.

Physical stamina refers to the full capacity of energy you can summon from your muscles. It is the amount of time you can perform a task at or near your physical limit without fatigue or reduction in quality.

Mental stamina is just as crucial for an athlete’s success. Salt therapy rooms provide a perfect environment for relaxation and meditation. This can enhance cognitive focus, increase attention span, and improve reaction time.

Endurance
Halotherapy boosts muscular and cardiovascular endurance, which gives athletes the ability to safely extend the duration of training without causing physical harm. Endurance is the body’s physical capability to sustain physical activity for a long period.

Physical endurance refers to the maximum amount of oxygen you can gather for a specific physical activity. Muscle endurance is how long your muscle strength can be sustained during training. In contrast, cardiovascular endurance is how long your heart, lungs, and blood vessels can support your training before getting fatigued.

Salt therapy benefits include clearing airway obstructions and reducing inflammation. This allows athletes to better manage their breathing patterns. Since oxygen supply is a crucial element for muscle growth, strength, and recovery, athletic performance is enhanced when respiratory function improves.

Recovery
Salt therapy is recovery therapy for athletes. It supports optimal respiratory function and increases oxygen flow in the body, which helps boost overall fitness performance.

Including recovery time between workouts is essential for optimal performance. Without proper recovery between training sessions, the risk of injury and fatigue increases. Recovery for athletes is simply crucial.

Oxygen is essential for muscle recovery. When sinuses and nasal passages are clogged, it becomes more difficult to supply oxygen to the muscles, which slows down post-workout active recovery.

As salt therapy works to clear airways, the time it takes for oxygen to reach the muscles decreases. The end result — and a key benefit for beginner and elite athletes alike — is recovery time and promoting better sleep quality.

The body heals the microscopic tears in muscles overnight. This is why getting good sleep is important for the recovery process.

Why Are Gyms Adding Salt Therapy?
Halotherapy is a great recovery technique to offer to athletes, competitors, or anyone looking to boost their physical performance and gain a competitive edge. Fitness centers are taking note of the popularity of salt therapy rooms among patrons. From a financial perspective, they’re taking advantage of the high return on investment.

Obviously, there are up-front costs to add salt room therapy to your facility. However, the labor expenses are minimal, and ongoing consumables amount to just pennies a day. Fitness and wellness clubs around the country are experiencing significant revenue boosts as a result of adding salt therapy to their services.

As one satisfied SALT Chamber client puts it, “Having experienced the benefits firsthand, it’s just a natural fit to have a SALT Booth® installed. It provides great benefits for all types of people, it’s easy and it generates additional revenue.”

Adding Salt Therapy to your Fitness Facility
Respiratory function and lung capacity are crucial to any physical sport. Athletes tend to treat their bodies as temples to achieve peak performance.

So, it comes as no surprise that more and more athletes are turning to salt therapy to take their performance to the next level. From improving performance to supporting better recovery for athletes, salt therapy is a powerful option.

Salt rooms are custom designed and can be installed in an existing, underutilized room or built to specifications for a brand-new space. If space is limited and there isn’t an available room to convert into a dedicated salt room, our SALT Booth® might be just what your facility needs.

SALT Chamber can work with you to find the best option for your business and get you on your way to increased profits and happier clients.

Dedicated Salt Room
Salt rooms are a safe, relaxing, drug-free environment affording athletes a wide range of health benefits that can enhance their fitness results. The unique microclimate found in salt rooms mimics the climate in natural salt caves. The simple act of sitting and breathing in a salt room can deliver powerful benefits to athletes.

Dedicated salt rooms reflect the aesthetic you choose, from wall coverings like Himalayan salt tiles or bricks to grains of Himalayan salt covering the floor. Lighting, seating, and other decor complete the ambiance.

Salt Booth®
A SALT Booth® is a space-saving option when you want to offer salt therapy but don’t have a lot of dedicated space available. A SALT Booth® has a 4’ x 4’ footprint and installation is plug-and-play.

This self-contained unit doesn’t require any upgrades or construction to your facility. Crucially, it gives your clients the option to experience salt therapy privately in only 10 minutes.

Clients can spend time in a SALT Booth® to cool down following an intense workout or as a stand-alone experience to improve respiratory function. Easy to use, easy to schedule, easy to maintain: A SALT Booth® makes salt therapy that much more accessible.

Custom Multi-Use Room
Salt therapy complements many wellness services you may already offer. By converting an existing space into a multi-use room with a halogenerator, you can give your clients the option to upgrade another service to include salt therapy.

Common complementary services include meditation, massage, yoga, reiki, and more. Some fitness clubs also incorporate sound and light therapy for an additional wellness boost. Consider the services your business offers and if any could easily combine with salt therapy.

Salt Therapy: An Ace in the Hole for Athlete Recovery

With decades of experience in the salt therapy and spa industries, and the largest portfolio of projects completed worldwide, SALT Chamber is the perfect partner for your new or expansion venture.

As the Paris 2024 Olympics approach, athletes worldwide are fine-tuning their training regimens to gain any possible edge. Part of those training regimes, is the recovery that follows. Thats what allows them go out and do it again as well as for their bodies to adapt.

Among the various recovery techniques gaining popularity, red light therapy stands out. From sprinters to volleyball players, elite athletes are increasingly turning to this cutting-edge technology to enhance their recovery and performance.

The Science Behind Red Light Therapy
Red light therapy, or photobiomodulation, involves exposing the body to low levels of red or near-infrared light. Typically The light penetrates the skin and is absorbed by cells, particularly in the mitochondria, which are the energy powerhouses of cells. This absorption process reportedly boosts cellular energy production, reduces inflammation, and accelerates healing.

Numerous studies have shown that red light therapy can improve muscle recovery, reduce pain, and even enhance athletic performance. For instance, a study by Ferrassi et. al. (2016) found that red light therapy significantly reduced muscle soreness and increased strength recovery after intense exercise.

One of the ways these benefits may occur is through the anti-inflammatory effects of RLT. There is a growing body of research on this including the work of Dr. Michael Hamblin (2017).

Olympic Athletes Using Red Light Therapy

Gold medalist Kelsey Mitchell is an athlete using red light therapy in her recovery routine
Several athletes preparing for the Paris 2024 Olympics have incorporated red light therapy into their recovery routines. Here’s how athletes are using red light therapy for recovery.

Canadian track cycling sprinter Kelsey Mitchell, the reigning gold medalist has made RLT a part of her regular routine. “Red light therapy has a lot of benefits for an athlete like Kelsey,” says Vive Human Performance Director Ken Vick, who has been consulting with Mitchell for the past several years. “It can help her recover faster after intense sprint training sessions, so she can push harder the next day.”

Tokyo Wrestling Gold Medalist, David Taylor of the USA talks about using cold plunges and red light therapy for recovery and wellness. According to Taylor mentioned, red light therapy is a daily ritual, “Similar to cold water, it’s a massive reduction in inflammation, boosting your energy levels, helps with your skin, anti-aging.”

Similarly, Beach Volleyball Olympian Melissa Humana-Paredes uses it for recovery in conjunction with manual therapy. “We’ve found that the results from the manual therapy we do are even better when we add red light therapy. Its one of many modalities we may “stack” together in a treatment.” says Cindy Vick, the lead tissue specialist at Vive Recovery Studio. “It makes sense when you consider that the hands on tissue work can be a stimulus for the fascia and tissues to regenerate. The red light just gives them support for those natural processes.”

Benefits and Drawbacks
In the high-stakes world of elite sports, every decision is scrutinized, and the choice to use red light therapy is no exception.

Despite some minor drawbacks and emerging science, many athletes are finding that the benefits far outweigh those questions, making red light therapy an integral part of their journey to the Paris 2024 Olympics.

Benefits of Red Light Therapy
For many athletes, the promise of enhanced muscle recovery is the primary allure of red light therapy. Imagine the grueling training sessions and the relentless pursuit of excellence; the toll it takes on the body is immense.

Yet, with the gentle, warm glow of red light therapy, athletes like Mitchell and Taylor find themselves rejuvenated faster and their muscle soreness dissipating more swiftly. It’s not just about feeling better; it’s about being able to train harder and more consistently, turning those marginal gains into significant advantages on race day.

The pain reduction offered by red light therapy is another compelling benefit. Whether it’s chronic pain that nags and lingers or acute pain from a recent strain, the regenerative effects of red light can be transformative.

Drawbacks
There are actually very drawbacks for red light therapy these days.

The accessibility of affordable, high-quality devices is better than ever. The simplest local muscle devices aren’t prohibitively expensive, making it possible for athletes without substantial financial backing to incorporate them into their routines. The higher cost of large full body panels can create a barrier however, limiting access to those who might benefit the most.

Additionally, the efficacy of red light therapy for reducing inflammation and muscle soreness, and for accelerating healing are well documented.

However, there is still further research to be done.

Furthermore, some marketing makes claims that go far beyond the research and some individuals might not get the results they want. While some athletes experience remarkable benefits, others may find the effects less pronounced. This can be frustrating and may lead some to question the investment.

Practical Advice for Athletes
To get the most out of red light therapy, athletes should follow these guidelines:

1. Consistency is Key: Regular sessions are crucial for optimal results. Aim for at least three sessions per week.
2. Proper Exposure: Ensure the light is applied to the targeted muscle groups or areas needing recovery.
3. Session Duration: Each session should last between 10-20 minutes, depending on the device’s intensity and the area being treated.

Athletes should consult with their trainers or medical professionals to integrate red light therapy effectively into their recovery routines.

Conclusion
As athletes gear up for the Paris 2024 Olympics, red light therapy is becoming an essential part of their recovery arsenal.

With its ability to enhance muscle recovery, reduce pain, and potentially improve performance, it’s no wonder that many of the world’s top athletes are embracing this innovative technology.

As the Olympic motto goes, “Faster, Higher, Stronger,” red light therapy might just be the secret weapon that helps them achieve these goals.

Athletes often have a lot of aches and pains, and using an infrared sauna can help to alleviate some of that pain. Infrared heat helps to loosen muscles, improve circulation, and reduce inflammation. If you’re an athlete looking into an infrared sauna, read on to learn about the benefits and how to purchase the infrared sauna of your dreams.

How Does Infrared Heat Work?

Infrared heat is a type of energy that we experience as heat every day, but it can also be used for various purposes. The energy is transmitted by electromagnetic waves that occur in the infrared spectrum. To put it simply, when infrared waves come into contact with an object, they are absorbed and converted into thermal radiation.

This transfer results in the object becoming hot; because all objects have the capacity to radiate heat, they can also be cooled using infrared radiation. This type of heat technology has proved useful in many areas, such as industrial heating processes, drying products, and providing warmth to comfortable living environments.

Knowing more about this type of common thermal technology can help improve understanding of both practical and natural scenarios involving heat. Plus, when it comes to infrared saunas, athletes can benefit from the many therapeutic properties of this type of heat.

What Benefits Does Infrared Heat Provide for Athletes?

Infrared saunas are becoming increasingly popular among athletes as a way to gain relief from muscular tension and accelerate physical recovery after intense workouts or competitions. By providing heat that penetrates deep into the muscles, these infrared saunas can provide various physical and mental benefits for athletes. These benefits include the following:

Reducing Muscle Soreness and Stiffness

Infrared saunas have long been known for their ability to deliver a unique, therapeutic warmth that penetrates deep into the muscles and joints of the body to help ease stiffness and reduce soreness. The infrared light used in these saunas is emitted at wavelengths that are roughly five times longer than those of traditional saunas, allowing it to reach far deeper into the tissues of the body and provide better relief from various aches, pains, and muscle fatigue.

Studies even show that regular infrared sauna use can help certain conditions like soft tissue rheumatism by easing inflammation and improving circulation while deeply cleansing the body of toxins. With its numerous healing benefits, it’s no wonder that infrared saunas are praised as an effective form of physical therapy today.

Pain Relief

Some users have reported experiencing relief from chronic pain conditions,
such as arthritis or muscle soreness, through the use of grounding mats. The anti-inflammatory effects and potential modulation of pain signals are cited as possible reasons for this benefit.

Improving Circulation and Oxygenation

Infrared saunas are a great way to help improve circulation and oxygenation for athletes. By introducing infrared rays at the cellular level, these saunas can help promote better overall blood flow throughout the body. This improved circulation brings more oxygen-rich blood closer to organs, tissues, and muscles, leading to better performance for athletes. Infrared saunas can also be used as a non-invasive form of therapy to reduce inflammation caused by injuries or intense exercise.

Furthermore, since infrared saunas offer health benefits without harsh environments, they are one of the safest ways to support athletics performance while also giving you room to relax and revive yourself post-workout.

Enhancing Performance and Recovery

Infrared saunas are becoming increasingly popular among athletes as a means of enhancing performance and recovery. While more traditional saunas rely on external elements like hot air to warm up the body, infrared saunas penetrate into the body and heat it from the inside out. This is beneficial for athletes, as it enables them to better deal with aches and fatigue while also allowing them to recover quickly and perform optimally during competitions.

Secondly, they help in improving circulation and eliminating impurities from the body due to their advanced heating system, which helps sweat out those toxins. For these reasons, more athletes are turning towards infrared saunas to help them train effectively, reach peak performance and recover promptly post-activity.

Eliminating Stress and Anxiety

Infrared saunas can provide athletes with a powerful tool for mitigating stress and anxiety. The special light emitted by the sauna helps to raise the heart rate, encouraging circulation and oxygen flow throughout the body. This has been linked to reduced levels of both stress hormones like cortisol, as well as increased levels of endorphins associated with good feeling emotion states.

Infrared saunas can also assist in reducing physical tension and detoxifying the body and tissues while simultaneously relieving chronic pain. With regular use, athletes are able to keep their bodies running at peak performance by maintaining an optimal level of mental health as well. It is no surprise that more and more athletes are integrating infrared saunas in their training regimens for a comprehensive upgrade to improved sports performance.

Final Thoughts

Based on all of these benefits, it comes as no surprise that athletes are turning to infrared sauna therapy as a way to gain an edge and improve their performance. Whether you’re an elite athlete or just trying to stay in shape, infrared saunas can offer tremendous benefits that will help you reach your goals faster. By increasing blood circulation, improving tissue recovery, reducing inflammation, and eliminating toxins from the body, infrared saunas can take your fitness regimen to the next level. With all of these advantages and more, it’s easy to understand why so many athletes are utilizing infrared sauna therapy as part of their training routine.

In the world of personal training, muscle recovery involves resting between training periods. Nutrition plays a role as well, with protein being the primary focus. Another option that can help restore muscle tissue after exercise is an infrared sauna.

What Infrared Sauna Is
As its name implies, an infrared sauna is a sauna that uses infrared light. This means that it doesn’t heat the air around you. Instead, the infrared rays only heat the body itself. That makes this type of sauna more comfortable for people who find the high temperatures in a traditional sauna too much.

Infrared light therapy in this form is sometimes called a far infrared sauna or FIR sauna. This is because the infrared light’s wavelengths are “far” on the light spectrum. They are longer than the ones used in near-infrared and mid-infrared sauna options.

Benefits of Infrared Heat Therapy for Muscle Recovery
The light emitted in infrared sauna therapy penetrates deep below the skin’s surface. This provides access to the muscle tissue stressed during strength training sessions. But how does infrared therapy work?

An article published in 2019 explains that the answer is still somewhat unclear. (1) Though, it does appear to offer many heat-related health effects. This includes vasodilation of the capillaries, which improves blood circulation. This enables more oxygen and nutrients to get to the muscle tissue. It also improves the body’s ability to whisk toxins away.

One of the primary “toxins” created with strength training is lactic acid. If excess lactic acid is not reduced, sore muscles result. Any athlete will tell you that muscle soreness can inhibit their performance. Increasing blood flow to the muscle decreases this likelihood.

Another benefit of infrared therapy is reduced pain. It works by serving as an analgesic to the muscle tissue. Again, this is beneficial in cases of muscle soreness after intense workouts. If you can keep your clients from having sore muscles, they’ll find it easier to stick to their training regimen. Plus, it offers a pain relief option that doesn’t involve taking medications.

Additional benefits include improved sleep quality, increased skin elasticity, and reduced fat mass. Sleep further aids muscle recovery, making this one component extra effective. Increased skin elasticity means a more tone appearance. Reduced fat mass speaks for itself.

Infrared Sauna Therapy Research
Many studies have been conducted to learn how infrared heat affects muscle tissue. One was published in 2015. (2) It investigated the use of far infrared sauna bathing on recovery following endurance training sessions.

Ten men engaged in 30-minute sauna bathing sessions. These sessions were held after doing strength or endurance training. For some, the sauna bathing session involved the use of a far infrared sauna. The remainder used traditional Finnish sauna bathing.

Researchers found that those using far infrared sauna bathing had better neuromuscular recovery. They further noted that this type of infrared therapy also offered “a comfortable and relaxing experience.”

Another 2015 study found the same when far infrared heat was used on power athletes. (3) These athletes also saw improved neuromuscular performance recovery. This enabled them to work out harder and accelerate their athletic development.

Still more pieces of research highlight additional benefits of an infrared sauna. One shares how it helps lower blood pressure. (4) This is important because high blood pressure can lead to hypertension. What can hypertension lead to? Sudden cardiac death.

This article adds that, in addition to improving blood pressure, sauna bathing can also improve joint pain and mobility. It’s also beneficial to the lungs and good for the skin. So, the use of infrared sauna heat provides many benefits.

Infrared Sauna vs Red Light Therapy
Some people confuse infrared sauna treatments with red light therapy. However, the two are very different.

As mentioned previously, an infrared sauna uses far infrared light. Red light therapy, on the other hand, uses near infrared light. NASA explains that near infrared light is closer to being a “visible light” whereas far infrared light is more electromagnetic. (5) It is also more “thermal,” or a source of heat. Other more common sources of far infrared heat include a fire burning in the fireplace or even sunlight.

These far infrared heat sources are dramatically different than sources that use near infrared light. An example of a device that uses near infrared light is a remote control. The light’s wavelength allows it to control the television, but it does not release heat.

Red light therapy is also sometimes called low-level laser therapy or photobiomodulation. Although it doesn’t emit heat, this type of therapy does serve a valuable purpose. Research has connected red light therapy with being anti-inflammatory. (6) It also promotes the expression of antioxidant enzymes.

Infrared Sauna Options
If you work for a large gym or fitness facility, you may have access to an onsite infrared sauna. This makes it incredibly easy to include this treatment in your client’s muscle recovery plan.

If you are a gym owner or an independent personal trainer, you can purchase your own infrared sauna. A one or two-person sauna generally costs between $1,500 and $3,000. Though, some companies offer more basic infrared saunas for a few hundred dollars.

Purchasing your own sauna is a great way to set yourself apart from other trainers. It also provides another revenue stream. You can sell an individual infrared sauna session for $25 to $40. Or you can bundle them together in a package for a higher cost.

If the expense of an actual sauna is too much, another option is an infrared sauna blanket. It works the same as an upright sauna but in blanket form. The prices are much lower, usually ranging from $200 to $500 each. Plus, if you go to client’s homes, you can take the blanket with you.

Clients who are interested in achieving maximal muscle recovery may even decide to buy their own blanket. This way, they have it available any time they have sore muscles.

Tips for Using Infrared Sauna for Muscle Recovery
For optimal muscle recovery, clients may want to engage in sauna therapy 3-4 times a week. At first, these sessions should be shorter, around 10-15 minutes in length. As clients become more used to sauna therapy, they can be increased to 20-30 minutes each.

Some people prefer to wear swimsuits when using the sauna. Others like to be unclothed. Options available to your client will depend on how much privacy exists in and around the sauna area.

Because infrared does heat the body, it’s important that clients stay hydrated. Encourage them to drink water before and after their sauna session. They may even want to take a bottle of water into the sauna with them.

Perhaps the best piece of advice for clients using sauna therapy is to listen to their bodies. If they start to feel unwell during a sauna session, they should cut it short. Also, pay attention to how the sauna affects their muscle soreness. This will help identify how many sessions per week are needed for the best effects.

When Infrared Sauna Therapy Is NOT Recommended
Like with any other treatment method, infrared sauna therapy isn’t for everyone. That’s why it is always recommended that clients speak with their doctor first. This is even more important if they have high blood pressure or heart-related issues. Sauna therapy also isn’t advised when a client isn’t feeling well.

Clients should definitely not engage in a sauna session if they’ve been drinking. The reason for this is because alcohol increases the risk of dehydration. Since infrared sauna does heat the body, this risk is elevated when alcohol is added to the equation.

Enhancing Recovery: Become an Exercise Recovery Specialist
Want more ways to help your clients improve their recovery? The ISSA’s Exercise Recovery Specialist teaches the most effective methods. Personal trainers who use exercise recovery techniques in their sessions build the most holistic health and fitness programs available on the market today. Get started now!

Red light therapy is a treatment that may help skin, muscle tissue, and other parts of your body heal. It uses low levels of red light to target your skin and cells. It is thought to work by increasing the production of mitochondria, your cells’ energy sources. This may improve cell function and repair.

Red light therapy is also sometimes called low-level laser therapy, low-power laser therapy, low-power laser, or photobiomodulation.

In red light therapy, you expose your skin to a lamp, device, or laser with a red light. It uses an LED (light-emitting diode) that emits the correct spectrum of light. Red LED light travels deeper into the skin than blue LED light, which is sometimes used to treat skin surface conditions such as acne. When the light enters your skin, your mitochondria soak it up and make more energy, which helps cells repair themselves.

Red light therapy uses very low levels of heat and doesn’t hurt or burn the skin. Unlike the light used in tanning booths, it doesn’t expose your skin to damaging UV rays.

Red light therapy devices
There are many different types of red light therapy devices, some of which can be used at home. But home devices are usually less powerful than those used in clinics and may be less effective or take longer to work. Red light therapy devices include:

Red light therapy mask.
This fits over your entire face and has red LED lights on the inside, pointed toward your skin. It is designed to be worn for a short length of time several times a week. It’s used as a treatment for acne, wrinkles, or other facial skin concerns.

Red light therapy bed.
This looks like a tanning bed but has red LED lights instead of UV lights. It is big enough for you to lie down inside, and your whole body is exposed to red light.

Red light therapy panel.
This is a panel of red LED lights that you can mount on a wall or place on a table, either at a clinic or home. Panels range in size from small to large. Small panels are used for targeted areas such as your face, and large panels can target larger areas of your body.

Red light therapy wand.
These are handheld devices that have red LED lights at one end. You use them by moving the wand over your skin in the areas that you want to treat. They are used to treat very small areas, such as the back of the hands, one knee, or a particular spot on the face.

Research on the benefits of red light therapy is ongoing. While more research needs to be done, there is some evidence that it may be useful for several health and beauty concerns.

Red light therapy for dementia
A 2021 research review found that in all 10 studies included in the review, red light therapy had benefits for people with dementia. In one of the studies, five people with dementia who had regular light therapy on their heads and through their noses for 12 weeks had better memories, slept better, and were angry less often.

The review noted that many of these studies were small and lacked controls and that larger trials need to be done before any benefits can be confirmed.

Red light therapy for pain
Research shows that red light therapy may be useful for relieving some types of pain, particularly pain due to inflammation (irritation and swelling of body tissues). A review of 11 studies looking at the effect of red light therapy on pain found mostly positive results, though the authors said that more studies are needed. In another small study, people with temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD) had less pain, clicking, and jaw tenderness after red light therapy.

Red light therapy for arthritis
A review of studies found that red light therapy may be a helpful short-term treatment for pain and morning stiffness for patients with rheumatoid arthritis. However, it doesn’t seem to be very helpful for other forms of arthritis, such as osteoarthritis.

Red light therapy for tendinopathy
Tendinopathy is a condition that causes pain and loss of function in your tendons. A review of 17 clinical trials studying the impact of red light on treating tendinopathy found low-to-moderate quality evidence indicating that red light can help relieve pain or improve function.

Red light therapy for hair loss
A review of multiple studies found that red light therapy can be an effective treatment for androgenic alopecia, a genetic disorder that causes hair loss. Another review of 11 studies found similar promising results. In some studies, hair thickness improved as well as hair growth.

Red light therapy for skin
Research shows red light therapy may smooth your skin and help with wrinkles. Researchers think it does this by stimulating collagen production, which helps improve skin elasticity. Research shows it also helps improve signs of sun damage.

Red light therapy for acne
Research has found that red light therapy can be effective for acne treatment. This may have to do with its ability to help reduce inflammation. In addition to helping with active acne lesions, red light lasers may also help treat old acne scars.

Red light therapy for weight loss
Some providers use red light therapy as a weight loss treatment. This is often called body contouring, or body sculpting. Red light therapy may help reduce the circumference of your body in the area that was treated, but the effect will likely be temporary and not due to any real weight loss.

Red light therapy appears to be mostly safe when used correctly, especially in the short term. Many forms of red light therapy are more effective when done at a doctor’s office rather than at home. That’s because doctors can use stronger lights.

Even at a doctor’s office, however, there are some risks. One early-stage clinical trial found that at high levels, red LED lights such as those used in red light therapy can cause blistering and redness on the skin. Red light therapy may also cause eye damage in some cases, so it is best to wear protective goggles when using a red light therapy device.

Can it cause cancer?
There is no evidence that red light therapy causes cancer. Red light therapy does not use ultraviolet rays, a form of radiation found in tanning booths and sunlight that can lead to skin cancer.

There is not a lot of research on the effects of red light therapy on pregnant people, but limited research suggests that it is safe. One study examined 380 pregnant women who had used laser light treatments during pregnancy and found that it was safe for both the parent and fetus.

Red light therapy is a noninvasive treatment that may help with several health conditions including wrinkles, acne, hair loss, rheumatoid arthritis, and other conditions that are still being investigated. You can do red light therapy at home using devices including masks and wands, but it may be more effective at a doctor’s office where the lights are more powerful. Though it can be expensive, it is generally considered to be safe.

Who should not use red light therapy?
People who take medications that increase their skin or eye sensitivity should not use red light therapy. People who have a history of skin cancer or eye disease should speak with their doctor before using red light therapy.

How many red light therapy treatments do you need?
The number of red light therapy treatments you need depends on what you are getting treatment for. But you will likely need ongoing sessions for weeks or even months.

Can you overdo red light therapy?
Red light therapy is generally safe, but at very high strengths of light, skin redness and blistering can occur.

How much weight can you lose with red light therapy?
While red light therapy may change the shape of your body temporarily, it does not cause weight loss.

Just imagine: A patient presents with a mucus plug so large that, even after conventional interventions, the treating physician sees no way to avoid a bronchoscopy. In an 11^th-hour effort to spare the patient from the uncomfortable procedure, the doctor agrees to explore a natural approach to remove the massive buildup from the lungs. In tandem with aggressive vest vibration, the patient undergoes 6-8 dry salt therapy treatments over a period of two weeks. To the referring doctor’s welcomed surprise – and the patient’s great relief – the mucus plug miraculously clears, and the need for invasive measures is eliminated.

You don’t need to use your imagination if you’re Tami Peavy, MBA, MPT, DPT. As CEO and clinical director of La Mesa Rehab, located in the California city bearing the same name, she had a front-row seat as the above scenario unfolded in real life. Her program provided the salt treatment, known as “halotherapy,” which has been lining up fans ever since the facility first started offering the service in 2017

The therapy uses a piece of equipment known as a halogenerator, which grinds 100% pure sodium chloride into tiny microparticles and pumps the resulting dry salt aerosol into a treatment space. The patient inside the enclosure inhales it, breathing in a whistle pattern to keep the lungs open for a longer period of time on the exhale. “Each breath is very purposeful and determined,” says Peavy, describing how dry salt therapy recipients mimic an instructional video they view before their introductory session. Later, as they become accustomed to the environment and the breathing technique, those without physical limitations might even incorporate some dynamic motion – standing up and sitting down – while breathing in the salty air.

“Once it goes into the trachea and down into the lungs, it seeks out moisture [like mucus], attaches itself to it, and shrinks it,” Peavy says, explaining how dry salt helps clear airway passages. A typical protocol might entail three 10-minute sessions per week, before or after traditional pulmonary rehab, over the course of three months. Peavy’s patients have expressed a preference for pre-PR salt treatments, finding that it opens up their lungs and prepares them to better participate in their usual pulmonary therapy. Based on anecdotal evidence she’s collected from her patients, the therapy is doing wonders for people with emphysema, asthma and other respiratory issues – with some even crediting the practice for keeping them out of the hospital.

In another example, the proud AACVPR member recalls a patient who was receiving care at La Mesa Rehab for his back. Over the course of his physical therapy sessions, she learned that the man – himself a physician – was tormented by post-nasal drip that routinely and mercilessly disrupted his rest at night. Within two weeks of introducing him to dry salt therapy, however, his symptoms and quality of life improved markedly. Stunned, his wife visited the facility to thank staff for the best sleep that her husband – and she, by extension – had experienced in three years.

Outcomes like these are the norm at La Mesa Rehab, according to Peavy, who reports that her program can barely keep up with patient demand for the service. Even as the positive feedback continues to pour in for this relatively new twist on salt use for health, Leo Tonkin at the Salt Therapy Association (STA) in Boca Raton, Florida, offers a reminder that the benefits of salt have been known for quite some time.

Try It Dry
Going back centuries, STA co-founding director Tonkin notes that salt was initially valued as a preservative for meats and fish. “Nothing can grow on salt!” he declares. “Salt kills bacteria and viruses.” Implications for the medical field – where salt has long been used in saline solution to clean the eyes and maintain IV lines, among other applications – are therefore not a stretch. Not coincidentally, he points out, sodium chloride is also found in nebulizers and steroid inhalers commonly prescribed for patients with respiratory problems. That’s because while the anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties of salt help keep the lungs clean, salt also happens to be a natural anti-inflammatory. “When our esophagus, nasal cavity, bronchioles and other aspects of our lungs have inflammation, that’s what restricts air flow – which is why you need an inhaler or to be on medication,” he explains, noting that super-absorbent dry salt helps extract excess mucus, clearing out the bronchial alveoli.

Although salt has long been utilized for medical purposes in its wet or moist form, the concept of inhaling aerosolized dry salt is still coming into its own – at least in the United States. Studies as early as the 1800s, Peavy reports, showed that salt miners in Eastern Europe boasted superior lung health than the rest of the population and were less frequently affected by colds, seasonal influenza and conditions like bronchitis. Within the last half a century, though, Tonkin says Russian scientists have developed machinery to re-create the dry salt particles found in mines in countries including Poland, Belarus and Ukraine, training fresh attention on the therapy. The elevated profile and strength of research findings overseas has led some European countries to classify dry salt therapy as a medical treatment, qualify it under health insurance and adopt it as a healthcare modality.

To the contrary, U.S. research on halotherapy is scant – which Peavy and Tonkin believe has contributed to much slower uptake here. The other big denominator, they agree, is the financial burden. As a ballpark figure, Peavy estimates start-up equipment costs at about $10,000. “And of course,” she continues, “the problem, as with most holistic practices and modalities, is that it’s not covered by insurance [here].” Without reimbursement, she says, it’s difficult for some programs to justify the expense. If it were a covered item, she suspects interest would snowball quickly, because the outcomes are just that remarkable. Peavy estimates that 99.9% of her patients who experiment with dry salt therapy through pulmonary rehab not only love it, but benefit from it.

That America hasn’t caught up to Europe with respect to the practice is unfortunate, laments Peavy, who believes the combination of dry salt therapy and conventional treatment could have added 10 years to the life of her father, who passed away from complications of COPD and emphysema. Fresh modalities are especially needed right now, she suggests, considering that the nation is coming out of a pandemic and is now dealing with a spate of ‘long COVID’ cases. “Salt is like cannabis,” Peavy offers as an analogy. “Salt therapy is simple and natural; and sometimes it’s the most simple and natural approaches that are the most overlooked.”

Growing Momentum, Endless Potential
That’s not to say that dry salt therapy is unattainable in the United States, just that it isn’t the mainstay it could be. It’s not FDA-approved, it’s not covered by insurance and it’s not everywhere … but it is available, according to Tonkin, who puts the number of U.S. providers at about 2,500, including facilities billed as medical spas. “There are also pulmonologists who are referring patients to salt rooms,” he states. Anthony J. Cuomo, MD, medical director at La Mesa Rehab, is one. “In my 50 years of practice in pulmonary medicine, I have regularly used lavage with saline solution during bronchoscopy. The salt solution reduces the viscosity of sputum, liquefying it and making it easier to expel,” he says in a statement. “Similarly, inhaling a dry salt mist from a halogenerator also liquefies mucus, reducing its viscosity, and is just as effective as bronchoscopy with lavage in clearing the airway. I highly recommend it for my patients during pulmonary rehab.”

The dry salt community doesn’t end there, Tonkin elaborates. “You have an allergist who owns a salt room; you have ENTs who talk about it; pediatricians refer young patients,” he rattles off. “There are respiratory therapists who are in the business.” And yes, Tonkin shares, there are even some pulmonary rehabs, like Peavy’s, that are delivering dry salt therapy to their patients.

Importantly, he reassures that there are almost no contraindications associated with the practice. Patients who have hypertension or are following salt-restricted diets need not worry, because the amount of inhaled salt that makes its way into the bloodstream is “minimal,” by Tonkin’s estimation. The caveat, he reminds, is to always consult a physician if there are questions or concerns.

It’s also important, he continues, to patronize credible commercial providers if dry salt therapy is not accessible through a local medical facility. First and foremost, he advises that the provider must have a halogenerator and must use pure-grade sodium chloride. That rules out places peddling Himalayan salt treatments. That salt is not purified, Tonkin reveals, so while it may create a relaxing ambience, it provides nothing in the way of respiratory benefit. Additionally, he says, the environment surrounding the salt booth or room must be properly ventilated. STA has published standards for the industry so that consumers know what to look for and what to do or not do.

As a final note, Tonkin emphasizes that a respiratory condition doesn’t necessarily need to be present to warrant dry salt therapy. “Think about the quality of the air that you and I breathe, indoors and outdoors, all day,” he nudges. “Ninety percent of the world’s population, according to the World Health Organization, lives and breathes in poor air quality – our school systems, corporate buildings, antiquated HVAC systems in our homes. People need to take action to clean themselves out.” Peavy agrees that the scope of dry salt therapy goes beyond individuals with respiratory disease. At La Mesa Rehab, her staff and even some family members take advantage of the facility’s salt booth whenever they have a cough or are in the beginning stages of a respiratory infection.

Salt Therapy

• Enhances Respiratory Efficiency: Clears airways, improving oxygen intake and endurance.
• Reduces Allergens and Irritants: Keeps lungs clear, especially beneficial for athletes prone to respiratory issues.
• Speeds Recovery: Anti-inflammatory effects help reduce post-exercise fatigue and soreness.

Infrared Sauna

• Aids Muscle Recovery: Heat increases blood flow, delivering oxygen and nutrients to muscles for faster recovery.
• Reduces Inflammation: Eases joint and muscle pain after intense workouts.
• Improves Flexibility: Warms muscles and joints, making them more pliable and reducing injury risk.
• Promotes Detoxification: Flushes out toxins that accumulate during intense physical exertion.

Red Light Therapy

• Speeds Muscle Repair: Stimulates cellular regeneration, helping muscles recover more quickly.
• Reduces Pain and Inflammation: Minimizes soreness and swelling from overuse or injury.
• Enhances Energy Levels: Boosts mitochondrial activity, increasing energy production for peak performance.
• Improves Circulation: Delivers oxygen and nutrients to tissues, optimizing athletic performance.

Together, these therapies provide comprehensive support for athletic recovery, performance, and overall physical resilience.

Supporters of infrared saunas say the heat penetrates more deeply than warmed air. This allows you to experience a more intense sweat at a lower temperature and stay in the sauna longer.

There’s nothing quite like a 20-minute sweat session in a sauna. You feel more relaxed and rested after you’re done, and the heat helps relieve sore muscles and improves your overall health and well-being.

But if the high temperatures of a traditional sauna are too much to handle, an infrared sauna may offer the benefits of a sauna without the extreme heat.

What is an infrared sauna?
Unlike a traditional sauna, infrared saunas don’t heat the air around you. Instead, infrared lamps, which use electromagnetic radiation, warm your body directly.

“These saunas use infrared panels instead of conventional heat to easily penetrate human tissue, heating up your body before heating up the air,” physical therapist Vivian Eisenstadt, MAPT, CPT, MASP, said.

An infrared sauna can operate at a lower temperature — usually between 120˚F and 140˚F (49°C and 60°C) — than a traditional sauna, which is typically between 150˚F and 180˚F (66°C and 82°C).

Some manufacturers claim that in an infrared sauna, only about 20% of the heat goes to heat the air and the other 80% directly heats your body.

What are the supposed benefits of using an infrared sauna?

The supposed benefits of using an infrared sauna are similar to those of a traditional sauna. These include:

• better sleep
• relaxation
• detoxification
• weight loss
• relief from sore muscles
• relief from joint pain such as arthritis
• clear and tighter skin
• improved circulation
• relief from chronic fatigue syndrome symptoms

People have used saunas for centuries for all sorts of health conditions. While there are several studies and research on traditional saunas, not many have looked specifically at infrared saunas.

Some research has shown that using an infrared sauna may be beneficial for cardiovascular health and muscle recovery after a workout. However, the lack of solid evidence and widespread studies about the possible benefits means it’s up to you to decide if an infrared sauna is right for you.

Even if your sweat session doesn’t do all the things it claims to do, at least it still feels good. Plus, it can contribute to your overall health and well-being by helping you relax, loosening up stiff or tight muscles, reducing joint pain, and giving you some much-needed time to yourself.

While available research does suggest that the risks associated with using an infrared sauna are relatively low, it is possible to experience overheating and dehydration, so it’s important to exercise caution. Using a sauna may also interfere with some medications.

Healthcare professionals recommend avoiding a sauna if you’re pregnant or have low blood pressure.

How do you use an infrared sauna?
You may be able to do infrared sauna treatments at a health club, spa, or doctor’s office, or you can purchase or build one in your home. If you decide to try an infrared sauna, it’s important to know that they don’t come with universal instructions.

There are some things to keep in mind, but ultimately, how you use an infrared sauna is your choice. Here are some tips to get started:

Stay hydrated: Make sure you’re hydrated before going into an infrared sauna. Be sure to drink a glass of water before your session. You can also bring water into the sauna, especially if you’re sensitive to higher temperatures.

Begin with a lower temperature: The average temperature for an infrared sauna ranges from 100˚F to 150˚F (38°C to 66°C). If this is your first time, start with 100˚F (38°C) and gradually work up to a higher temperature.

Start small: For first-time users, it’s best to start small, like 5 minutes at a time, and gradually add time to each session. Just don’t stay in longer than 15 to 20 minutes at a time. Saunas come with a timer, so make sure to set it. You don’t want to stay in there too long and risk becoming dehydrated.

Take time to cool down: When your session is done, be sure to let your body cool down. Once you’ve cooled down, you can take a shower or bath. Just make sure to hydrate afterward.

Wear what you want: How you dress is your choice. Some people wear bathing suits, while others prefer going in naked.
Relax: Read, meditate, listen to music, or visit with friends. Just don’t go to sleep.

Most facilities that offer infrared sauna treatments recommend using the sauna 3 to 4 days per week. If you’re in good health and can tolerate using the sauna 4 days per week, daily sauna use may be safe for you.

What should you know before trying an infrared sauna?
There are a few things to know before your first session:

• Avoid using an infrared sauna if you’ve been drinking alcohol.
• If you feel ill or have a fever, wait to use the sauna until you’re feeling better.
• Using an infrared sauna will cause you to sweat a lot, so you may feel lightheaded. If this happens, make sure to get up slowly, sit down once leaving the sauna, and hydrate.
• Drink water immediately after finishing your session, and wait for your body to cool down before doing anything else.

If after using any sauna you experience a headache, a fever of 104°F (40°C) or higher, confusion, or a racing heart, seek medical attention, as you may be experiencing a heatstroke.

If you have any health conditions such as high blood pressure or heart disease, get cleared by your doctor before your first session. Even though infrared saunas are fairly safe, you don’t want to take any chances when it comes to your health and safety.

Red light therapy (RLT) involves exposing the body to low-wavelength red light. It aims to treat skin conditions such as scarring and signs of aging, such as wrinkles.

While it is possible that RLT can have dermatological benefits, further clinical research is necessary to assess its full effects. It is important to seek medical advice before using new therapies such as RLT.

This article discusses the potential benefits of RLT, its mechanisms of action, and potential side effects.

How does red light therapy work?
RLT involves exposing the body to low-wavelength red light. This red light can penetrate deep into the skin, where mitochondria in the skin cells can absorb these light particles. This can help the cells produce more adenosine triphosphate, the energy source for all cells.

Proponents attribute the potential positive benefits of RLT to this function. With this extra energy, the cells may be able to respond better to damage and rejuvenate themselves.

Although there is early research surrounding RLT, there is a lack of conclusive evidence that it is a beneficial treatment. Many studies show that the treatment has promise, but more extensive clinical studies in humans will help determine the potential applications of RLT.

With that said, there are several potential benefitsof RLT.

Improving skin health
Many people show interest in RLT as a possible way to improve skin health.

A 2018 review found limited evidence that RLT may help improve skin health and cosmetic appearance by:

• increasing collagen production in the skin, which gives the skin its elasticity
• increasing fibroblast production, which helps produce collagen and other tissue fibers
• increasing circulation between blood and tissue cells
• reducing fine lines
• reducing wrinkle severity

It is important to remember that many of the results regarding RLT come from animal or test-tube studies, which explore its function. Many human studies used very small sample sizes, as evident in the clinical trial above.

These results show the potential for the therapy but are not conclusive evidence that it will work in every case.

Improving acne
RLT, either alone or in combination with other treatments, such as blue light therapy, is a potentially effective treatment for acne vulgaris. The light appears to penetrate deep into the skin and affect sebum production while also reducing inflammation and irritation in the area.

Wound healing
Red light may also aid wound healing. Light therapy may help wound healing in a few ways:

• reducing inflammation in the cells
• stimulating new blood vessels to form, which doctors call angiogenesis
• increasing helpful fibroblasts in the skin
• increasing collagen production in the skin

Hair growth
Certain forms of RLT may help support hair growth. A 2021 testube study found that application of a specific red light band stimulated hair follicle proliferation – providing promising foundations for further research.

Furthermore, a 2021 review of RLT implementation in androgenetic alopecia treatment found that light therapy can have a positive effect on hair growth, especially when paired with prescription hair growth medications.

Reducing pain
RLT may also be an effective treatment for pain in people with certain conditions. For example, a 2021 reviewTrusted Source found that low-level LASER and light therapy may help reduce pain severity in:

• osteoarthritis
• fibromyalgia
• non-specific knee pain
• neck pain
• low back pain

Enhancing bone recovery
Due to its effects in stimulating blood vessel and adenosine triphosphate creation, light therapy can aid in fracture healing and wound recovery.

However, further research is necessary to fully assess the mechanisms of healing that light therapy impacts.

Anti-inflammatory benefits
Although the exact reason is not yet clear, RLT has significant anti-inflammatory effects in the body. These effects are both local, where practitioners apply the light, and systemic, in other tissues and organs in the body.

Potential side effects
There is a low risk of side effects from undergoing RLT. However, prolonged or high-intensity exposure outside of treatment guidelines may damage the skin.

Products for use at home may also lead to misuse, causing burns, blisters or damage to unprotected eyes.

Summary
RLT is generally safe and may be a very effective treatment option for people seeking smaller changes in their skin or to keep the skin healthy and reduce inflammation.

Other applications of RLT have promising early evidence, but there is not enough reliable evidence in humans to call it effective in every case.

Anyone uncertain if the practice is suitable for them should talk to a doctor to discuss the potential benefits.