How does it reduce pain and inflammation?

Red light therapy reduces pain and inflammation by improving cellular and mitochondrial function, which are crucial for overall cellular health. This therapy aids in faster muscle recovery and enhances the healing process, potentially offering relief from chronic pain conditions such as fibromyalgia. In fibromyalgia, the brain's inhibition of pain responses is inadequate, causing widespread pain. Red light therapy, especially local application, might help modulate these responses, although direct sunlight exposure can have similar benefits due to the natural presence of red wavelengths in sunlight. This therapy is seen as a surrogate for natural sun exposure, aiding in conditions where exposure to natural sunlight might be impractical (1).

Additionally, red light, through its specific wavelengths, interacts with cells to promote healing and reduce inflammation, facilitating conditions like wound healing and skin health improvement. Overall, red light therapy is believed to approximate the effects of nature and assist in reducing inflammation and pain through cellular processes that enhance tissue recovery and health (2).