Frequently Asked Questions About Red Light Therapy

What is red light therapy?

Red light therapy—also called photobiomodulation (PBM)—is a non-invasive, pain-free treatment that uses specific wavelengths of red and near-infrared light to activate the body’s natural healing abilities. It works deep beneath the skin to improve cell function, reduce pain, and support overall wellness.

How does photobiomodulation work?

PBM delivers light energy directly to your cells, helping mitochondria produce more ATP (cellular energy). This extra energy boosts healing, reduces inflammation, and encourages tissue regeneration in areas like the neck, back, joints, and skin.

Is red light therapy backed by science?

Yes—there are over 7,000 published studies supporting the safety and effectiveness of red and near-infrared light therapy. Clinical research shows it can help with everything from arthritis pain and acne to muscle recovery, sleep, and even anxiety.

What can red light therapy help with?

Red light therapy may help relieve chronic pain, reduce inflammation, improve skin care, support injury recovery, and even help with wrinkles, acne, and sleep. It’s also been shown to ease anxiety and improve mental clarity. Whether you’re an athlete or simply looking to feel better, there are many red light therapy benefits.

Does red light therapy work immediately?

You will experience the thermal effects of the treatment immediately, but photochemical effects begin 6-8 hours after the session and will continue to work for the next 48 hours.

When will red light therapy provide relief from my pain or condition?

Our advanced light therapy is known for delivering fast and effective results, but achieving lasting relief typically requires more than one session. To experience the full benefits of our specialized Photobiomodulation Therapy, we recommend a package of sessions. Most clients see significant improvement—often even from severe pain levels (10/10)—within just 2 to 6 weeks.

Is red light therapy safe?

Yes. When administered correctly, red light therapy is extremely safe. It’s non-invasive, drug-free, and has no known long-term side effects. We avoid sensitive areas like the eyes, and every session is supervised by trained professionals.

Is red light therapy worth the cost?

We understand that you want to feel confident about where your money is going. What sets our sessions apart is the use of professional-grade equipment designed for deep, systemic results — far beyond what consumer-level devices or spa-style treatments can offer. This isn’t just about short-term relief or surface-level changes. Many clients report noticeable improvements in energy, recovery, sleep, pain, and more. It’s a simple, non-invasive way to support your body’s natural ability to heal and rebalance — and most people feel the difference.

How long does a session last?

We offer 20, 40, and 60-minute sessions. The appropriate duration depends on the specific area being addressed (e.g., face, joints, spine) and the chronicity of the issue—a long-standing, chronic condition may require longer sessions or a more extensive treatment area. If you’re unsure what you need, please contact us for a free phone consultation and we’ll help you come up with a session plan that works best for you.

Does Red Light Therapy Work for Hair Loss?

Yes—red light therapy has been clinically shown to help with certain types of hair loss, especially in the early to moderate stages. It works by stimulating hair follicles with specific wavelengths of red and near-infrared light. This light increases circulation, energizes cells, reduces inflammation, and helps extend the hair growth cycle.

We use LightMD systems, which go deeper than standard at-home devices to influence not just the scalp but also underlying factors that affect hair health—like hormone balance and immune function. Results build gradually over time with consistent use, and many people begin to notice changes in 2–4 months, with fuller growth by 6 months.

It’s a non-invasive, drug-free way to support the body’s natural ability to regrow hair—without heat, chemicals, or downtime.

How soon can I expect to feel results?

Most people start to feel some degree of relief within one to three sessions, depending on the severity and timing of their symptoms. It’s not uncommon for clients to notice a shift even after just one session, especially if the issue is acute or they’re in an active flare-up.

For ongoing or chronic inflammatory conditions, we typically recommend starting with 2 to 3 sessions per week for the first two weeks. This gives your system enough momentum to respond. After that, we reassess—looking at changes in pain, swelling, energy, or general comfort. The body tends to respond faster when treatments are stacked close together in the beginning.

For those who have been living with pain for months or years, we encourage giving the process some time. A helpful guideline is about a month of treatment for each year you’ve been in pain. So if it’s been three years, you might need up to three months to reach a place where the pain no longer controls your daily life. That’s a reasonable window when you consider how long your body has been stuck in survival mode—and how much better life could feel on the other side.

Does red light therapy hurt?

Not at all. Most clients feel a gentle, soothing warmth on the skin. It’s completely painless—and many people find it deeply relaxing.

Is there any downtime after treatment?

None at all. You can get back to your normal day right after your session. The only recommendations we have after treatments is to drink lots of water, and to avoid ice baths and cold showers.

Who can benefit from red light therapy?

Just about everyone! Red light therapy is great for relieving pain, supporting arthritis management, promoting faster healing, enhancing skin care, and even reducing anxiety. Whether you’re an athlete, managing chronic health issues, or just want to feel your best, it can help.

Can I use red light therapy while taking medications?

In most cases, yes. Red light therapy is non-pharmaceutical and doesn’t typically interfere with medications. However, if you’re taking light-sensitive drugs or have concerns, please talk with your doctor first.

Is red light therapy good for skin?

Definitely. Red light therapy boosts collagen, reduces wrinkles, helps to clear acne, improves circulation, and promotes overall skin health. It’s a favorite for people seeking anti-aging and skin care benefits without invasive treatments.

What makes your red light therapy system more effective?

We use a medical-grade, FDA-cleared system designed for therapeutic use—not just relaxation (though it is good for relaxation too!). The Mark II delivers light directly to the skin, not through air, which ensures deeper tissue penetration and faster results. That’s what makes this one of the best red light therapy options available in 2025.

Where is Austin Red Light Therapy Located?

Austin Red Light Therapy does most of it’s sessions out of Atomic Athlete gym in Southeast Austin, but we are also mobile. We will work with you to find a time and location that works for you.

Why does skin contact matter in red light therapy?

When light has to travel through air before reaching the skin, a lot of energy is lost. Our applicator stays in direct contact with your skin, ensuring maximum light absorption and deeper, more effective treatment for pain, skin, or tissue recovery.

Are there any contraindications to using red light therapy?

Yes—while red light therapy is very safe, it may not be suitable if you have:

If you’re unsure whether red light therapy is safe for you, we recommend speaking with your healthcare provider or a member of the Austin Red Light Therapy staff.