How red light therapy can help reduce muscle pain

The treatment uses low wavelength red light to restimulate cellular activity, circulation and ease muscular pain

- Aditi Sarawagi

Sometimes you stumble upon forgotten treasures that, surprisingly, continue to be relevant today. One such discovery that I recently made was an old LED red light lamp, which my grandmother-in-law used to treat her spondylitis pain. I was intrigued to find out that this 'red light therapy' machine, from a well-known household electronic brand, still worked after 35 years. It was in perfect condition emanating a faint red light and a soft heated air flow.

Red light therapy is also known as low-level laser therapy (LLLT), low-power laser therapy (LPLT), and photobiomodulation (PBM). In red light therapy, your skin is exposed to a lamp or laser with a red light. Part of your cells known as mitochondria (or power generators) absorb the rays and create more energy. This helps cells repair themselves and become healthier. "It works similar to photosynthesis for plants", explains Nitin Khanna, 41, founder of Potenza Wellness, an advanced wellness clinic in Delhi NCR. How exactly does it work? "Red light therapy ensures proper oxygen is transported around the body by improving cellular function. This boost in the body's natural healing cycle helps reduce inflammation and promotes healing of damaged tissue", explains Khanna.