Red Light Therapy at Home: Temporary Benefits or Lasting Results?

Red light therapy has been proven effective for many health and wellness concerns such as wounds, pain, inflammation, and even anti-ageing. The growing body of research behind these benefits has sparked interest among wellness enthusiasts. Still, one question remains: Do the results truly last, or are they only temporary?

The answer to that question is more complicated than yes or no because of the treatment’s mechanisms. In this article, the team at Rojo Light Therapy EU explores how red light therapy works at a cellular level and what determines whether the benefits are short-lived or long-lasting. We’ll also dive into how consistency is crucial in maintaining these benefits for your long-term health and wellness goals. 

Temporary vs Long-Term Benefits of Red Light Therapy at Home: What’s the Difference?

Using red and near-infrared light spectrums, typically in the range of 600 - 900 nm, red light therapy penetrates the skin to reach cells and stimulates various biological responses. However, the nature and duration of these responses are largely dependent on the frequency and consistency of the treatment. Let’s dissect this further below. 

Short-Term Effects: A Temporary Boost in Cellular Function

During therapy, there is a short boost to cellular processes that improve symptoms or conditions almost immediately. However, these effects are not permanent. 

ATP Production

One of the key immediate effects of red light therapy is the increased production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). This supplies cells with the energy they need to perform their necessary functions such as repair, growth, and maintenance. However, this spike in the body’s primary energy supply is temporary. A few hours or even days after the therapy, ATP production typically returns to its baseline level. 

Take cases of athletic injury or pain, for instance. The increased ATP production accelerates healing while lowering oxidative stress and stimulating the release of endorphins to reduce pain. During treatment, many patients report an immediate reduction in pain, however, continued treatment is necessary to maintain it. 

Nitric Oxide Production

During red light therapy, the mitochondria release nitric oxide, which relaxes the blood vessels and improves blood flow. This improved blood flow provides immediate benefits, including improved delivery of nutrients to the tissues, reduced swelling, better tissue oxygenation, and accelerated healing of superficial wounds. However, nitric oxide levels also return to your baseline after treatment. 

Collagen Synthesis

A 2014 study published in Photomedicine and Laser Surgery discovered that subjects who have undergone red light therapy have improved skin complexion and feeling, which comes from improved collagen density. However, much like skincare, without regular treatment, the fibroblasts can eventually slow down in producing collagen.

Long-Term Benefits: Cumulative Effects of Consistent Use

The consistent use of red light therapy promotes sustained biological changes as it slowly rewires and strengthens the body’s ability to heal itself over time. 

Tissue Repair and Regeneration

Continued exposure to red light therapy provides regenerative effects to deeper layers of tissue, including muscles, tendons, and joints. Studies suggest that the increased ATP production and reduced oxidative stress stimulated in therapy enhance angiogenesis or the formation of new blood vessels. This improves oxygen and nutrient delivery to deeper tissues, which can lead to substantial long-term improvements in conditions such as joint pain, muscle recovery, and tendonitis. 

Adaptation of Cellular Pathways

Studies on red light therapy suggest that with repeated exposure, your cells become more efficient at using the energy from increased ATP. Over time, cells become better at repairing themselves, improving various physiological functions.

Long-Term Neurological Benefits

Red and near-infrared light can stimulate neurons and enhance neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to reorganise itself by forming new neural connections. However, these effects can’t occur within a few sessions. Many studies have only seen the potential to create long-lasting neurological improvements with long-term and consistent sessions. 

The Importance of Consistency

While red light therapy holds a few short-term benefits, the key to realising its full potential lies in consistency. Similar to physical exercise, the biological effects of red light such as increased ATP production and enhanced blood flow are cumulative, meaning that treatments build upon one another over time. Without regular treatment or the right duration for each session, you may not achieve your intended goals for the treatment. 

To learn more about how red light therapy works or what other benefits it provides, explore our ROJO blog. If you have questions or inquiries about our red light panels, feel free to contact us now!