Pain and inflammation affect millions of Australians, from athletes recovering after training to older adults managing arthritis. While medication and physiotherapy remain the standard treatments, many people are exploring non-invasive options to help manage symptoms.

Red light therapy (RLT), also known as photobiomodulation (PBM), is one such therapy. Clinics, wellness centres, and gyms across Sydney, Melbourne, and beyond now offer RLT as a complementary approach to pain management. But what does the science say?

In this article, we’ll explore how red light therapy may help with pain and inflammation, the conditions it’s often used for, and what you should know before trying it.

What Causes Pain and Inflammation?

Pain and inflammation can arise from:

• Arthritis and joint degeneration
  

• Sports injuries and overuse
  

• Post-surgical recovery
  

• Chronic pain conditions such as fibromyalgia
  

• Everyday issues like back or neck stiffness
  

Inflammation is the body’s natural defence mechanism. Short-term inflammation is essential for healing, but when it becomes chronic, it can cause persistent pain and damage tissues.

How Red Light Therapy Works on Pain and Inflammation

Red light therapy uses low-level red and near-infrared light (630–1060nm) to stimulate cellular repair. These wavelengths penetrate beneath the skin to muscles, joints, and nerves.

When absorbed by the mitochondria, light energy boosts ATP (cellular energy) production, which may:

• Support tissue healing
  

• Improve blood circulation
  

• Reduce oxidative stress
  

• Calm overactive inflammatory processes
  

 

The Potential Benefits of Red Light Therapy for Pain & Inflammation

1. Arthritis & Joint Pain

Over 3.6 million Australians live with arthritis. Red light therapy is being studied as a supportive therapy for joint stiffness and swelling.

• A Cochrane Review (2005) found PBM may provide short-term relief for people with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
  

• A 2014 clinical trial showed reduced pain and improved function in knee arthritis patients after several weeks of RLT sessions.
  
  

While results are promising, RLT should be seen as a complementary option alongside medical care.

 

2. Muscle Soreness & Recovery

Athletes often turn to RLT after training or competition to manage soreness.

• Research shows red light therapy may reduce delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) and improve recovery time.
  
  

• A 2009 study in Lasers in Medical Science reported less fatigue and improved performance in athletes using PBM.
  
  

This is why many gyms and wellness centres across Australia now offer RLT recovery lounges.

 

3. Back and Neck Pain

Chronic back and neck pain are among the most common reasons Australians seek alternative therapies.

RLT is thought to help by:

• Improving blood flow to stiff muscles
  
  

• Reducing inflammation in connective tissues
  
  

• Relaxing tension that contributes to pain
  
  

Evidence suggests RLT may provide temporary relief, though it should not replace physiotherapy or prescribed treatments.

 

4. Post-Surgical Recovery

Some studies suggest red light therapy may accelerate tissue healing after surgery by improving circulation and reducing inflammation.

For Australians undergoing joint replacements or sports surgeries, RLT may be used as part of a rehabilitation plan under professional guidance.

 

5. Nerve Pain

Emerging evidence suggests red light therapy may influence nerve regeneration. Trials are exploring its role in conditions such as neuropathy. While still early, the results are encouraging.

 

6. Everyday Inflammation (Lifestyle & Ageing)

Even for those without chronic conditions, everyday inflammation can cause stiffness, headaches, or fatigue. Using RLT at home may help support circulation and reduce minor aches.

This is one reason why at-home devices are becoming popular in Australia — they allow for regular, consistent use.

 

What Does the Research Say?

Here’s a snapshot of the current evidence:

• Osteoarthritis: PBM may reduce pain and stiffness (Cochrane Review).
  

• Sports Recovery: Athletes report less fatigue and faster recovery with RLT (Leal Junior et al., 2009).
  

• Chronic Pain: Some trials show improvements in fibromyalgia and neck pain.
  

• Inflammation: Laboratory studies suggest RLT reduces markers of inflammation and oxidative stress.
  

 

Safety & Side Effects

Red light therapy is considered safe when devices are used correctly.

• No UV exposure
  

• Side effects are rare (mild redness or warmth)
  

• Not recommended for people with photosensitivity, certain medical conditions, or without professional advice

 

Conclusion

Red light therapy is a promising, non-invasive approach that research suggests may help support pain relief and reduce inflammation. From arthritis management to muscle recovery, its applications are diverse.

However, it is not a cure, and results depend on individual factors. For Australians exploring new ways to manage pain, RLT may be worth considering alongside professional medical advice.

Want to explore red light therapy for pain and recovery?

Discover TheralumaX 8-wavelength devices — designed with advanced clinical-grade technology for use at home.

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Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Red light therapy results vary between individuals. Always consult with your healthcare professional before beginning new therapies for pain or inflammation.

 

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References

1. Brosseau L, et al. Low level laser therapy for osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2005.
   

2. Alghadir AH, et al. Effects of red light therapy on pain and function in knee osteoarthritis. Photomed Laser Surg. 2014.
   

3. Leal Junior EC, et al. Effect of cluster multi-diode light therapy (LED) on exercise performance and recovery. Lasers Med Sci. 2009.
   

4. Hamblin MR. Mechanisms and applications of the anti-inflammatory effects of photobiomodulation. AIMS Biophys. 2017.