Red Light Therapy
Low-level red and near-infrared wavelengths that support mitochondrial function, collagen synthesis, and recovery.
What is Red Light Therapy?
Red Light Therapy (RLT), also called photobiomodulation, uses specific wavelengths of red (630-680nm) and near-infrared (800-880nm) light to penetrate skin and stimulate mitochondrial activity.
How it works
Photons of red/NIR light are absorbed by cytochrome c oxidase in the mitochondria, supporting ATP production, helping reduce oxidative stress, and triggering cellular repair cascades -- including collagen synthesis and anti-inflammatory signaling.
Why clients use it
Clients incorporate Red Light Therapy into their protocols for a range of goals and conditions — from acute recovery to long-term optimization.
Skin rejuvenation and collagen production
Muscle recovery and soreness
Joint inflammation support
Energy and mood support
Wound and scar recovery
What to expect
Stand or lie in front of a full-body red light panel. Sessions are brief -- 10 to 20 minutes. You'll feel gentle warmth. No UV exposure, no burning.
Safety considerations
Eye protection is provided. Avoid direct eye exposure to the panels.
Recovery Stacking — Sequencing Guide
Based on clinical evidence, here is how Red Light Therapy pairs with other OutRecover modalities.
| Modality | Timing | What It Supports | Why It Works | Research |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy | below 2.0 ATAAfter 2.0 ATA or higherBefore | Mitochondrial function, oxygen utilization | For mild HBOT, red light before helps open blood vessels. For high-pressure HBOT, red light after supports mitochondrial oxygen utilization post-treatment. | |
| PEMF Therapy | Before | Mitochondrial priming, inflammation support | PEMF improves cellular permeability, circulation, and ATP production -- enhancing the absorption and effectiveness of red light. | |
| Infrared Sauna | After | Circulation, detoxification, muscle relaxation | RLT first avoids heat-induced penetration loss; sauna afterward supports detox and removal of cellular waste. | |
| Dry Cold Plunge | Before | Inflammation support, deeper light penetration | Cold-induced vasoconstriction reduces blood in the skin, allowing red and near-infrared light to penetrate deeper into tissues. | |
| Lymphatic Compression | After | Lymphatic drainage, detoxification | RLT activates tissue repair and circulation; lymphatic compression follows to flush metabolic waste and support recovery. | |
| Compression Therapy | After | Circulatory reset, muscle recovery | RLT stimulates repair; compression enhances venous return and metabolic waste clearance to complete the recovery cascade. | |
| Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) | performanceAfter recoveryBefore | Performance enhancement, recovery support | RLT before BFR supports energy production and helps reduce oxidative stress. RLT after supports tissue repair and improves sleep quality. | |
| Molecular Hydrogen Therapy | Before or After | Oxidative stress reduction, mitochondrial resilience | Before RLT, hydrogen helps protect cells from oxidative stress. After RLT, it helps neutralize free radicals to support deeper recovery. | |
| Vitamin D Light Therapy | Before or After | Immune health, energy balance | Mechanistically independent -- can be used before or after RLT based on preference or protocol goals. |
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
Mitochondrial function, oxygen utilization
For mild HBOT, red light before helps open blood vessels. For high-pressure HBOT, red light after supports mitochondrial oxygen utilization post-treatment.
PEMF Therapy
Mitochondrial priming, inflammation support
PEMF improves cellular permeability, circulation, and ATP production -- enhancing the absorption and effectiveness of red light.
Infrared Sauna
Circulation, detoxification, muscle relaxation
RLT first avoids heat-induced penetration loss; sauna afterward supports detox and removal of cellular waste.
Dry Cold Plunge
Inflammation support, deeper light penetration
Cold-induced vasoconstriction reduces blood in the skin, allowing red and near-infrared light to penetrate deeper into tissues.
Lymphatic Compression
Lymphatic drainage, detoxification
RLT activates tissue repair and circulation; lymphatic compression follows to flush metabolic waste and support recovery.
Compression Therapy
Circulatory reset, muscle recovery
RLT stimulates repair; compression enhances venous return and metabolic waste clearance to complete the recovery cascade.
Blood Flow Restriction (BFR)
Performance enhancement, recovery support
RLT before BFR supports energy production and helps reduce oxidative stress. RLT after supports tissue repair and improves sleep quality.
Molecular Hydrogen Therapy
Oxidative stress reduction, mitochondrial resilience
Before RLT, hydrogen helps protect cells from oxidative stress. After RLT, it helps neutralize free radicals to support deeper recovery.
Vitamin D Light Therapy
Immune health, energy balance
Mechanistically independent -- can be used before or after RLT based on preference or protocol goals.
Sequencing guidance is based on clinical evidence and practitioner experience. Always consult with your OutRecover team before beginning a protocol.
Session pricing
$45per session
Save with a membership -- members receive 15-25% off all services.
View membership plans →Ready to try Red Light Therapy?
Book a session or explore a Recovery Stack that includes this modality.