Red Light Therapy
Red Light Therapy
Red Light Therapy (Photobiomodulation) | Austin, Dallas & Houston | Dynamic Sports Medicine
Red light therapy — also known as photobiomodulation (PBM) — is a non-invasive treatment that uses specific wavelengths of red and near-infrared light to stimulate healing at the cellular level.
At Dynamic Sports Medicine, red light therapy is used to help athletes and active individuals:
• reduce inflammation • accelerate tissue healing • relieve joint and muscle pain • enhance recovery between workouts
Red light therapy is available at our sports medicine clinics across Austin, Dallas, and Houston as part of our integrated recovery and rehabilitation programs.
What Is Red Light Therapy?
Red light therapy uses therapeutic wavelengths of red and near-infrared light (typically 630–850 nm) that penetrate into muscle, joints, and connective tissue.
Unlike ultraviolet light, these wavelengths do not damage the skin and do not generate harmful heat.
Instead, the light energy is absorbed by the mitochondria inside your cells. This triggers biological processes that help your body repair tissue, regulate inflammation, and recover more efficiently.
Because of these effects, photobiomodulation has become widely used in sports medicine, rehabilitation, and performance recovery programs.
How Red Light Therapy Works
When red and near-infrared light is absorbed by the body’s cells, it stimulates mitochondrial activity.
This increases the production of ATP (adenosine triphosphate) — the primary energy source used for cellular repair and regeneration.
Higher cellular energy allows tissues to repair themselves more efficiently.
Red light therapy may also support:
Improved circulation
Increased nitric oxide release helps improve blood flow and oxygen delivery to injured tissues.
Reduced inflammation
Photobiomodulation helps regulate inflammatory signaling pathways involved in pain and tissue damage.
Enhanced tissue repair
The therapy stimulates fibroblasts responsible for collagen production, supporting tendon, ligament, and soft tissue healing.
Improved lymphatic flow
Better lymphatic circulation helps remove metabolic waste from overworked muscles and injured tissue.
Benefits of Red Light Therapy
Red light therapy may help:
• reduce muscle soreness • accelerate injury recovery • improve joint mobility • decrease inflammation • support tendon and ligament healing • improve circulation • enhance recovery between workouts
Many athletes use red light therapy as part of their regular recovery routine to maintain performance and reduce injury risk.
Conditions Red Light Therapy May Help Treat
Our sports chiropractors use red light therapy to support recovery from many common musculoskeletal conditions, including:
• muscle strains and overuse injuries • tendon injuries and tendinopathy • plantar fasciitis • joint pain in the shoulder, knee, and hip • rotator cuff injuries • ligament sprains • chronic inflammation • post-surgical tissue healing • nerve irritation and neuropathic pain
Your provider will determine whether red light therapy is appropriate based on your condition and treatment goals.
What to Expect During a Session
Red light therapy sessions are comfortable, quick, and non-invasive.
A typical visit includes:
Evaluation
Your sports chiropractor evaluates your condition and determines the appropriate treatment area and protocol.
Treatment
The red light therapy device is positioned near the treatment area while therapeutic wavelengths are delivered to the tissue.
Duration
Sessions typically last 10–20 minutes depending on the size of the treatment area.
After Treatment
There is no downtime, and you can return to normal activity immediately.
Most people begin to notice improvements within several sessions, with optimal results achieved over a series of treatments.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Red Light Therapy?
Red light therapy may benefit:
• athletes managing training-related soreness • active adults dealing with chronic joint pain • individuals recovering from soft tissue injuries • endurance athletes needing faster recovery • people looking for non-invasive pain relief • patients receiving chiropractic or rehabilitation care
Red light therapy is generally safe for most individuals, though your provider will review your medical history before treatment.
Combining Red Light Therapy With Other Treatments
At Dynamic Sports Medicine, red light therapy is typically combined with other therapies to maximize results.
These may include:
- chiropractic adjustments
- dry needling
- myofascial release
- shockwave therapy
- PEMF therapy
- NormaTec compression
This integrated approach allows us to address both the symptoms and underlying causes of injury or pain.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is red light therapy painful?
No. Most people feel only a gentle warmth during treatment.
How many sessions are needed?
Many patients begin noticing improvements within 3–5 sessions, with full benefits typically developing over 8–12 sessions.
Is red light therapy safe?
Yes. Red light therapy uses non-ionizing light wavelengths and does not damage tissue.
Can it be combined with chiropractic care?
Yes. Red light therapy is frequently integrated with chiropractic treatment and other recovery modalities.
Schedule a Red Light Therapy Session
Red light therapy is available at Dynamic Sports Medicine clinics across Austin, Dallas, and Houston.
Our providers integrate photobiomodulation into comprehensive sports medicine treatment plans designed to help athletes and active individuals recover faster and perform at their best.
Schedule your red light therapy session today.
