As an owner of red light therapy, one of the most common questions is “How often should I do treatments?” Determining optimal frequency is essential for ensuring customers achieve the results they want as efficiently as possible.
All right, I’ll walk you through evidence-based recommendations on ideal treatment frequency for all the most popular red light therapy applications. You’ll learn protocols for skin rejuvenation, pain relief, enhanced athletic performance, anti-aging effects, and much more.
First, a quick primer on what red light therapy is and how it works. Red light therapy involves exposing the body to specific wavelengths of visible red and near-infrared light delivered via LEDs (light-emitting diodes).
These light wavelengths penetrate deep into tissues where they interact with cells to produce a range of stimulative and restorative biological effects, including:
Now let’s explore optimal treatment frequency recommendations based on desired outcomes.
For clients hoping to improve wrinkles, skin texture/tone, and overall facial rejuvenation, aim for the following frequency:
Less frequent than once weekly will produce minimal results. Daily use is unlikely to provide additional benefit over 4-5 sessions per week for most middle-aged clients.
For severely sun-damaged skin, up to daily use for 2-3 months may help achieve greater improvements quicker before reducing frequency.
For reducing cellulite, smoothing dimpled skin, and slimming fat pockets on the body, recommend:
Again, weekly or less frequent use will not deliver substantial changes. Allow at least 48 hours between sessions targeting the same body areas to avoid overuse.
To improve hair fullness, thickness, and growth rate, and combat mild thinning or loss, aim for:
Hair growth occurs slowly. Less than weekly sessions will not provide enough stimulation. Daily treatments are unlikely to speed up growth compared to 4-5x weekly.
For healing wounds, surgical incisions, ulcers, or burns, and reducing pain/swelling from acute injuries, apply light:
Daily sessions may also be warranted for aggressive pre-surgical site strengthening and preparation 2-3 weeks prior to procedures.
For managing acute and chronic joint, back, headache, or neuropathic pain, aim for:
Pre-treating areas before activities that trigger pain can help prevent flare-ups. For post-procedure or post-workout pain, apply light immediately after for optimal relief.
To reduce stiffness, swelling, inflammation, and aches from osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, tendonitis, bursitis, and similar conditions, use:
For autoimmune flare-ups, daily sessions may be warranted until inflammation subsides. Pre-treating before activity or stress can help prevent flare-ups as well.
For seasonal allergies, chronic sinusitis, asthma, bronchitis, and other respiratory issues, aim for:
Pairing with infrared sauna sessions can further amplify respiratory benefits.
To boost circulation and flow for improved lymphatic drainage and detoxification, use:
Can pair with massage, compression, and exercise to maximize lymph flow.
For mood support, energy, focus, and relieving seasonal depression symptoms aim for:
Best timed early morning and in the afternoon/evening to support circadian rhythms.
For amplifying athletic ability, endurance, strength, and post-workout recovery:
Elite athletes may benefit from daily exposure. Adjust the frequency based on training demands.
For amplifying anti-aging results on the cellular level, hormonal optimization, detoxification, etc. aim for:
Extended daily sessions for 2-4 weeks can help “prime” the body’s anti-aging defenses with periodic maintenance.
To enhance fat-burning potential and overcome metabolic hurdles when combined with a nutrition plan:
Use in conjunction with exercise, caloric reduction, and lifestyle optimization for amplified results.
For supporting immunity, skin healing, respiratory function, and aches/pains, in children aim for:
Limit to brief 5-10 minute exposures and avoid exceeding maximum dosage recommendations for developing children.
Optimizing red light therapy treatment frequency is crucial for delivering the fastest results and maximum benefits to your clients in the most efficient manner. While protocols will need to be customized based on individual needs and goals, these evidence-based frequency recommendations provide ideal starting points for all the most popular red light therapy uses. Combining proper frequency with optimal dosage, power density, and treatment zones will ensure your customers achieve the transformative outcomes they desire.
