Red Light Therapy for Recovery: What It Is and How Kinetic Uses It
By Dr. Andrew Kakishita, DC | Pleasant Grove, UT Chiropractor
Recovering from an injury or dealing with persistent muscle soreness can be frustrating, especially when pain keeps you from exercising, working, or enjoying your favorite activities. Sometimes, getting back to normal requires more than simply resting and waiting for the discomfort to disappear.
At Kinetic Chiropractic, we take an individualized approach to recovery. Along with chiropractic adjustments and other treatment options, we offer red light therapy to support our patients' recovery goals. But what exactly is red light therapy, and how might it fit into your treatment plan?
What Is Red Light Therapy?
Red light therapy uses specific wavelengths of red or near-infrared light to interact with tissues in the body. Also known as photobiomodulation, this approach is being studied for its potential effects on cellular activity, inflammation, and tissue recovery.
Unlike treatments that apply mechanical pressure or acoustic waves to a targeted area, red light therapy delivers light energy without breaking the skin.
The goal is to support the body's natural processes rather than force an immediate change. Research is ongoing, and results can vary depending on the condition, treatment parameters, and individual response.
How Can Red Light Therapy Support Recovery?
Red light therapy may be useful as part of a broader recovery plan, particularly when muscle soreness or musculoskeletal discomfort makes daily activities more difficult.
Muscle Soreness and Exercise Recovery
Active adults and weekend athletes sometimes experience soreness after demanding workouts, running, lifting weights, or returning to exercise after a break.
Red light therapy is being investigated for its potential to support exercise recovery and reduce certain types of muscle soreness. However, it is not a guaranteed solution, and the evidence varies depending on the application.
Adequate sleep, appropriate training loads, nutrition, and recovery time remain important parts of the process.
Pain and Tissue Support
Some research suggests that red light therapy may help with certain types of musculoskeletal pain. Its potential effects on cellular activity and local inflammatory processes make it an area of continued interest.
However, it should not be viewed as a cure for every injury or a replacement for appropriate medical evaluation. Persistent pain may have several contributing factors that need to be addressed.
How We Use Red Light Therapy at Kinetic Chiropractic
At Kinetic Chiropractic, we do not follow a one-size-fits-all approach to treatment. Our homepage explains that we select treatments according to each patient's needs, which may include red light therapy, chiropractic adjustments, radial shockwave therapy, scraping, or cupping.
For someone dealing with recurring discomfort, our goal is to understand the problem and determine which services may be appropriate.
Red light therapy may be incorporated as a supportive treatment alongside other care. Depending on the patient's condition, we may also address joint mobility, soft-tissue concerns, or movement limitations.
The important distinction is that red light therapy is one potential component of a personalized plan, not a standalone answer to every recovery problem.
What Happens During a Red Light Therapy Session?
If you have never tried red light therapy, you may wonder what the experience involves.
Treatment generally involves positioning the device so that the light reaches the intended area. The process is noninvasive and does not require injections or incisions.
Depending on the equipment and treatment area, you may experience little to no sensation during the session. You should not assume that feeling nothing means the treatment is ineffective, nor should you expect immediate pain relief.
How Long Does Treatment Take?
Treatment time depends on the device, the area being addressed, and the treatment protocol. At Kinetic Chiropractic, red light therapy is available as part of our treatment options, including visits that combine it with other services.
Your total appointment time will depend on what your care involves. We can explain the expected process when discussing your treatment plan.
Red Light Therapy vs. Shockwave Therapy: What's the Difference?
Although both treatments may support musculoskeletal recovery, they work differently.
Red light therapy uses light energy to influence cellular processes. It is noninvasive and does not apply acoustic pulses to the treatment area.
Radial shockwave therapy uses acoustic waves delivered through a handheld applicator. At Kinetic Chiropractic, we use shockwave therapy for selected musculoskeletal problems, including certain persistent tendon-related conditions.
Neither treatment is appropriate for every complaint. The choice depends on your symptoms, the tissues involved, and our clinical assessment.
In some cases, combining treatments may make sense because each addresses a different aspect of your care. We select those combinations based on individual needs rather than automatically applying every available modality.
What Results Should You Realistically Expect?
Red light therapy should be approached with realistic expectations. Some people may notice improvements, while others experience little change. Outcomes depend on the condition being treated and other individual factors.
It is also important to remember that recovery involves more than an in-office treatment. Appropriate activity modification, progressive exercise, sleep, and other recommended strategies may contribute to your progress.
Our goal is to help you understand your options and build a plan that supports meaningful improvements in comfort, movement, and everyday function.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is red light therapy painful?
Red light therapy is generally comfortable and noninvasive. Your experience depends on the device and treatment protocol.
Can red light therapy help with muscle soreness?
It may help with certain types of exercise-related soreness, but results vary. It should complement, not replace, appropriate recovery habits.
Can red light therapy be combined with chiropractic adjustments?
Yes. At Kinetic Chiropractic, red light therapy is included in selected care options alongside chiropractic adjustments and other treatments when appropriate.
How many sessions will I need?
There is no universal treatment schedule. Recommendations depend on your concerns, goals, and response to care.
Conclusion
Red light therapy is a noninvasive treatment that may support recovery, muscle soreness management, and certain types of musculoskeletal pain. However, results vary, and it works best when considered within the context of your overall needs.
At Kinetic Chiropractic, we personalize care rather than relying on a single treatment for every problem. If you're dealing with persistent discomfort or want to explore recovery options, contact us to schedule a chiropractic evaluation and discuss whether red light therapy may be appropriate for you.
Kinetic Chiropractic Utah
📞 Phone: 385-256-0603
📧 Email: dr.k@kineticchiropracticutah.com
📍 Address: 405 S 100 E unit 104, Pleasant Grove, UT 84062, USA
🌐 Website: kineticchiropracticutah.com