Written by Jessi Cottrell, BSN, RN
As we continue to uncover the biological, psychological, and social aspects of wellness, unique modalities, and medical techniques to treat such factors continue to expand. With growing evidence and applications of use, red light therapy is one modality that has the potential to have system-wide effects on the body. Broadening technologies and associated advantages of full-body red light therapy are coming to the forefront and showing promise for patients with many concerns and medical conditions. With one recent study showing that 87% of participants experienced a reduction in the severity of wrinkling after 12 LED sessions, it’s a no-brainer why an increasing number of individuals are eager to learn more about this growing intervention.
When it comes to red light therapy, there are two primary approaches to reap the benefits from the intervention, namely full body and targeted. Whereas targeted light therapy can accelerate healing on a specific body part, full-body red light therapy provides systemic, holistic healing. Preferred for more broad-stroke improvements including pain relief, sleep enhancement, and inflammatory control, full-body treatments can target multiple concerns simultaneously, enhancing all aspects of biopsychosocial wellness. In terms of application, full-body red light therapy is easier to standardize dosage and spreads healing wavelengths throughout a greater surface area, maximizing outcomes. This being said, both targeted and full-body treatments have their appropriate indications for use and can complement each other to produce both local and system-wide benefits.
There are several advantages of red light therapy with benefits ranging from anti-aging effects to sports recovery to pain management. Back in the 1990s, NASA found that the intense light wavelengths released by red light help promote energy metabolism contributing to improvements in various cellular functions. With full body red light therapy being the most effective in system-wide outcomes, it’s recommended for those seeking pain relief, systemic inflammation control, mood enhancement, sleep improvement, or a boost in overall well-being. Whereas targeted treatments are more appropriate for isolating a specific joint or body part, if you’re looking to reduce stress, relieve overall muscle tension, or improve general cellular function, full-body red light therapy may be right for you.
The application of full-body red light therapy can be performed using a variety of devices that offer variations in terms of portability, cost, and area exposure. Light therapy beds, like the Prism Light Pod, are the first and top-of-the-line option, providing the best full-body coverage with 360-degree light exposure. With an increased number of LEDs compared to alternate products, light therapy beds can emit the highest amount of red and near-infrared light wavelengths enhancing penetration and cellular performance. They tend to be the most costly and least portable, however, are generally the most effective and efficient means of therapeutic light delivery.
Best: Prism Light Pod | Red Light Therapy Bed
 | Prism Light Pad | Full Body Red Light Therapy View Product |
The second option for full-body red light exposure is a light therapy mat. As the most portable of the full-body red light options, light therapy mats give users convenience and versatility while reaping the therapeutic benefits of the modality. With LEDs embedded directly into the mat, it can be laid on or applied as a blanket depending on the user’s preferred treatment zone. With the therapeutic outcomes of photobiomodulation highly dependent on patient compliance, the light therapy mats are an excellent choice for those looking for easy transport, storage, and simple operation. Depending on your home setup and day-to-day schedule, these mats can be incorporated into a massage treatment or applied while laying in bed.
Best: Prism Light Pad | Full Body Red Light Therapy
 | Hooga Red Light Therapy Device for Home - PRO300 View Product |
A third application form of full-body light therapy is a light therapy panel. Taking up much less space than a light therapy bed, they work well in small spaces and use less power overall. These panels come in a variety of sizes and shapes depending on individual goals and space limitations. Because of their design, they do require the user to stand or sit next to the device however can be adjusted into various configurations to meet varying needs and therapeutic goals. Similar to light therapy beds and mats, light therapy panels can be used in both home and professional settings.
Best: The HGPRO300 Red Light Therapy Panel At Home Device from Hooga
With growing evidence and pertinent indications of use, red light therapy is a popular therapeutic that is here to stay. If searching for a holistic, multi-purpose modality that poses minimal risks and maximum benefits, full-body red light therapy may be right for you. When choosing the appropriate device, consider your treatment goals, budget, space constraints, and portability. Rehabmart offers a wide array of red light therapy devices to meet customers’ unique needs and goals.
For more information on red light therapy or related modalities, feel free to browse through our expert-curated Caregiver University, bringing you buying guides, blog posts, and informational articles to help you make the most informed buying decisions.
Jessi Cottrell is a Registered Nurse, copywriter, mother, and avid book reader. Her nurse background includes emergency medicine, psych & trauma, orthopedic surgery, addiction detox & rehabilitation, and school nursing. She has a passion for finding non-pharmacological methods to treat pain. This passion is fueled by her experience in addiction medicine as well as her own experiences with pain management after various surgeries.
