Infrared Research Backed Cellular Healing
Benefits of Infrared Treatment
Pain Relief
Enhanced Circulation and Blood Flow
Skin Rejuvenation, Protection against UV damage, Reduce fine lines, Improved texture
Stimulates Healing and Tissue Repair
Reduces Inflammation
Relieves Delayed Muscle Soreness
Stimulates Wound Healing
Reduces Stiffness
Infrared treatments are suddenly everywhere. Flooding our instagram feeds with products to reduce pain and reduce signs of aging. Can infrared treatments possibly deliver results? When it comes to relieving pain, inflammation and enhancing the body’s natural capacity to heal itself, infrared treatments are incredibly effective. In my practice I integrate the use of infrared technology with traditional physical therapy manual therapy techniques to enhance results. If you would like to learn more about why IR is an effective treatment tool, please read on!
The use of energy to promote healing is nothing new. In ancient times electric eels were used to provide electric shocks, in the 1970’s the TENS’s unit was recreated, which uses electricity to reduce pain by interrupting the body’s pain perception and the pain spasm cycle.
Infrared (IR) treatments impact cellular pathways that promote healing. Infrared includes electromagnetic wavelengths between 760nm and 100,000 nm. The waves are absorbed by the cells and stimulates mitochondrial activity, increases electron transport and stimulates ATP or cellular energy production. The increase in cellular energy production activates signaling pathways that promote tissue repair and regeneration, thus improving the ability of the body to heal itself. (1)
Longer IR wavelengths are absorbed by water within the cells and tissues. The temperature of the water is increased which turns on signaling pathways that produce ATP (energy), ROS, Calcium, and Nitric Oxide. ROS (Reactive Oxygen Species) activates molecules involved in tissue repair. Nitric Oxide release causes vasodilation, which increases blood flow and decreases inflammation. Infrared also activates Fibroblasts and growth factors that play crucial roles in tissue repair, collagen synthesis and wound healing. (1)
In 2006, a randomized, controlled trial conducted by the University of Toronto demonstrated the use of Infrared wraps significantly reduced chronic low back pain. The study included 40 people with low back pain that had been present for 6 years or more. Infrared waist wrap units with energy wavelengths 800-1200nm, were applied to the experimental group for 7 weekly sessions. The placebo group received a sham treatment. On average those participants undergoing Infrared treatment reported a 50% reduction in their pain over the course of the 7 weeks. Initial pain scales were reported at 7/10 and after treatment dropped to 3/10 on average. Comparatively the placebo group reported a 15% reduction in pain from 7.5 to 6/10. While the population size of this study is small, the researchers clearly demonstrate infrared treatment can be effective at reducing pain in chronic low back pain. (2)
Infrared treatment resulted in statistically significant reductions in pain and stiffness in adults with knee arthritis, according to a randomized control trial. The study also demonstrated the adults treaded with IR experienced improved range of motion and improved quality of life. The study concluded that infrared is safe and effective in the treatment of knee arthritis. (3)
Infrared treatment is an effective treatment intervention. It is potentially even more effective when used in combination with treatments such as physical therapy, acupuncture, manual therapy and massage. In my practice I use medical grade infrared devices to provide cutting edge, research supported, treatments in combination with a personalized and holistic approach to achieve the greatest results, and achieve goals in the shortest timeframe possible.
References
Bindod, Hatwar, Bakal, Dafe. Illuminating Healing: A Comprehensive Review of Blue and Redlight Therapy Applications and Efficacy. Asian Journal of Pharmacology Research and Development. 2025 vol 13, No1.
Gale GD, Rothbart PJ, Li Y. Infrared therapy for chronic low back pain: a randomized, controlled trial. Pain Res Manag. 2006 Autumn;11(3):193-6. doi: 10.1155/2006/876920. PMID: 16960636; PMCID: PMC2539004.
Gur A, Cosut A, Sarac AJ, Cevik R, Nas K, Uyar A. Efficacy of different therapy regimes of low-power laser in painful osteoarthritis of the knee: a double-blind and randomized-controlled trial. Lasers Surg Med. 2003;33(5):330-8. doi: 10.1002/lsm.10236. PMID: 14677160.
Tsai SR, Hamblin MR. Biological effects and medical applications of infrared radiation. J Photochem Photobiol B. 2017 May;170:197-207. doi: 10.1016/j.jphotobiol.2017.04.014. Epub 2017 Apr 13. PMID: 28441605; PMCID: PMC5505738.