Discover how infrared light therapy can be a game-changer for managing pain in middle age. Learn how this natural, non-invasive treatment supports muscle recovery, reduces inflammation, and improves overall well-being as we age.
If you’re like me—59, active, and maybe dealing with a few aches and pains—you know the importance of staying proactive with our health. About ten years ago, I struggled with terrible back pain. Years of activity as a fitness professional, mixed with regular wear and tear, had left me in pain that just wouldn’t quit.
After trying everything, I found a solution in infrared light therapy and daily stretching.
These two became my go-to tools, helping me ease tight muscles and get back to moving without that stubborn pain. Now, it’s become a daily ritual for me—I wear my infrared therapy pad each morning as a kind of “preventative medicine.”
And recently, it’s also been a lifesaver for my knee, which has been acting up, likely from years of overuse. I use an infrared light therapy joint wrap that has been an easy and effective way to manage the inflammation and get back to what I love.
Let me tell you why I’m such a fan of how this therapy actually works to relieve pain, and what I’ve learned from experience and research.
The Benefits of Infrared Light Therapy for Pain Management
Infrared therapy isn’t just for back pain—although it’s excellent for that! It can help with a variety of issues, including:
- Chronic pain: Helps relax muscles and lessen joint pain. Infrared light treatment increases circulation and reduces inflammation to treat pain from long term conditions like arthritis, neuropathy, tendinitis, and more.
- Acute pain: Helps manage those sudden, sharp pains.
- Injury recovery: Speeds up the healing process after an injury.
- Workout recovery: Eases muscle soreness, and improves blood flow so you’re ready for your next session.
- Muscle spasms: Relaxes muscles, preventing the tightness that leads to spasms.
How Does Infrared Light Therapy Therapy Alleviate Back Pain?
Back pain, whether from arthritis, daily strain, or injuries, can often feel deeply embedded in our tissues. That’s because this type of pain is often due to cellular damage far within our muscles.
Unlike using heat or ice to treat pain that only works on the surface, infrared light therapy can penetrate through layers of skin, reaching deeper into the muscle tissues stimulating cells and increasing circulation to target pain at the source. Yes, heating pads feel good but they can’t do the job alone!
And something to note, both red and infrared light therapy are typically combined to deliver maximum results for pain relief.
The two light sources can complement each other in treating soreness in the body at different depths of tissue. They are especially effective when combined with back pain exercises to stretch and strengthen your muscles!
They are a little different, with the infrared being the hero but here is what they each do.
Red Light Therapy: Surface-Level Benefits
Red light therapy is a go-to for improving skin health, thanks to its shorter wavelength that interacts mostly with the skin’s surface. This makes it fantastic for treating fine lines, wrinkles, and skin texture.
However, red light also encourages blood circulation, making it a good tool for mild pain relief by enhancing circulation and supporting cellular recovery.
Infrared Light Therapy: Deep-Tissue Healing
Infrared light, on the other hand, has a longer wavelength that penetrates much deeper, reaching beyond the skin to muscle and nerve tissues. This makes it ideal for pain relief and healing below the skin’s surface. By boosting blood flow in targeted areas, infrared light reduces inflammation and supports faster healing.
It’s particularly effective for those with arthritis, muscle soreness, or injuries, as it can relieve tightness and discomfort more effectively than red light alone.
Additionally, infrared light therapy promotes cellular regeneration, which means it can assist in both wound healing and recovery after physical strain. It’s being hailed for it’s ability to safely alleviate deeper pain and support tissue recovery.
Most pain relief devices are created using a combination of red and infrared light.
These tools provide powerful results and there’s a ton of research backing this up. For instance, a study from the National Institutes of Health found that infrared light therapy could reduce chronic back pain by 50% over just six weeks.
For me, it worked just like that!
After 4-6 weeks of consistent use of my dpl® Flex Pad, I was moving freely again.
Now, I use it like my “insurance policy” along with my back strengthening exercises to keep back pain at bay.
The Infrared Therapy Device I Use Daily
I use the dpl® Flex Pad which is a combination of red and infrared light therapy. It’s a large, bendable pad and can be used anywhere on the body. You just charge it up and then it’s hands free.
It’s easy to move around and do whatever tasks you have to do around the house.
You can feel better in just 20 minutes, right in your own home! And remember what I said earlier, consistency is the key to relieving pain so having something easy to use at home makes that way more achievable.
I also use the dpl® Joint Wrap on my knee. Again, hands free and easy to use. You can also use it on your shoulders, elbows, and ankles.
If you were a fly on the wall in my home, you’ll see me wearing infrared light therapy every morning as I get my coffee and get my morning going.
Plus, it’s FSA and HSA approved.
The Bottom Line
Incorporating this type of therapy into my routine has been a game-changer. For me, it’s about actively investing in my long-term health, listening to my body, and using tools that support my recovery and well-being.
It’s non-invasive and not a medication!
If you’re dealing with pain or simply want a method to support active recovery, consider giving infrared light therapy a try.
I’m a true believer because I’ve felt the difference—and so can you! (And take note – if shopping around, you don’t just want a “red light” product, you want a product that also has “infrared light” for more effective results.)
Infrared Light Therapy FAQ
Most people don’t experience side effects from infrared therapy. It is generally accepted as safe and simple to use.
While infrared therapy is generally safe, people with certain medical conditions (like photosensitivity or specific skin conditions) or those on medication that increases light sensitivity should consult a doctor first.
Daily use can be very effective for managing pain and inflammation. I use mine every morning, sometimes twice a day. But you could also start with a few sessions per week and see how it works for you.
Most devices will state on their instructions that you really can’t overdo it when it comes to infrared light therapy. Always consult your own doctor if you are concerned.
Clothing prevents the red and infrared light from reaching your cells, so be sure the infrared light pad is touching your skin to work effectively.
