Air compression boots have become increasingly popular in recent years. But do air compression boots really help your muscles recover faster? Watch this video to learn what research says.
Products featured in this video:
Quasar MD Infrared / Red Light Therapy Mat (Shop on Amazon)
Kineon Move+Pro Red Light and Infrared Light Therapy Unit (Shop on Amazon)
Table of Contents
- What is Infrared and Red Light Therapy?
- What Conditions Can Red Light and Infrared Therapy Help?
- How Does Red Light Therapy Work?
- Dosage and Power Settings
- Device Demonstration & Modes
- Is Red Light Therapy Safe?
- My Personal Experience with Red / Infrared Light Therapy
What is Infrared and Red Light Therapy?
Red light and near infrared light therapy are types of photobiomodulation. This means that specific wavelengths of light affect living tissues in different ways. Red light ranges up to about 750 nm, while near infrared runs from 750 nm to 1,400 nm.
Red light is visible. Near infrared light is invisible but penetrates deeper into the body, reaching muscles and joints.
What Conditions Can Red Light and Infrared Therapy Help?
Research has shown many infrared and red light therapy benefits, especially for adults over 50. Common conditions include:
- Arthritis
- Tendonitis and tendinopathy
- Low back pain
- Fibromyalgia and chronic pain
- Neuropathy
- Muscle recovery after exercise
- Improved sleep quality
- Skin conditions and wound healing
Red light works best for skin-level issues. Near infrared penetrates deeper for muscles, tendons, and joints.
How Does Red Light Therapy Work?
The key benefit comes from activating your mitochondria—your body’s energy producers. Red and near infrared light stimulate an enzyme called cytochrome c oxidase, helping your cells produce more energy efficiently.
Other effects include:
- Increased blood flow from nitric oxide release
- Reduced inflammation
- Activation of natural pain-relieving receptors
The most effective wavelengths are 660 nm (red) and 850 nm (near infrared).
Dosage and Power Settings
The right dose depends on your condition. For deeper tissues like joints and muscles, the typical dose is 6–12 joules per cm². Higher power settings deliver results faster, while lower settings require more time.
Always start with a sensitivity test on the lowest setting to see how your skin responds before increasing intensity.
Device Demonstration & Modes
Some devices, like the Quazar MD Red Light Therapy Sleeping Bag, combine red and infrared LEDs to treat multiple areas at once. Features may include:
- Separate power controls for each side
- Pulsing modes (10 Hz, 40 Hz)
- Adjustable brightness and wavelength selection
- Timers ranging from 10 to 60 minutes
This makes it possible to target the whole body or specific areas needing relief.
Is Red Light Therapy Safe?
Yes—red and infrared light therapy have been well studied and are generally safe. Many devices are FDA cleared. Side effects are rare, though starting slow is always recommended.
My Personal Experience with Red / Infrared Light Therapy
After 9 months of testing different products, I’ve found near infrared devices most helpful.
They provide real relief for stiff joints, sore muscles, and recovery after exercise as well as a variety of other research-backed benefits.
Far infrared (3000-1,000,000 nm wavelength) feels good as deep heat but doesn’t help as much with healing. The Saunny Far-Infrared Blanket is an example of an at-home far-infrared light therapy device.
If you have localized joint or muscle pain, a wearable infrared device such as the Kineon Move+Pro can be helpful.
If you have multiple painful areas, a device that covers your whole body is convenient. You can treat several issues at once in just 10–20 minutes.
Quasar MD Infrared / Red Light Therapy Mat (Shop on Amazon)
Overall, I’ve found infrared and red light therapy benefits to be beneficial, and research seems to indicate the same thing.