Recovery and performance blog

How red and near-infrared light
therapy helps with faster recovery and increase performance?

Written by Marcus G.

Published on July 25, 2024

The use of red and near-infrared (NIR) light therapy has been gaining popularity in recent years as a way to improve recovery after workouts and to enhance athletic performance. In this blog, we will explore the science behind red and NIR light therapy and how it can benefit athletes.

1. Red and Near-Infrared Light Therapy

Red and NIR light therapy, also known as photobiomodulation (PBM), uses light at specific wavelengths to stimulate the body's natural healing processes. When applied to the skin, this light is absorbed by the cells, specifically the mitochondria, which are the cells' energy-producing centers. This energy can then be used to improve cellular function and repair damaged tissue, which can help speed up recovery time after a workout.

One of the main benefits of red and NIR light therapy is that it can help reduce inflammation. Inflammation is a natural response of the body to injury or damage, but it can also be a hindrance to recovery. By reducing inflammation, red and NIR light therapy can help speed up the healing process, allowing athletes to recover faster and get back to training sooner.

2. Faster Recovery

In addition to reducing inflammation, red and NIR light therapy can also help increase blood flow to the muscles. This increased blood flow can deliver more oxygen and nutrients to the muscles, which can help with muscle recovery and growth. This improved blood flow can also help remove metabolic waste products from the muscles, which can help reduce soreness after a workout.

Red and NIR light therapy can also help reduce the risk of injury. By promoting faster recovery after a workout, athletes may be less prone to injury. Additionally, red and NIR light therapy can help improve joint mobility and flexibility, which can help reduce the risk of injury during physical activity.

3. More Energy and Better Performance

Another benefit of red and NIR light therapy is that it can help improve cellular energy production. As mentioned earlier, the mitochondria are the cells' energy-producing centers, and red and NIR light therapy can help stimulate these cells, resulting in improved cellular energy production. This increased energy production can help improve athletic performance by providing the muscles with more energy to power through workouts and competitions.

4. Treatments

There are several different ways to incorporate red and NIR light therapy into a recovery routine. One option is to use a specialized light therapy device designed for home use. These devices typically use LEDs to deliver red and NIR light therapy to the targeted areas of the body. Another option is to visit a clinic that offers full body red and NIR light therapy treatments, but these options are of course a way more expensive.

5. Conclusion

In conclusion, red and NIR light therapy can be a valuable tool for athletes looking to improve their performance and recover faster after workouts. By reducing inflammation, increasing blood flow and cellular energy production, and reducing the risk of injury, red and NIR light therapy can help athletes achieve their fitness goals. Whether using a specialized device at home or visiting a clinic for full-body treatments, red and NIR light therapy is a safe and effective way to enhance athletic performance and promote faster recovery.

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