Infrared light is that girl. She’s powerful, healing, and low-key been doing the work behind the scenes in all kinds of wellness therapies. One of our favorite applications? Treating chronic pain—naturally.
Let’s get real: According to the National Institutes of Health, pain is the most common reason Americans see a doctor. That’s one in three people dealing with chronic pain every year. Wild, right?
Whether it’s the soreness after a sweaty workout, a tight lower back from sitting too long, or those mystery aches you chalk up to “just getting older,” we’ve all been there. And while ibuprofen and heat packs can offer a temporary fix, laser therapy is here to give your body the healing boost it’s been craving—without side effects or downtime.
What Is Laser Therapy?
Laser therapy (also called cold laser therapy, low-level laser therapy, or near-infrared therapy) uses targeted light wavelengths to support healing deep within the body. These aren't the kind of lasers that zap off tattoos or slice through tumors—these babies work gently beneath the skin’s surface, stimulating cell regeneration, reducing inflammation, and relieving pain.
Think of it like feeding your cells a warm, nutrient-rich smoothie—except it's light.
And yes, it's the same healing tech found in our HigherDOSE Infrared Saunas—just concentrated at different frequencies for a more direct, localized effect.
Why Light Is So Healing
Low-level lasers or LEDs in the red and near-infrared range are applied to the body, where they work their magic by improving circulation, decreasing inflammation, and energizing tired cells. This helps speed up healing, calm pain signals, and rejuvenate the skin. (Bonus: It also helps fade acne scars and fine lines while you’re at it.)
One cool detail? It’s called “cold” laser therapy because the light doesn’t heat your tissues. It’s gentle, soothing, and totally non-invasive—which means you can get all the healing benefits without the risks associated with high-heat or surgical lasers.
Light Therapy is a Natural Mood Booster, Too
Beyond the body, light therapy has also been shown to support mental health. Specifically, seasonal affective disorder (SAD)—aka the winter blues. When sunshine is in short supply, your body and brain notice. Light therapy mimics the sun’s mood-lifting effects, helping to regulate your circadian rhythm, boost serotonin, and improve sleep.
Translation: more daylight in your life = better vibes, deeper ZZZs, and fewer cold-month meltdowns.
What Can Laser Therapy Help With?
Laser therapy is seriously versatile. Here’s just a quick highlight reel:
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Chronic and acute pain: back pain, joint issues, sports injuries
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Muscle recovery: inflammation reduction
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Skin rejuvenation: including acne, burns, and psoriasis
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Faster healing: wounds, scars, or surgery sites
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Targeted healing: similar to acupuncture but with light
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Stress relief and mood boosting: thanks to those near-infrared rays
How Long Until You Feel the Glow?
Consistency is key. For seasonal affective disorder, experts recommend daily sessions with a light therapy box or infrared exposure. With cold laser therapy, effectiveness depends on a few things: the wavelength, dose, session length, and treatment area.
Our HigherDOSE full-spectrum infrared saunas deliver near-infrared heat to the entire body, giving you a wellness upgrade while you sweat out toxins. And if you’re craving even more targeted healing, try using our Red Light Face Mask to help with collagen, inflammation, and fine lines.
Let’s Talk Side Effects
Here’s the best part—when used correctly, low-level laser therapy has zero reported side effects. No burns, no pain, no downtime. That said, it’s not recommended for use directly over tumors or cancerous growths (always check with your healthcare provider first).
But for most people, this kind of light therapy is a safe, easy add-on to any wellness routine.
Light up your life. Heal deeper. Glow harder. Your cells are ready—are you?
Cited Sources
National Institutes of Health
Healthline
Cold Laser Therapy
PubMed Central
Healthline
