There is a plethora of research backing red light therapy benefits, all for a variety of health and wellness concerns. However, not all red light therapy treatments are similar - and to gain its full breadth of benefits, it’s essential to consider the approach you’re taking to incorporate their effects into a given lifestyle. Two main methods - targeted and full-body - provide different outcomes and benefits for each person. To gain a better understanding of these two, our team at ROJO Light Therapy NZ will be discussing their key differences in this article.
What is Full-Body Red Light Therapy (RLT)?
As its name implies, this approach simultaneously exposes the whole body to red light wavelengths in one session, commonly through large panel devices that emit light from hundreds to thousands of LEDs. These whole-body devices are often used in professional settings, including clinics, physical therapy offices, sports performance facilities, and luxury spas.
Some of the most common applications for full-body red light therapy include the following:
- Mood improvement: Studies have shown that red light therapy has positive effects on mood regulation, and can alleviate symptoms of mental health conditions including depression and seasonal affective disorder (SAD).
- Sports performance: Athletes often use red light therapy to aid muscle repair, decrease inflammation, reduce post-workout stress, and enhance their overall performance.
- Sleep: Red light therapy is thought to stimulate the production of melatonin, a hormone that encourages sleep.
Benefits of Full-Body Red Light Therapy
- Comprehensive wellness: Given that a full-body treatment delivers red light wavelengths to a larger surface area, cellular changes are promoted throughout the body. This means that the treatment can address various health concerns at once, making it a versatile option for overall wellness.
- Faster results: Theoretically, the increased exposure that full-body RLT brings - and the domino effect of its benefits to the body - allows its treatment to yield more immediate results than targeted therapies.
Drawbacks of Full-Body Red Light Therapy
- Lack of specificity: Full-body treatments work on the whole body without regard to specific health concerns - which can be a drawback, if you’re only looking to utilise the therapy for localised concerns, without excessive effect on other areas of the body.
- Cost: For those wanting to incorporate full-body RLT into their home wellness routines, full-body devices can range to be relatively expensive, generally costing hundreds if not thousands of dollars in the high end.
- Size: Full-body RLT devices can be large and cumbersome for home use- though in Rojo’s case, our mounting systems have the capacity to make them as mobile as necessary. Their setup can also take up valuable real estate in the home.
What is Targeted Red Light Therapy?
Targeted RLT applies a more concentrated dose of red light and infrared light wavelengths to specific parts of the body through portable or handheld devices. One of its most popular applications is in skin care - dermatologists and skin care enthusiasts often use this approach to treat issues such as acne, hyperpigmentation, and wrinkles. Other applications include:
- Pain and inflammation management: Targeted RLT is effective for relieving pain and inflammation in specific areas of the body such as the joints. This makes it valuable for treating the symptoms of various musculoskeletal conditions.
- Wound healing: Applied directly on wounds, red light therapy can accelerate tissue repair and decrease inflammation, expediting the wound healing process.
Targeted Red Light Therapy Benefits
- Versatility: With the easy manoeuvrability of targeted RLT devices, they can be used to address more than one issue from skin concerns to pain relief. This allows flexibility for users who only want to target localised issues.
- Precision: The concentration of red and infrared light wavelengths on targeted RLT devices allows precise application on specific areas of concern. This is especially useful when targeting localised problems including injuries, wounds, or facial acne.
Drawbacks of Red Light Therapy
- Limited coverage: As targeted therapy only treats specific areas, it does not offer the full systemic benefits of full-body treatments.
- Dosage control: The higher concentration of red and infrared light in targeted RLT devices makes it easier for users to apply an incorrect dosage which can overheat the skin tissue and negate the treatment’s effects. That is why when using these devices, more care and guidance are advised to avoid pitfalls.
Full-Body vs Targeted Red Light Therapy Benefits: Which is Better?
Both forms of treatment are highly effective in treating various health and wellness conditions. Ultimately, the decision of which one is better to use lies in your intended use and preferences.
It is also possible to use both forms to complement one another. For instance, you can use red light therapy beds for overall wellness and healing in the body, while using handheld devices for specific problems such as acne or joint pain. Whatever approach you choose, it’s best not to solely rely on manufacturer instructions for RLT devices. We recommend you consult with a healthcare professional who can advise you on dosage, intensity, and frequency of the treatments for maximum benefits.
For more information about the benefits of red light therapy, check out our blog at ROJO Light Therapy. We also offer tested and certified red light therapy panels for home use. For inquiries, contact us at 03 667 4771 or send us an email at sales@rojolighttherapy.com.au.
