Red Light Therapy Benefits

By
Nick Johnson
August 21, 2023
Red Light Therapy Benefits

CrossFit Liminal is one of the few gyms in the area that includes affordable access to recovery protocols such as infrared light therapy, cold plunge, and leg compression sleeves.  We believe the benefits of these recovery protocols are more than worth it. In order for you to experience it for yourself, during the week of 8/21, Liminal members will get free access to the recovery room.

We’ve covered the benefits of cold plunging before.  You can read up on that here:  https://www.crossfitliminal.com/blog/the-benefits-of-cold-plunges But we thought we’d take a minute or two to discuss why everyone should add redlight therapy to their weekly, if not daily, routines.  Red light therapy, sometimes called photobiomodulation (PBM), is a type of light therapy that uses light in the visible to near-infrared spectrum.  Studies have shown some of the following benefits:

Accelerated Muscle Recovery:

Recovery is the cornerstone of athletic progress, and infrared light therapy offers a novel way to speed up this process. Infrared light penetrates deep into tissues, increasing blood flow and circulation. This enhanced circulation delivers more oxygen and nutrients to muscles, helping them recover faster after grueling workouts. This will help you bounce back quicker, ready to take on your next training session with renewed energy.

Reduced Muscle Soreness:

Delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) can be a real buzzkill after intense training. Infrared light therapy has been shown to alleviate muscle soreness by reducing inflammation and promoting cellular repair. Athletes who incorporate this therapy into their recovery routine often experience less discomfort, allowing them to maintain consistent training schedules without the fear of excessive soreness.

Mitochondrial Boost:

Mitochondria are often referred to as the powerhouse of the cell, producing energy that fuels athletic performance. Infrared light therapy has been linked to an increase in mitochondrial activity, which means more efficient energy production. You may notice enhanced endurance, stamina, and overall physical output.

Pain Relief:

Infrared light therapy's ability to penetrate deep into tissues not only aids in recovery but also offers pain relief. Whether dealing with chronic pain from past injuries or acute discomfort from intense training, It's like a natural, non-invasive painkiller that helps you stay on top of your game.

Improved Sleep Quality:

Restorative sleep is crucial for recovery and performance. Interestingly, infrared light therapy has been found to regulate sleep patterns by influencing the production of melatonin – the hormone responsible for sleep-wake cycles. If you struggle with sleep, you can find relief through regular infrared light therapy sessions.

Just 10 minutes a day can have a significant impact on your ability to recover by aiding in sleep, healing, and energy production.  Beyond that, and not mentioned here, there are also mental health benefits as well as improvements in your skin, through collagen production.   So, why not give it a shot?

 

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