Specific wavelengths of red and near-infrared light that support cellular energy production, recovery, and skin health — a non-thermal therapy where the work happens at the level of your cells.
Red light therapy — also called photobiomodulation or low-level light therapy — uses specific wavelengths of red and near-infrared light to support cellular function. At Release, sessions involve standing or lying near calibrated LED panels that emit light primarily in the 630–660 nanometer range (red, visible) and 810–850 nanometer range (near-infrared, mostly invisible).
Unlike most of our therapies, red light therapy is non-thermal. You don’t feel heat, and you don’t sweat. The session is quiet and unremarkable on the surface — the work happens at the level of your cells.
Specific wavelengths of red and near-infrared light are absorbed by mitochondria, the energy-producing structures inside cells. Research suggests this absorption may support cellular energy production (ATP synthesis) and various downstream effects on cellular function. The mechanisms are still being studied, but the effects observed across applications — skin health, muscle recovery, joint comfort, cellular function — are why red light therapy has moved from niche research into mainstream wellness over the past decade.
Different wavelengths penetrate to different depths. Red light (around 630–660 nm) primarily affects skin and surface tissues. Near-infrared light (around 810–850 nm) penetrates deeper into muscle and connective tissue. Most professional setups, including ours, use both.
Red light therapy is one of the more interesting tools for inflammation support because it operates at the cellular level rather than through systemic temperature change or vascular response. Some research has examined photobiomodulation’s effects on inflammatory markers and tissue recovery. As always, the meaningful work happens in consistency — a single session is pleasant; a routine of sessions is where the cellular adaptation has time to compound.
One session helps. A routine changes the trajectory. Memberships at Release are built so the practices that drive long-term health become part of how you live, not something you mean to do.
This therapy is not appropriate for everyone. Certain medical conditions — including pregnancy, recent surgery, and certain cardiovascular and other conditions — may require physician clearance or rule out this therapy entirely. If you have any health condition you’re uncertain about, consult your physician before booking.
Calm and uneventful. There’s no heat, no pressure, no sound. The light is bright but you wear eye protection. Most people use the session as a brief mental reset — close your eyes, breathe, and let the cells do their thing.
Sessions 3–5 times per week are common for someone working toward a specific goal (skin, recovery from injury). General wellness use settles into 1–2 sessions per week. Like every therapy at Release, consistency matters more than frequency.
Eye protection is required during all sessions and we provide it. With proper protection, red light therapy is considered safe. Without it, prolonged direct exposure to the panels can be uncomfortable for the eyes.
For best light penetration, yes — the part of your body being treated should be uncovered, with clean skin (no lotions, sunscreen, or heavy moisturizers, which can absorb or reflect the light). Robes are provided.
Generally yes — red light therapy is non-thermal and well-tolerated even by people with sensitive skin. There are some specific contraindications (photosensitivity from medications or conditions, active skin cancer in the treatment area). See our medical disclaimer.
Tanning beds use ultraviolet (UV) light, which damages skin and increases skin cancer risk. Red light therapy uses red and near-infrared wavelengths, which are non-UV and don’t cause tanning or sunburn. The mechanisms and effects are completely different.
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