Near Infrared Light Therapy (NIR LT) is a non-invasive treatment that utilizes specific wavelengths of light, typically ranging from 700 nanometers (nm) to 1100 nm, to stimulate cellular function and accelerate recovery processes. This form of photobiomodulation works by delivering photons that are absorbed by the mitochondria within cells, which increases the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the cell’s energy source.
Selecting the Proper Equipment
The foundation of effective home use is choosing a device with appropriate technical specifications. Devices come in various forms, including large panels for full-body treatment, flexible belts and wraps for targeted areas, and small handheld wands. The correct form factor depends on the primary area of the body and the desired coverage area.
Wavelengths are a primary consideration. Near infrared light is commonly offered at 810 nm, 830 nm, or 850 nm, often paired with red light (630 nm or 660 nm) to treat both surface and deeper tissues. Near infrared wavelengths penetrate deeper into the body, making them suitable for muscle, joint, and deep tissue concerns.
Understanding the device’s irradiance, the power output measured in milliwatts per square centimeter (mW/cm²), is equally important, as this metric directly impacts treatment time. Higher irradiance means a therapeutic dose can be delivered in a shorter session; effective power outputs often range from 20 to 100 mW/cm². The flicker rate, which refers to the light’s rapid turning on and off, should also be low or zero to minimize potential eye strain.
Preparing for a Therapy Session
Before initiating light treatment, preparation of the body and environment is necessary for safety and maximum light absorption. The skin in the target area should be clean and free of any oils, lotions, or heavy cosmetics, as these can scatter or absorb the light, reducing the therapeutic energy reaching the tissue. The environment should be comfortable and quiet, allowing the user to remain still and relaxed for the duration of the treatment.
Safety measures include the use of specialized light-blocking goggles to protect the eyes, even if the device is not aimed directly at the face. High-power NIR light can be harmful to the eyes. The device must also be positioned securely, whether it is a panel mounted on a stand or a flexible wrap secured to the body, ensuring stability throughout the session.
Application Techniques and Duration
The mechanical application of NIR LT involves managing the distance from the device, the session length, and the technique used. The optimal distance balances maximizing irradiance and ensuring the light uniformly covers the target area. Light intensity follows the inverse square law, meaning moving the device closer significantly increases the effective dose delivered to the tissue.
Most manufacturers provide a recommended treatment distance, often between 6 and 12 inches, corresponding to a specific irradiance level. This distance is used to calculate the session duration, which typically falls within a range of 5 to 20 minutes for a single area. Localized treatments for smaller areas may be shorter, while full-body sessions may trend toward the longer end of the spectrum.
During the session, application can be static, where the light remains fixed on one spot, or dynamic, where a handheld device is slowly moved over a larger area. Users should remain aware of any sensation of excessive heat, which indicates that the light source is too close or the session is too long. If the skin feels uncomfortably warm, the session should be stopped immediately or the device moved farther away to prevent potential thermal damage.
Establishing a Consistent Treatment Schedule
Achieving sustained benefits requires establishing a regular schedule. The typical frequency recommendation is three to five times per week, as cellular changes induced by the light accumulate with regular application.
Daily use is not always advisable because the biological response follows the biphasic dose-response curve. This curve illustrates that there is an optimal dose, and exceeding this dose by treating too often or too long can lead to diminished or inhibitory effects.
Treatment protocols may shift over time, moving from an initial, more frequent phase aimed at addressing a specific issue to a less frequent maintenance phase once desired results are achieved. Adherence to a consistent schedule is the most reliable path to maximizing therapeutic outcomes.