The Power of Infrared Therapy: Proven Benefits for Pain Relief, Skin Rejuvenation, and Healing
Infrared therapy is quickly becoming a buzzword in wellness circles, dominating Instagram feeds and product ads that promise pain relief, youthful skin, and faster healing. But does infrared therapy live up to the hype?
When it comes to easing pain, reducing inflammation, and supporting the body’s natural healing processes, the answer is a resounding yes. In my clinical practice, I combine medical-grade infrared technology with manual therapy and physical rehabilitation to amplify patient outcomes. If you’re curious about how and why infrared therapy works, read on.
A Brief History of Energy-Based Healing
The use of energy to support healing is not new. Ancient civilizations reportedly used electric eels to deliver therapeutic shocks. By the 1970s, modern medicine introduced the TENS unit—an electrical device designed to disrupt pain perception and interrupt the pain-spasm cycle.
Infrared (IR) therapy is the next evolution in energy-based treatment. It uses wavelengths of light ranging from 760 to 100,000 nanometers to stimulate the body at a cellular level. These waves penetrate the skin, where they're absorbed by the cells and mitochondria—your body's energy factories. The result? A boost in ATP (adenosine triphosphate) production, which fuels tissue repair and regeneration
How Infrared Therapy Works
Longer IR wavelengths are absorbed by water molecules within the cells and tissues, gently increasing their temperature. This heat activates critical cellular signaling pathways, resulting in the production of:
ATP (Energy) – Fuels tissue repair
Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) – Triggers healing and regeneration
Nitric Oxide – Promotes vasodilation, increasing blood flow and reducing inflammation
Calcium – Aids in cell signaling and function
Infrared light also stimulates fibroblasts and growth factors—key players in collagen production and wound healing.
Clinically Proven Benefits of Infrared Therapy¹⁻⁴
Pain relief
Improved circulation and blood flow
Skin rejuvenation (reduced fine lines, improved texture, UV protection)
Enhanced tissue repair and wound healing
Reduced inflammation
Relief of delayed onset muscle soreness
Increased joint mobility and flexibility
Reduced stiffness
Clinical Evidence
In 2006, a randomized controlled trial from the University of Toronto examined the effects of infrared therapy on individuals with chronic low back pain (lasting 6+ years). Participants received seven weekly treatments using infrared waist wraps emitting wavelengths between 800–1200 nm.
Results:
Infrared group: 50% pain reduction (from an average of 7/10 to 3/10)
Placebo group: 15% pain reduction (from 7.5 to 6/10)
While the sample size was modest (40 participants), the results strongly support infrared therapy as an effective treatment for chronic pain.²
Another study focused on patients with osteoarthritis of the knee. Participants in the infrared group experienced statistically significant improvements in pain, stiffness, mobility, and quality of life—confirming that infrared therapy is both safe and effective for managing arthritis.³
Integrating Infrared into Holistic Care
Infrared therapy becomes even more effective when used alongside physical therapy, acupuncture, massage, and other hands-on modalities. In my practice, I use high-quality, medical grade, research-backed infrared devices as part of a comprehensive, personalized approach to healing.
My goal is to help patients achieve rapid, lasting results—by supporting the body’s natural capacity to heal itself.
Sources:
Bindod, Hatwar, Bakal, Dafe. Illuminating Healing: A Comprehensive Review of Blue and Redlight Therapy Applications and Efficacy. Asian Journal of Pharmacology Research and Development. 2025 vol 13, No1.
Gale GD, Rothbart PJ, Li Y. Infrared therapy for chronic low back pain: a randomized, controlled trial. Pain Res Manag. 2006 Autumn;11(3):193-6. doi: 10.1155/2006/876920. PMID: 16960636; PMCID: PMC2539004.
Gur A, Cosut A, Sarac AJ, Cevik R, Nas K, Uyar A. Efficacy of different therapy regimes of low-power laser in painful osteoarthritis of the knee: a double-blind and randomized-controlled trial. Lasers Surg Med. 2003;33(5):330-8. doi: 10.1002/lsm.10236. PMID: 14677160.
Tsai SR, Hamblin MR. Biological effects and medical applications of infrared radiation. J Photochem Photobiol B. 2017 May;170:197-207. doi: 10.1016/j.jphotobiol.2017.04.014. Epub 2017 Apr 13. PMID: 28441605; PMCID: PMC5505738.
