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Jonathan Valentine

Experimenting with Red Light Therapy

Updated: 6 days ago


I remember the first time that I became aware of the negative health implications that could come from blue light. I was playing the PC port of Call of Duty World at War with my group of internet friends. One of the older people in the group mentioned how they wanted a pair of Gunnars, probably after seeing an ad from their huge ad campaign targeting gamers. The younger people(me) coped and expressed the sentiment the glasses looked stupid and don't do anything. That old man(17) shook his fist in the air metaphorically and said something to the effect of "you'll see when you're older and you have trouble sleeping and trouble with your eyesight." Over the next few months he was able to convince us all to use a blue light blocking app on our PCs. Then before I knew it my dad had multiple pairs of Gunnar's. A few years later the blue-light blockers fad became a normal lens variation for glasses stores and optometrists.


Now that I'm an adult I still don't feel that people are taking their light diet into consideration nearly enough at least 10 years after I was enlightened on the topic. It's not enough to say that blue light is everywhere and bad(because it's not inherently bad), but most people are experiencing symptoms that are the result of too much blue light. So what's the solution? The opposite color duh! Life is as simple as that. Shade over that stinking blue with the bright and bold red! These panels we use they are the brightest in the world, they are the brightest you've ever seen, these are the best red lights in the world people are saying.


Why Red Light Therapy?


Red light therapy (RLT) is a form of photobiomodulation(PBM). Photobiomodulation is a technique to stimulate, heal, and protect tissues and is not limited to light on the red spectrum. RLT works by delivering low-wavelength red and near-infrared (NIR) light to the skin, which has been shown to promote cellular regeneration, tissue healing, pain reduction overall skin health, and even relief from psychiatric pathologies. This modality could potentially enhance recovery for clients dealing with chronic pain, injuries, or even improve skin vitality. There’s promising research linking RLT to improvements in collagen production, wound healing, and neurological conditions through mechanisms like increased circulation and stem cell activation.


With red light, there's a fine balance between too much and too little, and getting this dose just right could make a significant difference in your healing process. Too high of a dose of RLT can cause side effects like lethargy, malaise, skin conditions, and it may even make it so RLT is not effective at all long term. Too little RLT may result is little to no benefits. The right dose will provide the most robust profound benefits.


Why I’m Using the GembaRed mini Vector 810 nm Panel


One of the panels I’m experimenting with is the GembaRed mini Vector(810nm), known for its ultra-low EMFs (Electromagnetic Fields) and minimal flicker. These factors are essential because many high-intensity panels on the market emit significant EMFs, which could pose a risk, especially with long-term use or direct skin contact. Flicker, often undetectable to the naked eye, can also lead to eye strain or headaches for some users, which isn’t something you want when trying to alleviate pain or stress.


The GembaRed panel allows me to apply the therapy directly to the skin, which is crucial for targetting musculoskeletal injuries or joint pain. When the panel is pressed directly against the skin, it delivers more energy effectively due to increased irradiance, meaning more light penetrates deeply into the tissue. This close-contact application reduces light reflection and maximizes absorption, making it more effective for targeted healing. If this sounds confusing that's because it is. I learned most of this by reading blog posts from Andrew, the owner of GembaRed. He has put a great deal of thought into his posts and done a deep dive on what the leading experts and evidence say.


Tailoring Red Light Therapy for Different Skin Types


One thing I’ve learned through research is how skin color and thickness can affect the absorption of red light. The skin can block up to 90-95% of light depending on factors like melanin content, which means the deeper layers—where the magic happens—might not be getting as much light as you think. That’s why applying firm pressure with the panel directly on the skin is recommended, especially for clients with darker skin tones or thicker dermal layers.


Using Red Light Therapy in Practice


Here’s how I’ve been incorporating RLT into my practice so far:


  1. For Injuries: Consistent, targeted use is key. For clients with injuries, I recommend three-five 10-20 minute sessions daily for two weeks, followed by a reduction to every other day for 5-10 minutes. Skin contact and light pressure with the panel are essential for deeper tissue penetration, especially around joints like the knee or areas with a higher density of bone marrow. There is some rudimentary evidence that RLT may increase ADSC-EVs(Adipose-Derived Stem Cell Extracellular Vesicles). In theory, you can start your session on an area with a high concentration of stem cells(the hip for example) and then move the panel to the desired area.

  2. Skin Health: For clients interested in improving skin health, the light is applied about 6-12 inches away, without skin contact, for 10-20 minutes. Direct contact isn’t necessary here because the skin surface is the primary target. I actually prefer a much further distance here due to the high irradiance of the Mychondira MyLight Max panel(88.27 mW/cm2 at 12 inches). I typically sit about 40-72 inches away from the panel for 5-20 minute periods. This is something I would only do for 2-3 days out of the week. I have seen a good amount of improvement of my acne scars/texture from short 30-60 second sessions 6-12 inches away from the panel though I prefer the sessions with greater distance. Starting out I would use this panel for only 2-5 minutes 1-2 times a week standing at least 12 inches away.


  3. General Health: For overall health benefits, such as improving circulation or reducing inflammation, I recommend using RLT for 10-20 minutes every other day. I personally use it in a pulsed fashion(to mitigate higher temperatures in the skin)—3-4 times a week for 15-20 minutes, targeting specific areas like the chest or abdomen.


  4. Cold Therapy: I’m also exploring combining cold therapy with red light for deeper light penetration. Cooling the skin before therapy helps reduce blood flow to the surface, allowing for potentially more light to penetrate deeper tissues. It's theorized that cooler skin temperatures are better for RLT absorption so heat is no desirable for red light therapy(some heat is usually unavoidable).


My Cautious Approach


While red light therapy (RLT) shows a lot of promise, it's important to be aware that, like any therapeutic intervention, it may have potential side effects. While generally considered safe when used appropriately, some individuals could experience mild skin irritation or malaise especially with overuse or excessive exposure. In rare cases, prolonged and unprotected exposure to red light, particularly near the eyes, could lead to discomfort or eye strain. Additionally, red light therapy may not be suitable for individuals with certain medical conditions, such as light-sensitive skin disorders or those taking medications that increase light sensitivity.


Before trying RLT, especially if you have any pre-existing health conditions or concerns, it's a good idea to consult with your doctor to ensure it's a safe option for you. I always recommend that my clients seek medical advice to avoid any potential issues. While I’m optimistic about the benefits of red light therapy, safety is always the priority!


Even though the science behind RLT is promising, I’m still in the testing phase. I believe it could have powerful effects, but I’m not fully convinced yet—there's always more to learn. For now, I’m offering red light therapy at North Dallas Strength for those willing to experiment with me. It’s open to all my clients, but please note that this service is exclusive to the North Dallas Strength location for now. Side note: if you want personal training over there shoot me a text or email.


Rest assured, I’m still maintaining my primary office at Caddo, and there won’t be any major changes to the services I offer there. You can continue to expect the same high-quality, tailored massage therapy sessions.


Wrapping It Up


Red light therapy is a new frontier that I’m excited to explore, and I’m looking forward to discovering how it could complement the pain management and recovery goals of my clients. Personally, I've noticed improved sleep, digestion, and faster recovery from my workouts. If you're curious about RLT or would like to try it for yourself, reach out and book a session at North Dallas Strength. Let's see where this experiment takes us!

Stay tuned for more updates as I continue to integrate red light therapy into my practice!


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