Dr Biju K S, Medical Director
Medical Director, Luxfit
Photobiomodulation (PBM), commonly known as red light therapy, involves exposing the body to low-level red and near-infrared light wavelengths — typically between 630 nm and 850 nm. Unlike UV light, these wavelengths penetrate skin and soft tissue without causing damage, instead triggering a cascade of beneficial cellular responses.
How It Works at the Cellular Level
The primary mechanism occurs in the mitochondria — the powerhouse of your cells. Red and near-infrared light is absorbed by cytochrome c oxidase, a key enzyme in the electron transport chain. This stimulates the mitochondria to produce more adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the energy currency of the cell.
More ATP means cells function more efficiently, repair faster, and communicate better. The downstream effects include reduced oxidative stress, lower inflammation, and accelerated tissue regeneration — all without any drugs or invasive procedures.
What the Research Shows
Over 5,000 peer-reviewed studies have investigated PBM across a wide range of applications. Key findings include: a 2016 meta-analysis in the Journal of Athletic Training found that PBM significantly reduced muscle fatigue and soreness after high-intensity exercise. A 2019 study published in Photobiomodulation, Photomedicine, and Laser Surgery demonstrated meaningful improvements in joint pain in patients with knee osteoarthritis. Research from Harvard Medical School has shown PBM's potential in reducing neuroinflammation and supporting cognitive function.
Who Benefits Most
At Luxfit, our Recovery Lab's red light therapy panels are calibrated to deliver therapeutic doses across full-body exposure. Athletes use it to reduce next-day soreness and speed muscle repair. Members recovering from soft tissue injuries use it to accelerate healing. And our older members use it as a proactive longevity protocol — supporting cellular health before problems arise.
What a Session Looks Like
A standard red light therapy session at Luxfit lasts 10–20 minutes. You simply stand or sit in front of the panel, allowing the light to reach the target areas. There's no heat, no discomfort, and no downtime. Most members combine it with a post-sauna recovery window for compounded benefit.
Red light therapy is not magic — but the science behind it is genuinely impressive. If you'd like to experience it yourself, book a Recovery Lab session through our contact page.
