Massage therapy is already a powerful relaxation and recovery tool, but combining it with red light therapy (RLT) multiplies the benefits. Read on to find out how integrating RLT can elevate your massage sessions, whether you’re at home or in a spa.
Why pair red light therapy with massage?
1. Deeper muscle and joint relief
RLT penetrates 5–10 mm into tissue, reducing inflammation and speeding up muscle repair.
When combined with massage, circulation is enhanced, which eases chronic pain (e.g. back pain and arthritis).
2. Accelerated recovery:
Post-workout massages combined with RLT reduce muscle soreness more quickly by boosting mitochondrial ATP production.
This is ideal for athletes or fitness enthusiasts.
3. Skin Rejuvenation Synergy:
Massage increases blood flow, while RLT stimulates collagen production to improve elasticity and reduce scars and cellulite.
4. Stress and anxiety reduction:
The 630 nm wavelength of RLT promotes serotonin release, while massage lowers cortisol, making them the perfect relaxation duo.
How to combine them effectively:
Option 1: Pre-massage RLT (5–10 minutes).
Prepare your muscles with red/NIR light to loosen tissue and enhance the absorption of massage oil.
Use a handheld device or panel on target areas such as the neck, shoulders and lower back.
Option 2: During massage:
Wear RLT pads (e.g. FlexBeam) strapped to sore areas during the massage.
Some luxury spas offer massage tables equipped with RLT for full-body benefits.
Option 3: Post-massage recovery
Apply RLT to inflamed areas (e.g. stiff joints) to prolong pain relief.
Pro tips for maximum benefits:
- Use warming massage oils (such as arnica or CBD) to enhance the anti-inflammatory effects of RLT.
Focus on knots and trigger points, as RLT helps to break down lactic acid build-up.
- Hydrate before and after to flush out the toxins released during the massage and RLT.
At-home vs. spa options
Setting up
How to integrate RLT
At home: use a portable RLT belt during self-massage or a panel beforehand or afterwards.
Spa/clinic: book a ‘red light massage’ (some use hybrid RLT + PEMF tables).
The bottom line:
Red light therapy supercharges