05/06/2026
Red light therapy works because it uses specific wavelengths of light, commonly red and near-infrared wavelengths, to support the body at a cellular level. One of the main reasons red light therapy is so interesting is because of its relationship with the mitochondria, which are often described as the energy-producing part of the cell. Research on photobiomodulation, which is the scientific term often used for red light therapy, has looked at how these wavelengths may help support mitochondrial activity and ATP production. ATP is the energy cells use to function, repair, recover, and communicate.
That is one of the reasons I really like red light therapy. It is not just “warming” the area or creating a surface-level effect. The goal is to use specific wavelengths of light to support cellular function, circulation, tissue repair, and recovery. Red and near-infrared light are often used because they can interact with the tissues in different ways. Red light tends to be helpful for more superficial tissues, skin, wounds, and surface-level support, while near-infrared light is often used when the goal is to reach deeper tissues such as muscles, joints, tendons, ligaments, and other structures below the surface.
This is where red light pads, boots, wraps, and torches can be especially useful. They allow you to target specific areas rather than only offering a general whole-body treatment. I tend to favor red light when looking at muscle soreness, joint comfort, tendon and ligament wellness, local circulation, tissue recovery, hoof and lower limb support, skin and coat support, wound support when appropriate, and even stimulation over acupressure points.
Red light therapy has the advantage of being very targeted, versatile, and often more affordable. You can choose a pad, wrap, boot, or torch based on the exact area being supported, whether that is the back, poll, shoulder, hock, fetlock, hoof, tendon region, or a specific acupressure point.
I personally tend to favor red light therapy when I am looking for specific tissue support, joint or muscle comfort, recovery support, or a practical tool that can be used regularly in many different areas. It works beautifully alongside bodywork, rehabilitation support, and general maintenance because it can be applied directly over the tissues or points you are trying to support.
