If you've been hearing a lot about red light therapy lately, you're not alone. It's one of the fastest-growing wellness modalities in the country — and for good reason. As a chiropractor, I'm always looking for evidence-backed tools that complement spinal care and help my patients heal faster, feel better, and move more freely. Red light therapy checks all of those boxes. At Polaris Collective Wellness here in Portland, we use Celluma light therapy devices — clinical-grade panels trusted by healthcare providers worldwide — to deliver targeted, therapeutic light to the body. Below, I've answered the questions I hear most often so you can decide if it might be right for you.
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What is red light therapy?
Red light therapy (RLT) is a non-invasive, drug-free treatment that uses specific wavelengths of visible and near-infrared light to stimulate healing at the cellular level. Unlike UV light — which can damage skin — red and near-infrared wavelengths penetrate safely into the skin and underlying tissue, where they interact with mitochondria (the energy-producing organelles inside your cells) to trigger a cascade of beneficial biological responses.
The technology was originally developed by NASA to support plant growth and wound healing in space. Today it's used in clinical settings for everything from chronic pain management to anti-aging skincare. The Celluma devices we use at Polaris deliver FDA-cleared, medically validated light therapy in a flexible panel format that can be positioned close to the body for maximum absorption — whether that's your face, your lower back, a shoulder, or a knee.
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What is red light therapy good for?
Red light therapy has a broad and well-researched range of applications. Here's what the science — and my patients — consistently support:
- Skin rejuvenation & anti-aging: Stimulates collagen and elastin production, reducing fine lines, wrinkles, and improving overall skin tone and texture.
- Acne & blemish reduction: Blue light wavelengths destroy acne-causing bacteria (P. acnes) on and below the skin's surface without harsh chemicals.
- Pain relief: Near-infrared wavelengths penetrate deep into muscle and joint tissue to reduce pain signals and support tissue repair.
- Inflammation reduction: RLT modulates inflammatory pathways, making it effective for both acute injuries and chronic inflammatory conditions.
- Muscle recovery: Athletes use it to speed recovery after training by reducing oxidative stress and accelerating tissue repair.
- Wound healing: Promotes faster cellular regeneration and tissue repair after injuries, surgeries, or skin trauma.
- Joint health: Particularly useful for arthritis and joint stiffness — patients often report improved range of motion after a series of sessions.
- Mood & energy: Emerging research suggests RLT may positively influence circadian rhythm regulation and mitochondrial energy output, with some patients reporting improved mood and mental clarity.
In my practice, I most commonly combine red light therapy with chiropractic adjustments to help patients with musculoskeletal pain, post-injury inflammation, and accelerated soft tissue recovery.
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How does red light therapy work scientifically?
The science behind red light therapy comes down to specific wavelengths of light and how they interact with human tissue. Not all light is the same — the therapeutic effects depend entirely on delivering the right wavelength at the right intensity. Here's how the three primary wavelengths used in Celluma devices work:
- 465 nm (Blue Light — Acne & Surface Bacteria): This visible blue wavelength is absorbed by porphyrins, compounds naturally produced by acne-causing Cutibacterium acnes bacteria. When absorbed, it creates a toxic reaction that destroys the bacteria — clearing existing breakouts and preventing new ones — all without antibiotics or topical chemicals.
- 640 nm (Red Light — Collagen, Skin, & Surface Healing): This visible red wavelength penetrates into the dermis (the deeper layer of skin) and is absorbed by mitochondria in skin cells. It stimulates the production of ATP (cellular energy), which ramps up collagen and elastin synthesis, accelerates wound healing, and reduces inflammation at the skin level. This is the primary wavelength for anti-aging and skin rejuvenation.
- 880 nm (Near-Infrared — Deep Pain & Inflammation): Near-infrared light is invisible to the naked eye but penetrates several centimeters into the body — reaching muscles, joints, nerves, and even bone. At this depth, it reduces pro-inflammatory cytokines, increases circulation, and supports mitochondrial function in deeper tissues. This is the wavelength responsible for pain relief, deep inflammation reduction, and accelerated muscle and joint recovery.
Celluma devices deliver all three wavelengths simultaneously in a single session, which is why they're so versatile and effective across multiple conditions at once.
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How many red light therapy sessions do you need to see results?
The honest answer: it depends on your goals and what you're treating. Red light therapy is not a single-session fix — it's a cumulative treatment that builds results over time, much like physical therapy or chiropractic care.
Here's a general framework:
- Acute pain or injury: Most patients notice meaningful improvement within 3–6 sessions, especially when combined with chiropractic care.
- Chronic pain or inflammation: A typical protocol is 2–3 sessions per week for 4–6 weeks, followed by maintenance sessions as needed.
- Acne: Consistent sessions 2–3 times per week for 4–8 weeks tend to produce the most significant clearing, with ongoing sessions for maintenance.
- Skin rejuvenation & anti-aging: Results build progressively. Most patients see noticeable changes in skin texture and tone after 6–10 sessions, with optimal results around the 12-session mark.
At Polaris, each red light therapy session is 45 minutes, giving the Celluma panel adequate time to deliver a full therapeutic dose to the target area. Many patients choose to add a session onto their chiropractic appointment for a complete, layered approach to healing.
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Is red light therapy safe?
Yes — red light therapy is one of the safest therapeutic modalities available. The Celluma devices we use at Polaris are FDA-cleared and have an excellent safety profile across thousands of clinical studies.
A few important points:
- No UV radiation: Red and near-infrared light do not contain UV rays, so there is no risk of sunburn, DNA damage, or increased skin cancer risk.
- Non-thermal at therapeutic doses: Unlike lasers or intense pulsed light (IPL), Celluma devices emit low-level light that does not heat or burn tissue.
- No downtime: Sessions are comfortable and relaxing — patients simply lie or sit near the panel while it does the work. You can return to normal activities immediately.
- Minimal contraindications: RLT is not recommended over active cancerous lesions, for those with photosensitivity disorders, or for individuals taking photosensitizing medications. Pregnant women should consult their provider first.
As with any therapeutic tool, we conduct a thorough intake to make sure red light therapy is appropriate for you before we begin. Your safety is always the first priority.
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What does a red light therapy session at Polaris Collective Wellness feel like?
Most patients describe it as genuinely pleasant — almost like sitting in a warm patch of sunlight, without the heat or UV exposure. Here's what to expect:
When you arrive at our clinic at 5441 S Macadam Ave, we'll position the Celluma panel close to the area being treated — whether that's your face for skin concerns or a part of your body for pain and inflammation. The panel conforms to body contours, which allows it to get as close as possible for maximum light absorption.
You'll relax for 30 minutes while the device quietly does its work. Many patients use this time to decompress, listen to a podcast, or simply rest. There's no discomfort — no heat, no pressure, no needles. When the session is complete, you're done. No recovery time, no redness, no side effects.
For new patients, we always recommend starting with a conversation. New patient appointments are conducted in person (usually 75 minutes or more) so I can understand your full health history and goals before recommending a treatment plan. Or a Complementary 15 minute Consultation if you’re not sure if it’s a right fit. A standalone introductory red light therapy session is $75 for 45 minutes.
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Who should try red light therapy?
Red light therapy is a great fit for a wide range of people. You might be a good candidate if you:
- Deal with chronic or recurring pain — especially neck, back, shoulder, or joint pain — and want a drug-free complement to chiropractic care
- Struggle with acne or skin breakouts and haven't found lasting relief with topical products alone
- Are interested in skin rejuvenation — reducing fine lines, evening skin tone, or improving the overall quality and texture of your skin
- Recover slowly from workouts or have muscle soreness that lingers longer than it should
- Have an inflammatory condition like arthritis, tendinitis, or fasciitis and are looking for non-pharmaceutical support
- Recently had an injury or surgery and want to accelerate tissue healing
- Simply want to feel better and invest in proactive, whole-body wellness
At Polaris, we take an integrative approach to health. Red light therapy pairs exceptionally well with chiropractic adjustments, soft tissue work, and lifestyle-based care — and I love using it as part of a comprehensive plan tailored to each patient.
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Ready to Try Red Light Therapy in Portland?
If you're curious whether red light therapy could help with your specific concerns, I'd love to talk through it with you. At Polaris Collective Wellness, we keep our patient load intentional and our care personalized — you'll never feel like a number here.
📞 Call us at (503) 676-6728 to book your new patient phone consultation or ask about our $75 introductory red light therapy session.
We're located at 5441 S Macadam Ave and you can learn more about our approach at www.polariscw.com
Your body has an incredible capacity to heal — sometimes it just needs the right support.
— Dr. Raleigh Warren, DC
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📍 Polaris Collective Wellness | Portland, Oregon | polariscw.com
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Dr. Raleigh Warren, DC is a licensed chiropractor and founder of Polaris Collective Wellness in Portland, Oregon.