Start Here: Light Therapy 101 + Buyers Guide

Start Here: Light Therapy 101 + Buyers Guide One key point to note here is that a larger full body device can also be used as a targeted device. But this doesn't work in reverse. For instance, a large wall panel can be used for full body systemic benefits, but also to treat that sprained ankle, or for facial treatments. It's also important to note that the line between 'targeted' and 'full body' is rather blurred. For instance you could go with a Table Top panel - an array with 60-100 LEDs - and this would be perfect for facial treatments and that sore knee. But if you want to treat the entire body, then it's going to take a lot longer than a larger 600 LED Body Panel. Next up you need to consider how you want to do perform your treatments? Do you want to be able to move around the house or the gym when doing your treatment? Or are you happy standing in the same place for 10-20minutes. If you want to move around while doing your treatment, then you will need to go with a battery powered device. A battery powered device means you are limited to a much smaller and or lower powered device compared to a large mains powered panel array. Let's say your goal is to help with recovery after a knee surgery, or to improve skin rejuvenation in your face. Then you could consider a battery powered product like the Kineon Move+ Pro for the joint recovery, or a JOVS 4D face mask for the beauty benefits. However if you're looking for a larger, higher powered, more cost effective device, then a corded plug in device is better suited. When it comes to the larger 'devices', there are 3 key types you can choose from: A LED Mat A Panel A 'Bed' or 'Booth' These are ranked from smallest to largest, and also cheapest to most expensive. Typically the larger devices put out more power as well, but that isn't always the case. An LED Mat - A lower cost way to benefit from RLT An LED Mat can be rolled up between use, but it does require laying directly on top of the mat. You're not going to get the same light coverage you would from say a panel or a bed. Plus the power output is typically quite low. These can be purchased for $500 - $2000+ The 'sweet spot' - A Red Light Panel. Offering power at a good price point. A panel is the 'sweet spot' for many people as it offers great power, great coverage, it's simple to use, doesn't take up much space (most people hang them on the wall or the back of a door) and comes in at a great price point (around $500 - $5000 depending on size). The ultimate solution! If you have the money... Finally the 'Beds' or walk in 'Booths' provide the best coverage and the most time efficient way to get a full body red light therapy treatment. The downside is their large size (not great for those in small apartments) and the price (these start at $30,000 and go up to $120,000) There are two things that matter when it comes to red light therapy, the first is the wavelength (and we'll discuss this in more detail below) the second is the irradiance, or power density. Think of this as the amount of light being emitted from the source. The brighter, more powerful the light, the more light photons and energy entering the body. Now finding the optimal therapeutic power output is still a complex, and some what controversial topic (you can read more about this here). But we do know that an underpowered light is not going to provide the penetration and energy to create a beneficial effect. So no, those red LED's from the Christmas decoration shop are not going to cut it. You need to ensure you're getting a device that is putting out a therapeutic amount of light. And if you're wanting to treat deeper into the body (i.e. a knee joint) then typically a higher powered light is going to work better. Alex testing power output & wavelengths with his spectrometer device In our reviews we use a device called a spectrometer to accurately measure the real world power irradiance figures from various red light therapy devices. We also publish all of our results in our free product database. It's important to note that often our tested figures differ a lot from the companies claimed figures (it's not uncommon to see marketed figures 2-5x higher than what we test in our reviews). Power output is one key metric to look at when buying a Red Light Therapy Device, the other is the wavelength or 'color' of light being emitted from the light source. Different wavelengths of light create different effects on the body. X-Ray light for instance can be damaging. UV-B rays help the body synthesise Vitamin-D. Scientists discovered that light in the red and invisible near-infrared spectrum are absorbed by our cells mitochondria, in turn creating more ATP. This is one of the reasons why red light therapy is so beneficial. The optimal wavelengths for this benefit range from ~600nm (red light) through to ~1200nm (near-infrared light). But what is interesting is that specific wavelengths within this range have shown unique benefits. 805-810nm light for instance has shown a lot of benefit around recovery and sports performance. 1000-1100nm light is well documented to help with various brain disorders. Red light around 620- 670nm appears to be the most efficient for cellular ATP increases So when it comes to buying a light therapy device it's critical that it is emitting light in these wavelength ranges. How do you know if it is? Fortunately the companies marketed numbers are quite reliable here, but like we do with the power readings, we also test the real world wavelengths in all of our reviews. Finally we have budget. Sure a $120,000 medical grade NovoThor may have it all, but if it's out of your budget you need to look elsewhere. With so many options in the red light therapy market, there is something to cater for all. If you look at the panels at one end you have premium full body products with advanced touch screen control panels, remote controls, motorised stands and great warranty periods. On the other side we have budget options with smaller treatment areas, the two key wavelengths, basic control systems and no fancy bells and whistles. At the end of the day though, if the device is putting out the correct wavelengths with a decent amount of power, then it will work. Our Shopping Tool does a great job of helping you find the right product for your budget. Otherwise check out our reviews or comparisons looking at options for those on a tight budget. Don't let a tight budget limit you from benefiting from Red Light Therapy. Small, yet effective products can be had for as little as $100. Now that you know what to look for when buying a red light therapy device, where should you go to next? Here are a few resources that will help you on your way: If you have decided on the product you want, be sure to check out our Deals Page to see if you can pick up a discount before buying. Light Therapy Insiders has managed to source discounts ranging from 5% to 10% or more on most red light therapy products. Looking for a 'done for you' recommendation? Don't want to study the data and try and determine what is the best option for you? Then head to our Recommendations page where we outline the best product for various goals (and budgets!) We review an extensive amount of Red Light Therapy products. And each week we're publishing new reviews (so be sure to subscribe to our email list). You can see all of our reviews on our Review page. You can also check out all our video reviews on our YouTube Channel. This database is the ultimate tool to help you find your perfect red light device. If you know exactly what you want - what size, what wavelengths, maybe even where it's shipped from - head over to our product database, adjust the filters to suit and see what remains. Still confused after reading all of this? Head over to our Facebook Group and leave a comment. One of the LTI team members will respond within 24 hours! Are you interested in learning more about visit our website. At the end of the day, light therapy has been widely endorsed by numerous experts, and our platform connects you directly with influencers. Taking a moment to visit our website will give you insight into what they recommend. For more tailored recommendations, experts frequently talk about bodesi'