Red Light Therapy in Georgetown
"The natural healing force within each one of us is the greatest force in getting well.”
- Hippocrates
What Is Red Light Therapy?
Red light therapy is a form of photobiomodulation (PBM) that uses specific wavelengths of red and near-infrared light.
Unlike a traditional heat lamp, the purpose isn't simply to warm the body. The light interacts with cells and can influence biological processes involved in cellular energy production, circulation and inflammatory and pain signalling.
Research suggests photobiomodulation may help support the body's natural recovery processes and provide temporary relief from certain types of muscle and joint discomfort.
In simple terms:
Light → cells → biological response → potential support for recovery
It isn't magic, and it isn't a replacement for hands-on treatment.
It's simply another tool we can use alongside massage therapy.
How Does It Work?
Red and near-infrared light can penetrate the body's tissues to different depths.
When the light reaches cells, it can interact with structures involved in cellular energy production, particularly within the mitochondria.
This may influence:
Cellular energy production
Local circulation
Inflammatory signalling
Pain signalling
Normal tissue-repair processes
The response depends on factors such as the wavelength, treatment area, dosage and individual.
That's why we use red light therapy as a complementary treatment, rather than promising the same result for everyone.
What Can Red Light Therapy Help With?
Red light therapy has been studied in a variety of areas involving pain, inflammation and tissue recovery.
As an enhancement to massage, it may be useful for clients looking for additional support with:
Muscle & Joint Discomfort
May provide temporary relief from certain types of muscle and joint discomfort.
Muscle Tension
Can be incorporated into a treatment focused on areas of muscular tension and discomfort.
Recovery
May support the body's normal recovery processes following physical activity or a massage treatment.
Inflammation
Research suggests photobiomodulation can influence inflammatory signalling and may help modulate the body's inflammatory response.
Relaxation
The treatment itself is quiet and gentle, giving you an additional 15 minutes to simply lie back and relax.
Results vary from person to person.
Why Do I Offer It After Your Massage?
Your massage remains the most important part of your treatment.
That's why I don't take 10 or 15 minutes away from your massage to use the red light therapy.
Instead for example:
60-Minute Massage
Full hands-on treatment
↓
Warm Towel
Excess massage oil is removed from the treatment area
↓
15-Minute Red Light Therapy
You relax while the light is applied
↓
Leave feeling refreshed
Your treatment is complete
This means a 60-minute massage + red light becomes a 75-minute appointment.
Your full massage time stays your full massage time.
What Does Red Light Therapy Feel Like?
Most clients find the treatment very easy.
Once your massage is complete, the red light device is positioned over the selected treatment area.
You simply lie comfortably and relax.
You may notice:
Gentle warmth
A bright red glow through closed eyes if the treatment is near the upper body
Nothing particularly noticeable at all
There is no pressure, needles or discomfort associated with the light itself.
Your therapist will check that you're comfortable before starting.
Is Red Light Therapy Right for You?
Red light therapy isn't appropriate for everyone.
Before your first treatment, we'll ask about relevant health conditions and medications.
Please let your RMT know if you:
Are pregnant or breastfeeding
Have epilepsy or a history of seizures
Take medications that may increase sensitivity to light
Have recently received a steroid or cortisone injection
Have cancer or a known tumour in the treatment area
Have another medical condition or medication that may affect your suitability for light therapy
If you're unsure whether red light therapy is appropriate for you, please speak with your healthcare provider before treatment.
Your safety comes first.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is red light therapy included with my massage?
No. It's an optional $15 enhancement for 15 minutes.
Does it take time away from my massage?
No.
If you've booked a 60-minute massage, you receive the full 60 minutes of hands-on treatment.
Red light therapy adds approximately 15 minutes to your appointment.
When do I receive the red light?
At Be Well, I generally provide red light therapy after your massage.
This allows you to receive your complete hands-on treatment first and then relax while the light is applied.
Do I need to prepare anything?
No.
We take care of positioning the device and preparing the treatment area. If massage oil is present, we'll use a warm towel to remove excess oil before the light treatment.
Can I use red light therapy every time I have a massage?
It depends on your individual circumstances. We'll screen for relevant contraindications before your first treatment.
Can I book red light therapy by itself?
Currently, red light therapy is offered as an enhancement to massage therapy, rather than as a standalone appointment.
Is red light therapy the same as a tanning bed?
No.
Red light therapy uses specific red and near-infrared wavelengths and does not use ultraviolet tanning light.
Does red light therapy replace massage?
No.
I see it as a complementary enhancement to your massage, not a replacement for hands-on assessment and treatment.
A Little More Time to Be Well
Your massage is designed around you.
Red light therapy simply gives you 15 more minutes to slow down, relax and support your body's recovery.
Red Light Therapy
15 minutes | $15