Photobiomodulation
Red Light Therapy in Cedar Knolls, NJ
Red light therapy (photobiomodulation) shines red and near-infrared light onto bare skin from a panel. It feels warm, not hot, and sessions are short. Low-certainty research suggests it may ease knee osteoarthritis pain and, used before exercise, later soreness. DWT Wellness offers it in Cedar Knolls, NJ, as a drug-free recovery session for adults.
What is a red light therapy session like?
You sit or stand in front of the panel with the area you want to focus on uncovered, since the light has to reach your skin. The panel feels warm but not hot, and most people find it relaxing.
We start new clients low: about 2 minutes per area, roughly 12 inches from the panel, at a low intensity, for the first few sessions. Then we build up gradually over about two weeks. Depending on how many areas you work on, a session runs roughly 3 to 30 minutes.
Tell us if your eyes are sensitive to bright light or if you take any medication that makes your skin sensitive to light.
- Length
- About 3–30 minutes, depending on areas
- Starting dose
- About 2 minutes per area at 12 inches
- What it feels like
- Warm, not hot
- What to wear
- Anything that lets you uncover the area
What does the research say about red light therapy?
Red and near-infrared light, often called photobiomodulation, has been studied most in knee osteoarthritis. Two meta-analyses (Stausholm et al., 2019; Oliveira et al., 2024) found low-certainty evidence that it reduced pain at the laser doses they studied.
For exercise, reviews (Vanin et al., 2018; Canez et al., 2025) found low-certainty evidence that light applied before exercise reduces soreness afterward.
Most of these studies used lasers or clinical LED arrays at specific doses. So the results may not carry over to every panel, including ours. Red light is not a replacement for seeing your doctor about pain that won't go away.
Sources
- Stausholm MB et al. Low-level laser therapy for pain and disability in knee osteoarthritis: meta-analysis of placebo-controlled trials. BMJ Open, 2019.
- Oliveira S et al. Photobiomodulation for pain and disability in knee osteoarthritis: systematic review with meta-analysis. Phys Ther, 2024.
- Vanin AA et al. Photobiomodulation for muscular performance and exercise-related fatigue in healthy people: systematic review and meta-analysis. Lasers Med Sci, 2018.
- Canez MS et al. Photobiomodulation, intermittent pneumatic compression and NMES for muscle recovery: systematic review with meta-analysis. J Bodyw Mov Ther, 2025.
Who shouldn't use red light therapy?
Skip red light, or talk to your doctor first, if any of these apply:
- You take a photosensitizing medication. Some antibiotics, acne medications and other drugs make skin more sensitive to light, so ask your pharmacist if you're not sure.
- Your eyes are sensitive to bright light, or you have an eye condition.
- You are pregnant.
- You're being treated for a medical condition and haven't checked with your doctor.
If you've had surgery recently, get clearance from your surgeon first and bring it to your first session.
How does red light therapy compare to an infrared sauna?
Red light therapy aims specific wavelengths of light at bare skin for a few minutes per area. It feels warm, and you don't really sweat. An infrared sauna heats your whole body for 30 to 45 minutes, and you will sweat.
Red light has its own low-certainty research in knee pain and exercise soreness. The sauna is mainly a relaxing heat session, and its recovery research is mixed. Our red light vs. infrared sauna guide goes deeper.
What does red light therapy cost in Cedar Knolls?
Your first session is free. Ask us for current session and package pricing: (973) 908-1524.
Many clients add red light to another session in the same visit. Call us or book online and we'll help you plan it.
Red Light Therapy questions
Does red light therapy work?
The evidence is real but limited. Reviews find low-certainty evidence that it reduces knee osteoarthritis pain at the laser doses studied, and that light applied before exercise reduces soreness afterward. Most studies used lasers or clinical LED arrays, so results may not carry over to every panel.
Is red light therapy good for knee pain?
In knee osteoarthritis, reviews find low-certainty evidence that it reduces pain at the doses studied. It isn't a replacement for seeing your doctor about knee pain, and it won't fix a structural problem.
Can I use red light therapy after knee replacement?
If you've had surgery recently, get clearance from your surgeon first and bring it to your first session.
How long is a red light therapy session?
New clients start at about 2 minutes per area, roughly 12 inches from the panel, and build up over about two weeks. A full session runs roughly 3 to 30 minutes depending on how many areas you work on.
Who shouldn't use red light therapy?
Skip it or check with your doctor first if you take a photosensitizing medication, have sensitive eyes or an eye condition, or are pregnant.
How much does red light therapy cost?
Your first session is free. Ask us for current session and package pricing: (973) 908-1524.
Try Red Light Therapy on us
Your first session at DWT Wellness is free. Come see how it feels, ask questions, and decide for yourself.
14 Ridgedale Ave, Suite 262, Cedar Knolls, NJ 07927 · Mon–Fri 9–6, Sat 9–2