Red Light Therapy
Living with ongoing pain or stiffness in your hands, wrists or other joints can make even the simplest tasks frustrating. Red Light Therapy is a gentle, non-invasive treatment we offer at The Hand Clinic to support healing, reduce pain, and help you get back to the activities you enjoy.
Sometimes also called light therapy, photobiomodulation or LED light therapy, this treatment uses specific wavelengths of light to stimulate the body’s natural repair processes. It works by encouraging your cells to recover and function more efficiently.
What is Red Light Therapy?
Light therapy works by shining specific wavelengths of light onto the body to encourage healing. Research has shown that this boosts the energy inside cells (called ATP), which helps them repair damage, calm inflammation, and restore balance.
In everyday terms, it means that red light therapy can ease joint pain, kill acne bacteria, improve skin tone, reduce pain, unlock quicker healing, and deliver better movement.
Certain wavelengths can even melt your fat away.
These effects are well documented in thousands of published clinical studies across pain management, rehabilitation, and dermatology. In fact, the technology was first investigated by NASA to help astronauts heal from injuries in space, and has since been widely adopted in hospitals and specialist clinics worldwide. High performing athletes in Team GB and army professionals use light therapy to speed up recovery. There’s no downtime, and it can be used on all skin types.
How is Red Light Therapy Used?
At The Hand Clinic, we use Red Light Therapy to:
- Ease pain and swelling after an injury or surgery
- Support recovery from chronic conditions such as arthritis or tendonitis
- Improve circulation and speed up tissue repair
- Relieve stiffness, making it easier to move your hands, wrists or other joints
- Complement other treatments such as splints, injections, or physiotherapy
Because the therapy is safe and non-invasive, it can be a good option if you’re looking for a non-invasive treatment, way to ease your symptoms or want to boost recovery alongside other treatments.
Targeted Relief and Recovery with Celluma
At The Hand Clinic, we use the Celluma LED system, a proven therapy designed to ease pain and speed up recovery.
Celluma is FDA-cleared and CE-marked, trusted worldwide in medical and rehabilitation settings. Its combination of blue, red, and near-infrared light allows it to be used not only for joint pain and recovery, but also in other clinical areas such as skin repair and even hair restoration.
Unlike rigid machines, Celluma has a flexible, shape-taking design that allows it to contour closely to your hand, wrist, or arm. This means the therapeutic light is delivered evenly and directly where it’s needed, without gaps or wasted energy.
For our patients, that translates to a treatment that is:
- Comfortable: the device bends to fit your body
- Efficient: light energy reaches the exact area being treated
- Versatile: safe for a wide range of conditions and skin types
Patients often tell us they notice improvements in comfort and movement after just a few sessions.
What to Expect During and After Treatment
- Treatment is carried out in the clinic, usually while you rest comfortably.
- A specialised device delivers specific wavelengths of red or near-infrared light to the area being treated.
- The light is safe, painless, and does not produce heat. You may simply feel gentle warmth during the session.
- Sessions typically last 10–20 minutes, depending on the condition and the area being treated.
The number of sessions depends on your condition, goals, and response to treatment. Some people notice improvement after just a few treatments, while others may benefit from a structured programme over several weeks.
After Red Light Therapy, there is no downtime. You can simply return to your usual activities immediately. Your hand surgeon or therapist will guide you on how to combine Red Light Therapy with other treatments such as splinting, physiotherapy, or surgery, if appropriate.
Is Red Light Therapy Safe?
Yes. Red Light Therapy is well studied and considered safe when delivered by trained medical professionals. It is non-invasive, does not damage the skin, and has no significant side effects. It is widely used across the UK for musculoskeletal and rehabilitation purposes.
Next Steps
If you are interested in Red Light Therapy, book a consultation at The Hand Clinic. Ms Anna Moon will assess your condition, discuss whether this treatment is suitable for you, and create a tailored plan to support your recovery.
Light therapy is also included in our bone health services, provided by The Bonegevity Clinic.
