NASA scientists never anticipated this perk for their "green thumbs"...
Back in the 1990s, scientists wanted to grow some spuds in space. They were testing if the plants could grow under LEDs emitting red and blue light. (Those light wavelengths are found in sunlight that plants need.)
And then those space gardeners working under the lights started noticing something (pleasantly) weird...
Any scrapes or dings they had on their hands were healing super quick.
The scientists knew that'd be something handy for astronauts to have in space, since wounds heal slowly under zero-gravity conditions.
And so, research on red light from LED bulbs – and its medical applications – grew from there, which brings us to the buzzword you've probably heard or read about over the past couple of years...
Red light therapy ("RLT").
RLT involves using red and near-infrared light at specific wavelengths, usually between 630 and 940 nanometers.
The idea is that the light enhances the energy-generating capability of the tiny "engines," or mitochondria, present in each cell. More energy generation means better cell functioning, which has translated into proven benefits like faster wound healing, increased tissue repair and regeneration, and reduced inflammation.
RLT traces its roots to 1967, when mice undergoing low-level laser therapy ("LLLT") were found to have better hair regrowth and faster wound healing. It wasn't until the 1990s, however, that research on red light from LED bulbs (instead of from lasers) really kicked off.
Tissue repair and rejuvenation aside, yes, a handful of small studies have found that LLLT and RLT reduce inflammation and pain from arthritis and fibromyalgia... pain in the jaw, neck, knee, and lower back... as well as postoperative pain from hip replacements.
Interestingly, emerging research is finding that RLT helps your mouth, too...
Like regrowing cells in connective tissue (which connects your tooth to your jawbone) destroyed by periodontitis (severe gum disease)... helping tooth sensitivity by boosting regeneration of dentin (the stuff under the enamel that makes up most of your tooth)... and even pain management for orthodontic-device wearers.
There are some caveats, though...
- For starters, the cost. RLT treatments cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration ("FDA") will make a dent in your wallet, with the cheapest price starting at hundreds of dollars.
- There need to be bigger long-term studies to better assess the risks versus the benefits.
- Third, there's a lack of clear guidelines for RLT, such as how often you should use a device with a certain wavelength of red light.
Keep in mind that much of the research has taken place in clinical settings with LLLT – a stronger form of RLT versus the LED-based RLT devices you might have seen for sale. You can't be certain that all of these commercial products will provide the same kind of wavelengths that studies found to be useful.
One positive is that the RLT risks we know about so far are pretty minor...
Folks who are sensitive to light or are on meds that make them "photosensitive" should take caution. You'll also want to follow the device manufacturer's advice for protecting your eyes during use.
One of our readers, E.J., recently asked whether RLT could work for folks suffering from a chronic, oftentimes progressive, condition that's nearly ubiquitous as we age: arthritis.
So, to address your question on relieving pain in achy joints...
So far, we know RLT might help alleviate some symptoms of arthritis, but it's not a cure for the condition. For instance, a 2024 meta-analysis found that LLLT didn't significantly reduce pain in rheumatoid arthritis patients – though it did improve some of the morning stiffness and grip strength.
I recommend running the idea by your doctor if you're interested in buying and trying an RLT device as a drug-free way to treat your achy joints. Right now, no RLT devices are FDA approved specifically for treating pain...
So before you hit that "buy" button on an RLT device for arthritis relief, I recommend you try these other "treatments" first:
- Regular exercise: Walking is low impact and gentle on the joints. I get a brisk 20-minute walk in every day. Using an exercise bike or swimming is also joint-friendly. And don't forget muscle-building exercises, since the stronger your muscles are, the more support they'll provide for those problematic joints.
- Anti-inflammatory foods: Fatty fish, leafy greens, nuts, berries, and extra-virgin olive oil should be your dietary mainstays for healthy fats and antioxidants. Also try incorporating some turmeric, black pepper, and fresh ginger into your dishes or smoothies. Turmeric contains the chemical compound curcumin, which has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties... black pepper helps your body better absorb the curcumin in turmeric... and fresh ginger contains gingerol, which may help with joint pain.
- Watching that waistline: According to the Arthritis Foundation, being just 10 pounds overweight heaps 15 to 50 pounds of pressure on the knees. That extra pressure can cause or worsen osteoarthritis.
Oh, and for anyone else also reading this, I shared my top 12 pill-free tips for keeping your mitochondria healthy back in January. After all, keeping your mitochondria in tip-top shape is crucial for maintaining your whole-body health.(If you want to give my flagship newsletter Retirement Millionaire a risk-free, 30-day look, here's a special offer for my Health & Wealth Bulletin readers.
What We're Reading...
- You can check an RLT device's FDA status. (Look for an FDA "Decision" of "SESE" – or "Substantially Equivalent" – which is the same thing as being FDA cleared).
- Something different: Astronaut ice cream is a lie.
Here's to our health, wealth, and a great retirement,
Dr. David Eifrig and the Health & Wealth Bulletin Research Team
June 10, 2025
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