Why Do Athletes Choose Red Light Therapy?
With its potential benefits for recovery, sleep, and overall well-being, red light therapy has become an increasingly popular addition to some athletes' recovery routines. Here are the specific details:
Supports recovery and inflammation: Research indicates that photobiomodulation can influence inflammatory responses and oxidative stress while supporting tissue repair processes. For athletes, this means red light therapy may help alleviate the physical strain of training and support muscle and tissue recovery.
Promotes sleep and rest: Light exposure affects the body's circadian rhythm. Studies on sleep and nighttime recovery suggest that red light may help minimize disruptions to sleep patterns and facilitate pre-sleep relaxation and high-quality rest. Adequate sleep is a crucial component of the recovery process for athletes with demanding training and competition schedules.
Convenient and non-invasive: Unlike some recovery methods that require specialized facilities or significant physical effort, red light therapy can be easily integrated into daily recovery routines with minimal additional burden or disruption.
Who Chooses Red Light Therapy for Recovery
LeBron James's recovery methods
LeBron James is an American professional basketball player and one of the most accomplished athletes in NBA history. Known for his longevity and high-level performance, he has maintained an intensive training and recovery routine throughout his career.
Throughout his career, he has adhered to a rigorous training and recovery regimen. In an interview with the Los Angeles Times, he discussed several recovery methods he uses, including red-light therapy, Normatec compression boots, hyperbaric chambers, and cryotherapy.
Anthony Joshua's recovery methods
Anthony Joshua is a British professional heavyweight boxer and two-time unified world heavyweight champion. He also won a gold medal for Great Britain at the 2012 London Olympics. Known for competing at the highest level of professional boxing, Joshua has placed significant emphasis on training, recovery, and sleep as part of his preparation.
Beyond regular nutrition and training, Under Armour developed a dedicated sleep environment for Anthony Joshua as part of its approach to athlete recovery. According to Joovv, red-light therapy devices were incorporated into this environment as early as 2019, making light-based therapy one of the recovery practices included in his routine.
Under Armour's Human Performance Center also incorporates a range of recovery practices, including sauna, meditation, breathwork, and massage, highlighting a broader approach to supporting athletes' recovery and well-being.
Top Product Pick: JOVS Red Light Therapy Bag Pro
FDA-cleared and featuring a full-body coverage design, the JOVS Red Light Therapy Bag Pro offers a convenient way to integrate light therapy into your post-workout recovery routine. Whether following strength training, yoga, or other physical activities, it serves as an effective tool for relaxation and recovery.
Red & Near-Infrared Light
The bag combines red and near-infrared wavelengths. Through photobiomodulation, these wavelengths may interact with cellular processes and support energy production, while research has also explored their potential role in inflammation management, oxidative stress, and tissue recovery. This makes red and near-infrared light a potential complement to an athlete's broader recovery routine.
Full-Body Coverage
The expansive, full-body design ensures broad light coverage, while the U-shape mode allows for targeted positioning, enabling 360-degree treatment for both the face and body. It is ideal for post-workout recovery routines, eliminating the need to treat only one area at a time.
At-Home Convenience
Recovery doesn't always need to involve a trip to a specialized facility or extensive preparation. The JOVS Red Light Therapy Bag Pro can be incorporated into your routine at home. Simply lie down, start a session, and relax. It requires little preparation and can fit naturally into downtime after exercise, with no special recovery period needed after a session.
Conclusion
Athletes use a range of recovery methods, from compression and cryotherapy to red light therapy, sleep, and massage. If you want to add red light therapy to your own post-workout routine, the JOVS Red Light Therapy Bag Pro offers full-body red and near-infrared light therapy in a convenient at-home design.
Disclaimer: The individuals mentioned in this article have not endorsed, sponsored, or recommended JOVS products. All references to public figures, media reports, or third-party brands are for informational and educational purposes regarding light therapy technology only.
FAQs about Red Light for Recovery
Is red light therapy good for sleep and recovery?
It may be. Red light therapy has been studied for its potential effects on sleep, cellular function, inflammation, and recovery. For athletes and active individuals, it can be incorporated into a broader routine that includes adequate sleep, hydration, nutrition, and rest.
Is red light therapy safe?
When used correctly and according to the device's instructions, red light therapy is generally considered a non-invasive and relatively well-tolerated option. For more information about red light therapy eye safety, see our Is Red Light Therapy Bad for Eyes.
Can I wear clothes when using a red light device?
For the best light exposure, it is recommended to use the device directly on bare skin. If you wish to use it while wearing clothes, it is best to choose clothing that covers minimal skin.
Can I use JOVS red light therapy bag every day?
Red light therapy can be incorporated into a regular recovery routine. For general use, keep each session to 30 minutes or less and consider using it 3–5 times per week. Always follow the recommended usage time and instructions for your specific device.
How long should you use JOVS red light therapy bag after a workout?
Begin with 10 minutes for your first session. If comfortable, gradually increase to 20–30 minutes per session, following your device's recommended usage guidelines.
