Red light therapy is showing up everywhere – from recovery clinics to home devices – but there’s still a lot of confusion around what it actually does.
Is it about skin? Recovery? Energy? Or something deeper?
At its core, red light therapy may help support how your body produces energy and carries out repair processes at a cellular level, based on emerging research in photobiomodulation.
At Think2Be Healthy Health Hub in North Lakes, we use the NovoTHOR full-body red light therapy bed to deliver this in a structured, consistent way for individuals across Brisbane northside and the Moreton Bay region.
If you’re exploring red light therapy in Brisbane, it helps to understand not just what it is, but how it fits into your body and your routine.
How red light therapy works
Red light therapy (also known as photobiomodulation (PBM), low-level light therapy or near-infrared therapy) uses specific wavelengths of light that are absorbed by your cells.
This process connects closely to the mitochondria, which are responsible for producing energy (ATP).
You can think of it as potentially helping your cells function more efficiently by supporting how they produce and use energy, rather than forcing change from the outside.
The NovoTHOR system uses two key wavelengths:
- 660nm red light, which interacts more with surface tissues like skin
- 850nm near-infrared light, which can penetrate more deeply into muscles and joints
Because the NovoTHOR delivers this as a full-body red light therapy session, it exposes the entire body at once rather than treating one area at a time like many at-home devices.
What this means for your body
Your body relies on energy, circulation and repair processes to maintain balance and when these systems are supported, it can influence how you feel day-to-day.
That’s why people often explore photobiomodulation for things like:
- Supporting recovery and comfort after physical activity
- Helping to improve general skin appearance and tone in some people
- Potentially assisting circulation by influencing blood flow and tissue function
- Supporting energy and overall wellbeing as part of a broader health routine.
This is why people see red light treatments as a great way to support the overall systems.
What the research says
There’s a growing amount of research around red light therapy and photobiomodulation, particularly in areas like tissue repair, pain and recovery and skin health.
At the same time, it’s important to keep expectations grounded and most clinical sources highlight that research is still evolving and results vary between individuals. As such, red light therapy should be viewed as a supportive therapy, not a medical treatment.
At Think2Be Healthy, that’s exactly how we approach it, using the NovoTHOR Light Therapy to help support your body’s natural processes rather than trying to override them.
What a session actually feels like
If you’ve never experienced NovoTHOR red light therapy, it’s often much simpler than people expect.
You lie comfortably inside the bed while the system delivers light across your body in a controlled way and sessions usually last around 15 minutes.
There’s no intensity or discomfort – just a gentle warmth. Many people use the time to relax, switch off or simply pause during their day.
Afterwards, you can go straight back to your normal routine.
Most published studies follow structured protocols over multiple sessions, so consistency over time is usually more important than a single session.
Safety and suitability
Red light therapy is generally well tolerated when used appropriately, but it’s not suitable for everyone.
Because research in some areas is still evolving, it’s important to speak with your doctor before starting red light therapy if you:
- Are pregnant
- Have photosensitivity conditions
- Are taking medications that increase light sensitivity
- Have active cancer or a history of cancer treatment
- Are undergoing or have recently undergone chemotherapy or radiotherapy
Sessions are always delivered in a controlled environment, with guidance around safety and comfort.
Clinic vs at-home red light therapy
A lot of people compare clinical systems like NovoTHOR with at-home devices. Both have their place, but they’re not the same experience.
- At-home devices tend to:
- Treat smaller areas
- Deliver lower output
- Require more time and consistency
A full-body red light therapy bed like NovoTHOR is designed to:
- Treat the entire body in one session
- Deliver a consistent and measured dose
- Fit more easily into a structured routine
That difference is often what people notice most when they visit the Health Hub for the first time.
Red light therapy in North Lakes – is it worth trying?
Red light therapy sits in an interesting space in that it’s simple in how it’s delivered, but complex in how it interacts with the body.
If you’re looking for something that may support recovery, skin health or energy without adding more strain, red light therapy is something many people are now exploring.
Like most things in health, the key is consistency and understanding how it fits into your overall approach.
Frequently asked questions
How quickly do people notice results from red light therapy?
Response times can vary depending on the individual and what they are using red light therapy for. Some people report feeling changes in energy or recovery relatively early, while others notice gradual improvements over a series of sessions. Because red light therapy works cumulatively, consistency is usually more important than a single session.
Can you combine red light therapy with other treatments?
Red light therapy is often used alongside other wellness approaches such as hyperbaric oxygen therapy, recovery programs or general health routines. Because it is non-invasive, many people choose to include it as part of a broader, structured plan rather than relying on one modality alone.
Is full-body red light therapy better than targeted treatment?
Full-body red light therapy allows multiple areas of the body to be exposed at the same time, which can be more time-efficient. Targeted devices may still be useful for specific areas, but systems like NovoTHOR are designed for consistency and whole-body coverage in a single session.
Is red light therapy only for skin treatments?
While people often associate red light therapy with skin health, many wellness and recovery routines use full-body photobiomodulation for a broader range of wellness and recovery goals. This includes supporting physical recovery, circulation and general energy – not just cosmetic outcomes.
References
This article is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Please consult a qualified health professional regarding your individual circumstances.
Hamblin MR, Photobiomodulation or low-level laser therapy, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27973730/, [Accessed 16 April 2026]
Carroll JD, et al., Whole-body photobiomodulation therapy for chronic pain, https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9244683/, [Accessed 16 April 2026]
Szymanski WJ, et al., Photobiomodulation and Sports: Results of a Narrative Review, https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8706093/, [Accessed 16 April 2026]
Valenzuela F, et al., Unlocking the Power of Light on the Skin: A Comprehensive Review, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38674067/, [Accessed 16 April 2026]
Barolet D, et al., Reverse skin aging signs by red light photobiomodulation, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37522497/, [Accessed 16 April 2026]
