Red light therapy and infrared therapy are related but not identical. Both involve light therapies that use wavelengths to penetrate the skin and affect cellular processes. Red light therapy uses wavelengths in the red (600-700 nm) and near-infrared (700-850 nm) spectrum. Infrared therapy typically refers to the use of longer wavelengths, beyond 850 nm, which penetrate deeper into tissues and are used for different therapeutic purposes such as deeper muscle and joint relief.
References:
- Sommer, A. P., Zhu, D., Mester, A. R., & Liu, K. C. (2013). “Light within the visible spectrum: The key player of life and driver of our future health and prosperity.” *Natural Science*, 5(11), 1141-1147.
- Chung, H., et al. (2012). “The nuts and bolts of low-level laser (light) therapy.” *Annals of Biomedical Engineering*, 40(2), 516-533.
