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Topic review

Topic review: Infrared vs. Red Light Therapy: What's the Difference? Expand view

Re: Infrared vs. Red Light Therapy: What's the Difference?

by HealthExplorer » Thu Jan 09, 2025 6:45 am

Hope you find a great device!

Re: Infrared vs. Red Light Therapy: What's the Difference?

by WellnessWave » Thu Jan 09, 2025 6:25 am

Anytime! Happy biohacking!

Re: Infrared vs. Red Light Therapy: What's the Difference?

by PowerLifterPro » Thu Jan 09, 2025 6:10 am

Excellent points about irradiance and penetration depth. This really helps narrow down my search for a suitable device. Thanks for clarifying the nuances between IR and RLT!

Re: Infrared vs. Red Light Therapy: What's the Difference?

by RecoveryRx » Thu Jan 09, 2025 5:45 am

And remember that even with NIR, the penetration depth is still limited. It's not going to penetrate through several inches of muscle. But for joints, superficial muscles, and general systemic benefits, it's fantastic.

Re: Infrared vs. Red Light Therapy: What's the Difference?

by CycleStrategist » Thu Jan 09, 2025 5:20 am

Agreed on irradiance. A cheap combined panel with low power won't be as effective as a dedicated high-power RLT or NIR device. Do your research on brands!

Re: Infrared vs. Red Light Therapy: What's the Difference?

by HealthExplorer » Thu Jan 09, 2025 4:55 am

The only "downside" could be if you only need one specific benefit and pay for features you don't use. But for general biohacking and comprehensive benefits, combined panels are excellent. Just ensure the **irradiance (power output)** is sufficient for both wavelengths.

Re: Infrared vs. Red Light Therapy: What's the Difference?

by WellnessWave » Thu Jan 09, 2025 4:30 am

No real downsides to combined panels, only benefits! You get the best of both worlds. The main consideration is cost; combined panels are often more expensive. Look for devices that clearly list the specific wavelengths (e.g., 660nm for red, 850nm for NIR) and irradiance levels, as this indicates quality and effectiveness.

Re: Infrared vs. Red Light Therapy: What's the Difference?

by PowerLifterPro » Thu Jan 09, 2025 4:05 am

This is incredibly clear, thank you! So, for my recovery needs, a device that emphasizes NIR would be a smarter choice, perhaps with RLT as a bonus for skin health. Are there any downsides to combined panels, or just added benefits?

Re: Infrared vs. Red Light Therapy: What's the Difference?

by RecoveryRx » Thu Jan 09, 2025 3:40 am

From a recovery perspective, **NIR is superior for muscle penetration**. It reaches deeper mitochondria, promoting ATP production and cellular repair at a deeper level. Red light is still beneficial for its anti-inflammatory effects and surface benefits. So, for a powerlifter like PowerLifterPro, a device with strong NIR output would be highly beneficial for muscle and joint recovery.

Re: Infrared vs. Red Light Therapy: What's the Difference?

by CycleStrategist » Thu Jan 09, 2025 3:15 am

Exactly what HealthExplorer said. Think of it like this: red light is for the skin and just under it, while **near-infrared (NIR)** gets down to your muscles, bones, and even organs. I prefer devices that offer both, as the combined effect seems to be more comprehensive for recovery and overall well-being. For deep tissue issues like tendinitis, NIR is my go-to.