Infrared & Red Light Therapy in East Dulwich

Infrared and red light therapy — also known as photobiomodulation (PBM) — uses specific wavelengths of light to support tissue repair, reduce inflammation and help relieve pain.

At Life Massage in East Dulwich, sessions are delivered using the PlatinumLED BioMax 450 with a multi-wavelength spectrum and adjustable intensity, allowing treatment to be tailored by distance, time and sensitivity. (PlatinumLED therapy lights)

Pain relief • Recovery support • Joint & muscle stiffness • Targeted tissue care

PBM uses red and near-infrared light to trigger beneficial biological responses in tissue. Research suggests key effects may include support for mitochondrial function and cellular energy, modulation of inflammation, and improved tissue signaling involved in repair.

Importantly, PBM is not heat therapy — it’s a light-based, non-invasive approach that can be used alongside hands-on treatment or as a standalone session.

Clients commonly use PBM support for:

• Muscle and joint pain

• Stiffness and restricted movement

• Tendon and soft-tissue irritation (alongside rehab). (PMC)

• Training recovery and flare-up prevention

• Persistent lower back discomfort (evidence exists in LED PBM trials) (PMC)

Results vary by condition, dosage and consistency, but PBM is increasingly studied as a supportive approach for pain and inflammation. (MDPI)

Treatment is particularly suited to areas such as the lower back, neck and shoulders, hips, knees and overworked muscle groups.

Your session is delivered with a BioMax 450 panel that is listed with the U.S. FDA as a Class II medical device within the infrared therapeutic heating lamp category (Product Code ILY). (FDA Access Data)

The BioMax system combines seven wavelengths (including 1060nm deep near-infrared) and allows independent control of red and near-infrared intensity, plus separate control of 480nm. (PlatinumLED therapy lights)

This matters because it allows sessions to be tailored to:

• Sensitivity and comfort (more gentle or more intensive sessions)

• Depth of the target area (surface-focused, deeper tissue support, or a blend)

• Condition-specific precision using adjustable distance and timing, rather than a fixed “one-size” exposure

In other words: this isn’t a generic “light spa” experience — it’s a targeted, adjustable clinical-style PBM session designed around your body and your goal.

Many pod-style systems deliver a fixed, whole-body exposure, while panel-based PBM allows precise positioning, distance control, and targeted dosing to the area that needs support. This level of control allows sessions to be tailored more precisely than fixed-intensity systems.

Many commercial “pod” experiences are designed as general relaxation sessions. In clinic work, PBM is more effective when it is targeted:

• the panel is positioned to the exact area

• distance is adjusted for comfort and intended dose

• timing is set based on the goal and sensitivity

• treatment can be combined with hands-on therapy when appropriate

This is what allows PBM to support specific outcomes rather than being a generic wellness add-on.

Most people experience a gentle warmth and a deeply relaxing feeling during a session.

For best results, light is applied to clean, bare skin (clothing can block or reduce light absorption), so the treatment area is uncovered and draped appropriately for comfort and modesty.

Eye safety: the light is bright, and you should never look directly into the LEDs. In this clinic, protective blackout goggles are provided and are mandatory for any face-up treatment (or any session where the panel is within your line of sight). This is a comfort-first, safety-first policy.

Sessions are calm and quiet. Positioning, distance and intensity are adjusted so the treatment feels comfortable while staying aligned with your goal.

Clients often describe sessions as focused, professional and noticeably supportive when combined with hands-on treatment.

Many clients report:

• reduced tension and discomfort

• easier movement

• a “lighter” feeling in the treated area

• better recovery after activity

Some notice a change after one session, while longer-standing patterns often respond best to a short course.

Clients often describe sessions as focused, professional and noticeably effective when used alongside hands-on treatment.

Is PBM safe?
PBM is widely used and generally well tolerated. You’ll be advised on positioning and eye safety (do not look directly into the panel).

How many sessions should I book?
It depends on the goal and how long the issue has been present. Some clients start with a short course and then move to maintenance.

Can I combine PBM with massage?
Yes — PBM can be used before or after hands-on work to support the area being treated. I also offer during treatment add-on sessions to enhance the treatment benefits for the specific condition clients may need help with,

Do you use red, infrared, or both?
Often both, depending on the goal. The BioMax system allows red and near-infrared intensity to be adjusted independently.

Research into photobiomodulation continues to grow, particularly in areas of musculoskeletal pain, tendon support and inflammation modulation.

• LED PBM trial in non-specific chronic low back pain (double-blind RCT). (PMC)

• Systematic review/meta-analysis: PBM for tendinopathy (evidence quality varies). (PMC)

• Mechanisms review (mitochondrial signaling, anti-inflammatory effects). (PMC anti-infalmmatory effects) (Arthritis)

• Review: PBM effects on chronic pain/inflammation (notes need for more RCTs). (PMC)

Life Massage provides one-to-one PBM sessions in East Dulwich (SE22), with treatment tailored by distance, timing and comfort, using PlatinumLED BioMax 450.