Red Light vs. Therapeutic Laser: What Really Helps You Heal?

Red light therapy is everywhere right now—gyms, spas, saunas, Pilates studios, and even full-body LED beds that look like something out of a sci-fi movie. People love the warm glow, the relaxation, and the subtle boost in mood and skin appearance. And honestly? There’s nothing wrong with a little pampering. But here’s the important question:
Is red light the same thing as therapeutic laser?
And can it actually heal pain or tissue injuries? Let’s clear the air in a positive, practical way—so you can make the best choices for your health.

Why People Love Red Light Therapy 
 

The Toronto Star recently highlighted the craze sweeping the city. People walk daily to spas just to bathe in a gentle cherry-colored light. It feels calming, rejuvenating, and relaxing. Those benefits are real—red light sits in a low-energy wavelength that can:
 • Improve circulation near the skin
 • Support mild collagen production
 • Offer short-term relaxation
 • Improve skin tone and complexion 

A great spa experience? Absolutely.
A proven therapeutic tool for deeper tissue healing? Not quite. 
And that’s where things get interesting.

How Therapeutic Laser Is Different—And Why It Works 

At Tutt Street Family Chiropractic in Kelowna, we use a true clinical-grade therapeutic laser, not a red light panel or LED bed. These two technologies may look similar on the surface, but they function in completely different ways. 

1. Therapeutic Laser Penetrates Deeper

 Red light therapy uses low-level wavelengths that only reach a few millimeters beneath the skin. Therapeutic laser, on the other hand, uses more powerful, controlled wavelengths that can penetrate several centimeters into:
 • Muscles
 • Tendons
 • Ligaments
 • Joint capsules
 • Fascia 

This is where true healing happens. 

2. Laser Stimulates Cellular Energy (ATP) At a Therapeutic Dose

Clinical laser therapy creates a response known as photobiomodulation—a fancy way of saying your cells wake up and start repairing more effectively. Therapeutic doses can:
 • Reduce inflammation
 • Increase ATP (cellular energy)
 • Speed up tissue repair
 • Improve range of motion
 • Decrease pain within minutes 

3. Laser Works on Injuries—Not Just Relaxation

 This is where it shines. We use laser therapy to help patients with:
 • Neck pain
 • Low back pain
 • Tendonitis
 • Plantar fasciitis
 • TMJ issues
 • Sprains and strains
 • Sciatica
 • Nerve irritation Many patients feel relief after their very first session. 

4. Laser Is Delivered With Precision

At our clinic, we target specific muscles, joints, or nerve pathways.
This is very different from lounging in an LED bed that treats everything equally—even the areas that don’t need treatment.

Think of It This Way… 

Red light therapy = relaxation, skin health, mood benefits.
Therapeutic laser = targeted, evidence-based tissue healing. Both have a place.
But if you’re dealing with pain, inflammation, or an old nagging injury?
Laser wins every time.

Why Kelowna Patients Love Our Laser Treatments 

People often tell us:

 • “It feels warm and soothing.”
 • “My movement feels better almost immediately.”
 • “The pain relief lasts longer than anything else I’ve tried.”
 • “This paired with chiropractic care is the perfect combination.” 

Laser + chiropractic is one of our most powerful treatment pairings because it improves circulation, reduces inflammation, and helps the adjustment hold longer.

Your Next Step Toward Feeling Better 

If you’re curious about trying therapeutic laser—or you’ve tried red light elsewhere but need deeper healing—come see us. We’ll assess what’s going on and recommend the best approach for your body. 

 Call: 250-486-0062 

 Book online: www.tuttstreetfamilychiropractic.com 

Let’s get you moving, healing, and feeling your absolute best. 
You deserve that.