Red Light Therapy vs. Infrared Sauna

Written by Dr. Patrick Buckley

When it comes to recovery, red light therapy and infrared saunas are popular options. But what's the difference, and which is better for you?

At Dynamic Edge Physiotherapy, we help clients optimize healing. Here’s a quick look at red light therapy and infrared sauna.

Red Light Therapy

Red light therapy uses red and near-infrared light to support cellular repair and reduce inflammation.

Benefits:

Speeds up recovery of muscles and joints
Reduces inflammation
Improves skin health and circulation
No heat involved

Best for: Localized injury recovery, inflammation, and post-surgical healing

Infrared Sauna

Infrared saunas use infrared light to heat your body from the inside out, offering a lower-heat, deep-sweat experience compared to traditional saunas.

Benefits:

Muscle relaxation
Detoxification
Stress relief
Cardiovascular support

Best for: Full-body recovery, detox, and general wellness

Quick Comparison

Feature	Red Light Therapy	Infrared Sauna
Purpose	Targeted healing	Full-body relaxation
Heat	No heat	Moderate heat (120–165°F)
Session Time	10–20 minutes	30 minutes
Best For	Injury recovery	Detox & wellness

How to Choose

For specific injuries or pain, pick red light therapy. For a full-body reset, go with the infrared sauna. Many clients alternate both for maximum recovery.