Is red light therapy safe?
For most people, yes — there is no UV involved and nothing is absorbed into the body. But there is a list of people who should ask a doctor first, and we would rather you read it.
What it is not
Red light therapy is not a sunbed. Ultraviolet light, the part of sunlight that burns and tans, sits at the short-wavelength end of the spectrum. 660nm and 850nm sit at the far other end. There is no UV in a LumaWrap and it will not tan or burn your skin.
Nothing enters the body. There is no drug, no gel, no electrical current through the tissue — only light and the gentle warmth that comes with it.
Please speak to your GP first if you
- Are pregnant or think you might be
- Have a pacemaker, defibrillator or other implant near the area you want to treat
- Have had a joint replacement in the area
- Take medication that increases light sensitivity — some antibiotics, diuretics, retinoids and acne treatments do
- Have a skin cancer, or a mole or lesion that has changed, in the area
- Have epilepsy, lupus, or an active thyroid condition
- Are treating a child
This is not a list of people who cannot use it. It is a list of people for whom the sensible first step is a two-minute conversation with someone who knows their medical history.
Do not use it on
- Broken or infected skin, or an open wound
- A newly injured, hot and swollen joint — see a doctor instead
- Directly over the eyes, or the thyroid at the front of the neck
- An area that has been numbed, where you cannot feel warmth properly
What people do notice
Mild, temporary warmth and a little pinkness on the skin afterwards are both normal and pass within the hour. A small number of people get a mild headache in the first few sessions. Stop and email us if the skin stings, blisters, or if the warmth is uncomfortable rather than pleasant.
An honest note on claims
LumaWrap is sold as a wellbeing device for aching, stiff joints and muscles. It is not a medical device, it does not treat, cure or prevent any disease, and nothing on this site is medical advice. If you have a diagnosed condition, your GP or physiotherapist should stay in charge of it.
Common questions
Does red light therapy contain UV?+
No. Red light at 660nm and near-infrared at 850nm sit at the opposite end of the spectrum from ultraviolet. There is no tanning or burning effect.
Do I need eye protection?+
You do not need goggles for a wrap used on a knee, hip or back, because the panel faces your skin. Simply do not stare directly into the lit panel.
Can I use it if I take medication?+
Some medicines, including certain antibiotics, diuretics and acne treatments, make skin more sensitive to light. Check the leaflet or ask your pharmacist before starting.
Is it safe over a metal implant or replacement joint?+
Light therapy does not heat metal the way some other treatments can, but we would still ask you to check with your GP or surgeon first.
Next: how to use LumaWrap properly.