What Is Red Light Therapy?
Red light therapy (RLT), also known as photobiomodulation (PBM), is a non-invasive treatment that uses red or near-infrared light to stimulate energy production in cells, reduce inflammation, and support tissue repair. It can be delivered through LED panels, wearable pads, lasers, or intravenous light therapy. Recent studies suggest that PBM may help relieve Long COVID symptoms like fatigue, brain fog, shortness of breath, and pain by targeting underlying issues such as poor energy production, chronic inflammation, and low oxygen levels in tissues.
How Red Light Therapy Might Help for Long COVID
- Restores energy production in cells – PBM helps stimulate mitochondria, increasing energy levels, which can reduce fatigue and support healing in Long COVID.
- Reduces inflammation and oxidative stress – PBM can calm down immune-related inflammation and help the body manage harmful molecules called free radicals that damage tissues.
- Improves blood flow and oxygen delivery – PBM helps dillate blood vessels and improve circulation, which brings more oxygen to the brain, lungs, and other tissues.
- Supports brain function and clarity – PBM has been shown to reduce brain inflammation and improve blood flow to the brain, helping with brain fog and mood symptoms.
What the Research Says
Research using light pads, helmets, nasal lasers, and even IV laser therapy has shown improvements in oxygenation, cognitive function, and recovery speed. PBM may also support mitochondrial health and reduce oxidative stress. While more large-scale trials are needed, PBM is a safe, non-invasive therapy that’s showing promise for post-COVID recovery.
Key Studies on PBM and Long COVID:
Studies showing positive effect:
- This case series evaluated whole-organ PBM in ~150 Long COVID patients using LED pads and laser scanning on the lungs and the nervous system. Patients reported improvements in dyspnea, brain fog, memory, executive function, and mood. Imaging and labs confirmed reduced systemic inflammation and improved oxygenation.
- This pilot study investigated intravenous laser irradiation of blood (ILIB) in six Long COVID patients with brain fog. After 30 sessions, patients showed improvements in cognitive scores and sleep quality. Gene expression analysis revealed enhanced mitochondrial pathways and reduced inflammation and oxidative stress markers.
- This pilot study examined transcranial and whole-body PBM in 14 patients with Long COVID-related brain fog. Both treatment groups received 12 sessions over 4 weeks using either a helmet (1070 nm) or light bed (660/850 nm). Both methods led to significant improvements in cognitive tests and brain scan markers.
- This RCT tested a home-use PBM device (635 nm intranasal + 810 nm chest) in 199 COVID-19 patients. Patients with ≤7 days of symptoms recovered 3 days faster on average than controls. No serious adverse events were reported in the PBM group. However, patients with symptoms lasting longer than 7 days showed no significant improvement. The results suggest PBM may be most effective when used early to reduce illness duration and potentially limit Long COVID risk.
- This prospective study evaluated PBM combined with pulmonary rehabilitation in 30 patients with post-COVID pulmonary fibrosis. PBM was delivered via a vest (940 nm) before exercise. The PBM group showed significant improvements in lung function and lower shortness of breath.
- This randomized controlled trial included 100 elderly patients recovering from COVID-19. The PBM group received infrared laser therapy (808 nm) to the calves 3 times weekly for 4 weeks. The PBM group had significantly reduced fatigue and improved daily function. Fatigue dropped by ~13% and daily function scores rose by ~32%.
- This pilot study tested a combination of methylene blue photodynamic therapy, oral methylene blue, and PBM in 8 unvaccinated COVID-19 patients. Red light (660 nm) was used in the oral and nasal cavities and sublingually. The treatment led to rapid reductions in virus load (negative tests in ~4 days), symptom relief within 12–24 hours, and no long COVID symptoms reported after one year.
Final Thoughts
Red light therapy is emerging as a multi-system, non-invasive intervention for Long COVID. Evidence now shows that PBM can target core dysfunctions seen in the condition, including impaired energy metabolism, immune dysregulation, inflammation, and neurological symptoms. Whether delivered via light beds, transcranial helmets, intravenous laser, or wearable pads, PBM has been associated with improvements in fatigue, brain fog, lung function, and emotional well-being in several studies. As always, consult with a qualified provider before beginning red light therapy, especially if you have photosensitive conditions or are taking related medications.