Red light therapy is one of those treatments lots of people have heard about but are not quite sure what actually happens once they book. In this guide we explain what it is, what clients come to us for, what a session at Simply Contoured Wellness looks like from the moment you arrive, and what it cannot do.
What is red light therapy?
Red light therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses specific wavelengths of red and near-infrared light. The light penetrates the skin and tissues, and it is designed to support the body at a cellular level, helping to support cellular energy production and the body's own repair and recovery processes.
At our wellness studio we use a 360 full-body system. That means you experience red light therapy across the whole body in one relaxing treatment, rather than one area at a time. If you are weighing this up against using a panel, we have explained the differences in 360 red light therapy: how is it different from a panel?
What are the benefits of red light therapy?
Clients come to us for lots of different reasons. Red light therapy is commonly used to support overall wellbeing, skin health, muscle recovery and general recovery, including as part of post-operative aftercare.
Benefits can include:
- Supporting post-operative recovery and tissue healing
- Supporting skin rejuvenation and collagen production
- Improving the appearance of skin tone and texture
- Reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
- Supporting muscle recovery and reducing feelings of soreness
- Helping to ease feelings of joint stiffness and discomfort
- Supporting circulation and cellular repair processes
- Promoting relaxation
- Supporting better sleep, energy levels and overall wellbeing
The important word there is "can". Every body is different, and what you notice will depend on you, your lifestyle and how consistently you come. The evidence for red light therapy varies from one area to another, so we would always rather you arrived with realistic expectations than with a promise we cannot make.
What red light therapy is not
It helps to be clear about this before you book.
Red light therapy is not a weight loss treatment and it does not burn fat. It is not a detox. It does not treat, cure or diagnose any medical condition, and it is not a replacement for advice from your surgeon, GP or another healthcare professional.
It is also not a one-off fix. It works best when it becomes part of a regular routine, which we come back to below.
If you have a medical condition, are pregnant, take regular medication or have noticed a new or unexplained swelling, please check with your GP before booking.
What happens during a session?
Appointments are 30 minutes in duration. Please allow the full 30 minutes. The red light therapy itself is 20 minutes, and the remaining time allows for consultation, preparation, changing and any necessary aftercare advice.
Before your treatment. We start with a short consultation. This is your chance to tell us what you are hoping for, whether that is skin health, recovery after training, support after surgery or simply some time to switch off, and to mention anything about your health we should know. We will then help you get ready for your session.
During your treatment. You then have 20 minutes of full-body red light. The treatment is completely non-invasive and pain-free, and it is designed to be a relaxing part of your week.
After your treatment. There is no downtime, so you can get changed and carry on with your day. Before you go, we will give you any aftercare advice you need and talk through a treatment schedule that suits you.
Your comfort, safety and wellbeing are always our priority, so if anything is unclear at any point, just ask.
Red light therapy after surgery
We recommend 360 red light therapy as part of post-operative recovery. It is commonly used to support the body's natural healing and recovery processes following cosmetic surgery, alongside treatments such as post-operative lymphatic drainage massage.
Because it is gentle and has no downtime, it can be a convenient addition to your recovery plan, but only once your surgeon or medical professional has cleared you for treatment. Please check with them first. Packages of treatments are available to book at Simply Contoured Wellness.
How many sessions will I need?
For optimum results, we recommend an initial course of 10 treatments, with consistent sessions over several weeks giving you the best opportunity to experience the benefits.
Once your initial course is complete, monthly maintenance sessions are recommended to help maintain and support your ongoing results and wellbeing. If you would like red light therapy to be a regular part of your self-care, our memberships make consistency easier and can be cancelled at any time.
You can book red light therapy as:
- A single 30 minute session: £40
- A course of 5 sessions: £150
- A course of 10 sessions: £280
- A membership of 4 sessions a month: £120 a month
- A membership of 8 sessions a month: £220 a month
- A membership of 12 sessions a month: £320 a month
We also offer Red Light and Lymphatic Flow, a 60 minute session combining 20 minutes of 360 red light therapy with 30 minutes of vibration plate therapy, for £70. Please note this one is not suitable for post-op clients in the early stages of recovery.
You can see everything in one place on our pricing page.
Getting the most from your sessions
As with all of our treatments, consistency is key. Red light therapy works best when it is part of a regular routine rather than something you try once.
Your lifestyle plays a big part too. We recommend staying well hydrated, maintaining a balanced diet, keeping active and prioritising rest and recovery alongside your sessions.
Red light therapy is part of Simply Contoured Wellness, our recovery studio in Cardiff Bay, and is booked separately from our aesthetics clinic. If you are not sure which option suits you, we are always happy to help you choose.