Inflammation is your body’s way of protecting itself. When you strain a muscle or irritate a joint, inflammation rushes in to heal. It’s helpful at first—but when it lingers, it can turn painful and exhausting. Swelling, stiffness, and fatigue can make even simple tasks feel harder.
At Oklahoma Hand & Physical Therapy, we see this every day. Many of our patients are doing their best to stay active, but inflammation keeps slowing them down. That’s why we love using gentle, natural treatments like red light therapy. It’s a safe and simple way to help the body recover and move more freely again.
What Inflammation Really Means
Inflammation isn’t always bad. It’s how your body repairs itself after stress or injury. Blood rushes to the affected area, bringing oxygen and nutrients to start the healing process.
In the short term, that’s great. But when inflammation doesn’t calm down, it can become a problem. Chronic inflammation can cause ongoing soreness, tightness, and limited motion. It’s common in the hands, wrists, elbows, and shoulders—especially if your job or hobbies involve repetitive movements.
Learning how to manage that cycle of swelling and irritation can make daily life more comfortable.
What Is Red Light Therapy?
Red light therapy (RLT)—sometimes called low-level light therapy—uses specific wavelengths of light to support your body’s natural healing process.
The light doesn’t burn or damage the skin. Instead, it travels through the surface to reach the cells underneath. There, it helps the cells create more energy. Think of it like giving your body’s repair systems an extra boost.
Red light therapy can help improve circulation, ease swelling, and support recovery. It’s gentle, painless, and easy to pair with physical or occupational therapy.
How It Helps with Inflammation
Inflammation happens when your body stays on high alert for too long. Red light therapy helps it find balance again.
Here’s how:
- It boosts cellular energy. The light helps cells make more ATP, the energy they need to repair tissue.
- It supports better circulation. More oxygen and nutrients reach the area that needs healing.
- It helps calm swelling. The light can influence the body’s inflammatory signals, easing stiffness and tenderness.
- It encourages collagen production. Collagen strengthens muscles, ligaments, and tendons, helping the body rebuild after injury.
These effects combine to make movement easier and recovery smoother.
What to Expect During a Session
Red light therapy sessions are quick and relaxing. Your therapist places a small device over the area being treated—often the hands, wrists, or forearms. You’ll feel gentle warmth as the light works beneath the skin.
Sessions usually last about 10 to 20 minutes. There’s no downtime. You can go straight back to work, errands, or play.
We often include red light therapy alongside stretching, strengthening, or manual therapy. Together, these treatments help reduce inflammation while improving flexibility and strength.
Why It Works Well for Hand and Arm Conditions
Our hands and arms work constantly. Typing, lifting, cooking, driving—it all adds up. Over time, small strains can lead to inflammation that doesn’t go away on its own.
That’s where red light therapy comes in. It helps calm inflammation and promote healing without putting extra stress on joints or muscles.
Many of our patients notice:
- Less stiffness or swelling
- Greater ease of motion
- Better comfort during daily activities
- Shorter recovery time after therapy
It’s a simple, effective way to support the body’s natural recovery process.
Gentle, Non-Invasive, and Natural
Red light therapy doesn’t involve medication or needles. It’s a completely natural approach that works with your body—not against it.
Because it’s so gentle, it’s an excellent choice for people recovering from surgery, living with arthritis, or managing repetitive strain injuries. It’s safe to use regularly and can easily fit into your care routine.
For many patients, the best part is how empowering it feels. You’re helping your body heal in a calm, natural way.
Safety You Can Trust
Your safety is our top priority. Red light therapy has been studied for decades and is widely used in physical therapy and rehabilitation clinics. When performed by trained professionals, it’s considered very safe.
At Oklahoma Hand & Physical Therapy, we tailor each session to your needs. You’ll wear protective eyewear while your therapist explains every step. We’ll check how your body responds and make sure you’re comfortable the entire time.
Our mission is simple: help you feel better, move better, and live better—safely.
Combining Light and Movement
Red light therapy works best when it’s part of a full treatment plan. That’s why we often pair it with therapeutic exercise, stretching, and manual care.
Light supports healing at the cellular level. Movement rebuilds strength and coordination. Together, they help restore balance to the body and prevent future flare-ups.
Our team believes in addressing the whole person, not just the symptoms. Every session is designed to help you move with more confidence and less discomfort.
Take the Next Step
If inflammation has been holding you back, there’s a way forward. Gentle treatments like red light therapy can help your body recover and feel more at ease again.
At Oklahoma Hand & Physical Therapy, we’re here to guide you with care, compassion, and the latest evidence-based tools. You don’t have to live with constant stiffness or swelling. Relief might be closer than you think.
Call us today at (918) 645-3143 to learn more or schedule a consultation.
Let’s help you move freely again—one light at a time.
