Near infrared therapy is often discussed alongside red light therapy, but researchers study it for somewhat different reasons.
Although near infrared light is invisible to the human eye, it penetrates deeper into tissue than visible red light.
This deeper penetration has made near infrared one of the most actively studied wavelengths in photobiomodulation research.
What Is Near Infrared Therapy?
Near infrared (NIR) light occupies the portion of the electromagnetic spectrum immediately beyond visible red light.
Near infrared wavelengths typically range from approximately 700 to 1,400 nanometers.
Unlike red light, which is absorbed primarily by the skin and superficial tissues, near infrared light can penetrate deeper into the body.
This difference is one reason researchers often study red light and near infrared together.
Tissue Penetration
One of the most important characteristics of near infrared light is its ability to reach deeper tissues.
Researchers believe this deeper penetration may allow near infrared wavelengths to influence biological processes occurring beneath the surface of the skin.
As a result, near infrared research often focuses on:
- Muscle tissue
- Connective tissue
- Joint support
- Recovery processes
- Cellular signaling
Recovery and Exercise Research
Near infrared therapy has been studied in relation to exercise recovery and physical performance.
Researchers continue to investigate whether specific wavelengths may support normal recovery processes following physical activity.
Interest in this area has made near infrared therapy popular among athletes, rehabilitation specialists, and wellness practitioners.
Wound Healing and Tissue Repair
Like red light therapy, near infrared therapy has also been studied for wound healing and tissue repair.
Researchers have examined its potential role in:
- Cellular signaling
- Tissue regeneration
- Recovery processes
- Biological repair mechanisms
Because near infrared penetrates deeper than visible red light, some researchers believe it may influence tissues that are less accessible to visible wavelengths.
Photobiomodulation and Cellular Activity
Most near infrared research falls within the field of photobiomodulation.
Researchers believe near infrared wavelengths may influence cellular activity through interactions with structures involved in energy production and cellular signaling.
One commonly studied target is cytochrome c oxidase, an enzyme found within mitochondria.
Although research continues to evolve, these mechanisms remain central to current photobiomodulation theory.
What Does the Research Suggest?
The strongest body of near infrared research currently focuses on:
- Photobiomodulation
- Tissue penetration
- Recovery
- Wound healing
- Cellular signaling
- Tissue repair
As research continues, scientists are working to better understand how specific wavelengths influence biological processes within the body.
Related Reading
Photobiomodulation: Understanding How Light Influences Cellular Function
https://celebrationsaunas.com/photobiomodulation/
ATP and Mitochondria: Understanding the Body’s Cellular Energy System
https://celebrationsaunas.com/atp-and-mitochondria/
Red Light, Near Infrared, and Far Infrared Therapy: What Each Wavelength Does in the Body
https://celebrationsaunas.com/red-light-near-infrared-and-far-infrared-therapy/
Red Light Therapy Research: What the Studies Show
https://celebrationsaunas.com/red-light-therapy-research/
Far Infrared Therapy Research: What the Studies Show
https://celebrationsaunas.com/far-infrared-therapy-research/
Sources & Further Reading
Photobiomodulation or Low-Level Light Therapy (Hamblin MR)
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5844808/
Red and Near-Infrared Light Therapy for Wound Healing and Tissue Repair
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5523874/