How Red Light Therapy Works

A practical overview for operators: what the technology does, what clients experience, and how it fits into a clinic workflow.

The Basics

Red light therapy delivers specific wavelengths of visible red and near-infrared light to the body during a timed session. The light is non-UV, non-thermal at the skin surface, and the session is comfortable — most clients describe a gentle warmth.

Full-body systems like the Dahlia Pinnacle Bed deliver light across the entire body simultaneously, providing consistent coverage in a single 12 to 15 minute session. This is what makes full-body beds practical for high-throughput clinic environments.

What Happens During a Session

The client lies comfortably in the bed while the system delivers calibrated light across multiple wavelengths. The bed runs a pre-programmed protocol — no manual adjustment needed. After the session completes, the client exits and the bed is ready for the next appointment.

Staff involvement is minimal after initial client orientation. Most sessions are effectively self-serve, which is a key factor in the bed's operational efficiency.

Why Operators Add It

Operators add red light therapy as a general wellness service because it creates a new revenue line with predictable session economics. The combination of short session times, low staff involvement, and strong client demand makes it practical for daily clinic throughput.

Common use cases include standalone wellness sessions, add-on services paired with existing treatments, membership-based access, and package-based programs.

Wavelengths and Modalities

Dahlia systems deliver light across red (visible) and near-infrared (NIR) wavelengths. The Pinnacle Bed includes 5 unique modalities — pre-configured protocols designed to support different general wellness goals. Each modality adjusts wavelength mix, intensity, and timing.

For more detail on wavelength science and how red and NIR light differ, see our wavelengths guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. 'Red light therapy' and 'photobiomodulation' (PBM) describe the same general category. PBM is the more technical term used in research literature. Both are appropriate for operator and client communications.

Full-body sessions on the Dahlia Pinnacle Bed run 12 to 15 minutes. Focused-area sessions with Summit Pads run approximately 20 minutes.

Most clients report a gentle warmth during the session. The experience is comfortable and relaxing. No UV exposure is involved.

Session frequency depends on individual goals and practitioner guidance. Many operators offer packages of 2 to 3 sessions per week as a general wellness routine.

Content is for general information only and is not medical advice. Results vary. Consult qualified professionals regarding health decisions.

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