What Frequency Is Best for Red Light Therapy?
TL;DR
- Frequency in red light therapy refers to how many times per second the light pulses on and off, measured in Hertz (Hz). Continuous light has no frequency setting because it does not pulse.
- Most LED red light therapy devices use continuous light, not pulsed light. For LED devices, frequency is not a primary driver of effectiveness.
- The pulsed light research most commonly cited online comes from laser studies, where pulsing reduces heat buildup. LEDs produce far less heat and do not have the same requirement.
- What actually determines results is wavelength, irradiance, and consistency of use. These matter far more than whether a device pulses.
- StreamShop's TGA-approved panels are fully adjustable from 0 to 10,000 Hz, giving users precise control over pulse frequency. For most applications, continuous mode is the standard recommended approach.
Frequency is one of the more confusing topics in red light therapy, partly because the term means different things depending on context. When people search for the frequency of red light therapy, they are usually asking one of two things: what Hz setting should they use on their device, or what is the physical frequency of red light as a wavelength?
This article answers both, explains where the pulsed light debate comes from, and clarifies what the research actually says about what drives red light therapy results.
What Is the Frequency of Red Light?
In physics, the frequency of light refers to how many wave cycles occur per second, measured in terahertz (THz). Red light sits within the visible spectrum at wavelengths of approximately 620 to 700 nanometres, which corresponds to a physical frequency of roughly 430 to 480 THz. Near-infrared light, which sits just beyond the visible spectrum, has longer wavelengths (700 to 1100nm) and lower corresponding frequencies.
This physical frequency is fixed by the wavelength of the light itself and is not something you adjust on a device. When people refer to frequency settings on a red light therapy device, they are talking about something different: the pulse rate of the light, measured in Hertz (Hz).
What Is Red Light Therapy Frequency in Hz?
In the context of red light therapy devices, frequency refers to how many times per second the light switches on and off in a pulsed mode. This is measured in Hertz (Hz):
- 1 Hz means the light pulses once per second.
- 10 Hz means ten on/off cycles per second.
- 40 Hz means forty on/off cycles per second.
- Continuous wave light does not pulse at all. It has no Hz setting because it is simply on.
Most LED red light therapy panels operate in continuous mode by default. Some devices offer selectable pulse frequencies as an additional feature, but continuous light is the standard for LED-based photobiomodulation.
What Is the Best Hz for Red Light Therapy?
For LED devices, the honest answer is that continuous light is the most well-supported approach for most applications. The concept of an optimal Hz setting for LED therapy is largely derived from laser research, which does not directly translate to LED devices.
Where the pulsed light idea comes from
The most commonly cited research on pulsed light in photobiomodulation comes from laser-based studies. Lasers produce highly focused, coherent light that can generate significant heat in tissue when used continuously. Pulsing the laser allows heat to dissipate between pulses, preventing burns while still delivering therapeutic energy. A 2010 review by Dr. Michael Hamblin is frequently referenced in this context.
This finding has been widely interpreted to mean that pulsed light is superior for all types of light therapy, including LED panels. That interpretation is not accurate.
Why LED devices are different
LEDs produce incoherent, dispersed light that spreads evenly over a large area and generates far less heat than lasers. The heat management rationale for pulsing does not apply in the same way. For LED devices, continuous exposure ensures the maximum amount of light energy reaches the tissue during the session. Pulsing an LED means the light is off for a portion of the session, which reduces the total energy delivered.
There is currently no strong clinical evidence demonstrating that pulsed LED light produces superior therapeutic outcomes compared to continuous LED light for the conditions most commonly treated with red light therapy.
When pulse frequencies may be relevant
Some research areas have explored specific pulse frequencies for particular applications. 40 Hz pulsing has attracted interest in neurological research, with some studies examining its effects on gamma wave activity in the brain. 10 Hz is sometimes used in protocols targeting relaxation and sleep. These are niche applications, and the evidence remains early-stage for most.
StreamShop's TGA-approved panels are adjustable from 0 to 10,000 Hz, and the portable pad features 10 Hz and 40 Hz modes. For the majority of applications including pain, recovery, skin health, and general wellness, continuous mode is appropriate.
What Actually Determines Red Light Therapy Results?
Rather than focusing on frequency or Hz settings, the research consistently points to three factors that have the greatest impact on outcomes:
Wavelength
Wavelength determines which tissues the light reaches and what cellular processes it stimulates. The most clinically supported wavelengths are:
- 630nm to 660nm. Standard red light. Most effective for skin health, wound healing, collagen stimulation, and surface-level applications.
- 810nm to 850nm. Near-infrared. Penetrates deeper into muscle, joint tissue, and subcutaneous layers. Well-evidenced for muscle recovery, joint pain, and inflammation.
- 940nm. Mid-range near-infrared with an affinity for water in tissue, supporting circulation and lymphatic function.
- 1060nm. Extended near-infrared. Deepest penetration of commonly available wavelengths, relevant for chronic pain and deep tissue applications.
Irradiance
Irradiance measures how much light energy reaches the skin surface, expressed in milliwatts per square centimetre (mW/cm2). Higher irradiance delivers more energy to tissue in the same session time, which generally produces faster and more noticeable results. Wattage alone is not a reliable indicator of irradiance, as it does not account for how the light is distributed across the panel surface.
Consistency
Photobiomodulation works cumulatively. Sessions of 10 to 20 minutes, three to five times per week over several weeks, consistently outperform irregular or infrequent use regardless of device settings. Showing up consistently matters more than optimising Hz.
StreamShop Devices and Frequency Settings
StreamShop's TGA-approved range includes devices with both continuous and adjustable pulse modes, giving users the flexibility to follow standard protocols or explore pulsed options where relevant.
- TGA-approved medical grade desktop panel. Nine wavelengths including 1060nm near-infrared. 160 mW/cm2 irradiance. Fully adjustable pulse frequency from 0 to 10,000 Hz with app-controlled session settings.
- SS600 Pro full-body panel. Nine wavelengths including 1060nm. 181.3 mW/cm2 irradiance. Fully adjustable pulse frequency from 0 to 10,000 Hz. StreamShop's highest-output panel for full-body deep tissue applications.
- Portable red light therapy pad with near-infrared. Wearable, targeted device featuring 10 Hz and 40 Hz pulse modes alongside continuous operation. Suited for localised applications including pelvic pain, joint support, and muscle recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the frequency of red light therapy?
In device terms, frequency refers to the pulse rate of the light measured in Hertz (Hz). Continuous light does not pulse and has no frequency setting. In physics terms, the frequency of red light as an electromagnetic wave is approximately 430 to 480 THz, determined by its wavelength. Most people asking this question are interested in the device setting rather than the physics definition.
What is red light therapy frequency in Hz?
Hz in red light therapy refers to how many times per second the light pulses on and off. 10 Hz means ten pulses per second. 40 Hz means forty. Most LED devices default to continuous mode (no pulsing), which is the standard recommended approach for most applications. Some devices offer adjustable Hz settings as an optional feature.
What is the best Hz for red light therapy?
For LED devices, continuous mode is the most well-supported approach for general use. There is no clinically established optimal Hz setting for LED photobiomodulation. 40 Hz has been explored in neurological research contexts, and 10 Hz in relaxation and sleep protocols, but these are early-stage findings for specific applications. For most users, continuous light at appropriate wavelengths and irradiance is the right approach.
How many Hz for red light therapy?
Most LED red light therapy panels operate in continuous mode, effectively 0 Hz. Devices that offer pulse settings vary widely in range. StreamShop's TGA-approved panels adjust from 0 to 10,000 Hz. Neither a specific Hz setting nor pulsing itself is necessary for effective therapy in most cases. The decision to use a pulse frequency should be based on the specific protocol you are following rather than a general assumption that pulsed is better.
What is the hertz frequency of red light therapy?
Hertz in red light therapy refers to the pulse rate of a device set to pulsed mode, not a property of the light wavelength itself. Continuous LED devices do not have a Hz setting. StreamShop's TGA-approved panels are adjustable from 0 to 10,000 Hz, offering full control over pulse frequency for users following specific protocols.
Is pulsed red light better than continuous?
For LED devices, continuous light is generally considered more effective because it delivers more total energy to the tissue per session. The research supporting pulsed light comes primarily from laser studies, where pulsing manages heat. LEDs do not have the same heat issue and do not benefit from pulsing in the same way. Some specific applications like neurological protocols use pulse frequencies, but for most users, continuous is the appropriate choice.
Does frequency affect red light therapy results?
For LED devices, frequency has less impact on results than wavelength, irradiance, and consistency of use. Choosing the right wavelengths for your goals and using a device with adequate irradiance consistently over several weeks will produce better outcomes than optimising Hz settings.
What is the frequency of red light as a wavelength?
Red light sits within the visible spectrum at approximately 620 to 700 nanometres wavelength, corresponding to a physical frequency of roughly 430 to 480 terahertz (THz). Near-infrared light has longer wavelengths and lower frequencies. These physical frequencies are properties of the light itself and are not adjustable on a device.