Lesson 1 of 8 · 3 min
What Is Light Therapy?
Light therapy is the use of specific colors of light, most commonly red and near-infrared, to support the body's natural recovery and regenerative processes. You may have heard it called LLLT (Low Level Light Therapy), red light therapy, or laser therapy. The modern name for it is photobiomodulation, or PBM for short.
The idea is simple: when the right wavelength of light shines on the skin, the cells underneath absorb that energy and use it to work better. People use it for things like sore muscles, stiff joints, sleep, mood, skin, and general recovery. But consistency and the right protocol matter.
This course gives you the basics so you can start using a device confidently and safely. If you want to go deeper, learn protocols for clients, and earn a real certification, we recommend our Certified Light Therapist course at the end.
Key takeaways
- Modern name: Photobiomodulation (PBM)
- Common uses: pain, recovery, skin, sleep, mood
- Consistency and the right protocol matter
- This is the basics, the certification course goes deeper
Section quiz
Check your understanding
Answer all 5 questions. Score 80% or higher (4 of 5) to unlock the next section.
- 1.
What is the modern name for what used to be called Low Level Light Therapy (LLLT)?
- 2.
Which two types of light are most commonly used in light therapy?
- 3.
Which of the following is NOT a common everyday use of light therapy?
- 4.
Light therapy works by:
- 5.
What is the goal of this introductory course?