PHOTOBIOMODULATION THERAPY
Red Light Therapy
Light That Works at the Cellular Level
Clinically known as photobiomodulation, RLT uses red and near-infrared light to trigger cellular repair, reduce inflammation, and boost circulation — with zero downtime.
WHAT IS RED LIGHT THERAPY
Light That Works at the Cellular Level
Red Light Therapy (RLT) — clinically known as photobiomodulation — uses specific wavelengths of red (660nm) and near-infrared (850nm) light to penetrate skin and soft tissue, triggering a cascade of beneficial cellular responses.
At these wavelengths, light is absorbed by mitochondria — the energy centers of your cells — stimulating increased ATP production, accelerating tissue repair, reducing local inflammation, and improving circulation to the treated area.
Unlike UV light, red and near-infrared wavelengths are non-damaging and non-thermal at therapeutic doses. The mechanism is photochemical, not heat-based — making RLT safe, comfortable, and highly effective when applied by a trained practitioner.
THE SCIENCE
Two Wavelengths, Two Depths
Light Penetration Depth
660nm — Red Light
~2–3mm
Targets surface tissue, skin, and capillaries. Best for local inflammation and surface-level repair.
850nm — Near-Infrared
~5–10mm
Penetrates deeper — reaching muscle, joint, and bone tissue. Effective for deep recovery and circulation.
Red (660nm) — Visible spectrum. Absorbed by cytochrome c oxidase in mitochondria.
NIR (850nm) — Invisible, non-thermal. Deeper cellular mitochondrial activation.
ATP Production Boost
Photons at these wavelengths are absorbed by mitochondria, triggering increased adenosine triphosphate (ATP) synthesis — the energy currency of cellular repair and recovery.
Inflammation Modulation
RLT reduces pro-inflammatory cytokines and increases anti-inflammatory markers, modulating the inflammatory response without suppressing the recovery signals your body needs.
Enhanced Circulation
Nitric oxide release triggered by RLT dilates blood vessels, improving local circulation and nutrient delivery to stressed tissue — a key driver of faster recovery between training sessions.
BENEFITS
What Red Light Therapy Does
Every benefit below is a direct result of the photochemical process triggered at the mitochondrial level — not heat, not placebo, not passive rest.
Accelerated Recovery
Speeds up tissue repair and reduces delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS), letting you return to peak output faster between sessions.
Reduced Inflammation
Targets local inflammatory markers at the cellular level — particularly effective when paired with NeuX therapy or following high-intensity training sessions.
Improved Circulation
Stimulates vasodilation through nitric oxide release, increasing blood flow to the target area and enhancing nutrient delivery to recovering muscle.
Cellular Energy Production
Boosts mitochondrial ATP output — the fuel that powers every cellular repair process, from protein synthesis to connective tissue remodeling.
Comfortable & Non-Invasive
No heat, no pain, no recovery time. RLT sessions are completely passive — most clients report a mild warming sensation at most.
Works for All Clients
Equally effective for post-athletic recovery, general soreness management, and clients seeking better tissue health — regardless of age or fitness level.
PRICING & ACCESS
Included in Every Eligible Session
Red Light Therapy at Surge is not a standalone appointment or a paid upgrade — it's a complementary tool available upon request within your Personal Training or Recovery Session.
Your trainer applies it where it delivers the most value for your specific session — post-exercise for inflammation reduction, pre-exercise for tissue priming, or as part of a recovery protocol alongside NeuX and cupping.
The result: access to a professional-grade RLT system, guided by a certified trainer, at no additional cost beyond your standard session rate.
SESSIONS THAT INCLUDE RLT
Personal Training Session
From $130–$150 / session
RLT INCLUDED
Recovery Session
From $112.50–$150 / session
RLT INCLUDED
Tandem Personal Training (2-on-1)
$240 / session · per pair
RLT INCLUDED
Note: Red Light Therapy is available upon request. Let your trainer know at booking or at the start of your session.
WHO BENEFITS
Red Light Therapy Works Best For
Post-Training Recovery
Applied after high-intensity sessions to reduce DOMS, speed muscle repair, and keep you training at full capacity the next day.
Athletes in Season
When training volume is high and recovery windows are tight, RLT compresses the recovery timeline without added load on the body.
Chronic Soreness & Stiffness
Persistent tightness and low-grade inflammation respond well to repeated RLT exposure — particularly when combined with NeuX stimulation.
Targeted Area Treatment
Your trainer positions the panel precisely over the area of concern — a sore shoulder, tight hamstring, or inflamed hip — for focused, localized effect.
CLIENT RESULTS
What Clients Experience
“Had a level 2 ankle sprain in January. Was recovering very slow and aggravating it constantly. A friend recommended these guys and did a free session. The next 1–2 days after that my ankle improved 50%. Did a session once a week for two months and got 100% back. Would have taken 4–6 months otherwise.”
MC
McKay Chauvin
Recovery Session
“Adam is a fantastic physical therapist. He has helped alleviate my shoulder and neck issues that I have been dealing with for a long time. The facilities at Surge are the absolute best in the city.”
JL
Jesse Longhorn
Recovery Session
“Great results on recovery as it accelerates the time back to peak performance.”
JL
Jay Lamy
Training Session
“RJ is the best! He worked with me before my shoulder replacement to help strengthen the muscles around the shoulder so recovery after will be easier and faster. It definitely worked.”
RJ
Rebecca Joseph
Pre-Surgery Strengthening
FAQ
Common Questions
Have a specific question? Contact us at (614) 887-6212.
Does red light therapy hurt or feel hot?
No. At therapeutic doses, RLT produces no heat and causes no discomfort. Most clients report a mild, pleasant warmth at most. The mechanism is photochemical — light absorbed by cells — not thermal.
Do I need to request it, or is it automatic?
It's available upon request. When you book your session or arrive, let your trainer know you'd like RLT included. They'll determine the best timing and placement within your session protocol.
How long does a red light therapy application last within a session?
Typically 10–20 minutes, depending on the target area and what else is included in your session. Your trainer integrates it into the overall session structure, so it doesn't replace or shorten your training time.
Can I use red light therapy if I have a skin condition or take photosensitive medications?
If you take photosensitizing medications (certain antibiotics, for example) or have a skin condition at the target site, let your trainer know before your session. They'll assess whether RLT is appropriate and adjust accordingly.
How does red light therapy pair with NeuX and cupping?
Very well — they target different biological mechanisms and complement each other effectively. NeuX drives neuromuscular activation and blood flow; RLT works at the mitochondrial level; cupping addresses fascial restriction and circulation. Your trainer designs the combination based on your session goals.
ALSO INCLUDED IN SESSIONS
Other Recovery Modalities at Surge
NeuX Technology
Interactive neuromuscular stimulation for deeper muscle activation and faster recovery.
Cupping
Traditional suction-based decompression therapy targeting fascial restriction and circulation.
Personal Training
1-on-1 sessions with a certified trainer, fully personalized to your goals and current condition.
Recovery Session
Dedicated 1-hour recovery focused on reducing soreness, restoring mobility, and accelerating return to performance.
READY TO EXPERIENCE IT?
Red Light Therapy is waiting in your next session.
Book a Training or Recovery Session and let your trainer know you'd like RLT included. No extra cost — just better recovery, built into what you're already doing.