Regenerative medicine
Red Light Therapy and photobiomodulation.
Physician-guided light sessions, offered within a structured recovery, performance or longevity protocol.
What it is
Light, at the right dose.
Red Light Therapy, also called photobiomodulation (PBM), uses specific wavelengths of red and near-infrared light to stimulate activity in the mitochondria, the energy-producing part of the cell. Unlike UV light, it does not damage the skin.
Red light, around 600 to 700 nm, and near-infrared light, around 780 to 950 nm, stimulate an enzyme called cytochrome c oxidase in the mitochondria, increasing ATP production and modulating processes involved in tissue repair, inflammation control and collagen synthesis. Dosing follows a biphasic response: too little under-stimulates, too much blunts the benefit. Your treating physician sets session length and distance within evidence-based ranges, individualised for your goals and skin type.
Who typically uses this
Recovery, skin, and add-on support.
Red Light Therapy at Modern Health is offered as adjunctive, physician-guided support within a wider plan, not as a stand-alone quick fix.
Session types and lengths
Full-body or targeted, 12 or 20 minutes.
Full-body panel
Systemic recovery and wellness protocols, 12 minutes standard or 20 minutes extended.
Targeted panel
A specific area, joint or region, 12 minutes standard or 20 minutes extended.
Format
Single session pay-as-you-go, or 5 and 10-session packages at a reduced per-session rate.
What to expect
Warm, and unhurried.
A single session, from eyewear to walking out.
Protective eyewear
Fitted and checked before the light is activated.
Positioning
You are positioned at the correct distance for your protocol.
Rest during the session
A warm, comfortable sensation at the skin, no pain, no UV, while you rest.
No downtime
You are free to continue your day as normal straight after your session.
Getting ready
Before, on arrival, and after.
Before you arrive
- Keep the treatment area clean and free of make-up, sunscreen or oils
- Avoid photosensitising topical products
- Tell us about new medications or recent isotretinoin use
- Tell us about new skin lesions or changes
On arrival
- Protective eyewear is issued and checked
- Tell the team if you are or may be pregnant
- Confirm your signed consent is current, renewed annually or on protocol change
- Ask anything before your session begins
After
- Standard sun protection on the treated area for the rest of the day
- Mild warmth or redness is normal and settles in 1 to 2 hours
- Contact us before your next session if you notice blistering, prolonged redness or pain
Safety and suitability
Screened first, always.
Red Light Therapy is low risk and well tolerated, but not appropriate for everyone. A brief screening ahead of your first session, and at each renewal, confirms your suitability.
Contraindications include
- Active malignancy at the treatment site
- Photosensitising medication, for example isotretinoin or certain antibiotics
- Photosensitising supplements, for example St John's Wort
- Known photosensitive seizure disorder
Please discuss with us if you have
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding, site dependent
- A new or changing skin lesion in the treatment area
- A history of photosensitivity or unusual reactions to light
- Any recent change in medication or supplements
Pricing
Session rates, ZAR, VAT inclusive.
Packages are pre-paid at a reduced per-session rate.
Single session
| Session | Price |
|---|---|
| Single, 12 minutes | R500 |
| Single, 20 minutes | R800 |
5-session package
| Package | Price | Per session | Saving |
|---|---|---|---|
| x5, 12 minutes | R2 250 | R450 | Save R250 |
| x5, 20 minutes | R3 600 | R720 | Save R400 |
10-session package
| Package | Price | Per session |
|---|---|---|
| x10, 12 minutes | R4 000 | R400 |
| x10, 20 minutes | R6 400 | R640 |
Screening with a Modern Health physician before your first session.
Package terms on request.
Common questions
Questions, answered.
How long is a session?
A standard session is 12 minutes and an extended session is 20 minutes. Your treating physician sets session length and distance from the panel within evidence-informed ranges for your goals and skin type.
Do I need eye protection?
Yes. Protective eyewear is fitted and checked before the light is activated. The light is red and near-infrared, not UV, so it does not carry the skin-damage risk of UV exposure.
Can I have red light therapy if I am on medication?
Some medications and supplements increase light sensitivity, including isotretinoin, certain antibiotics and St John's Wort. Tell us about any medication or supplement changes before each session; a brief screening confirms suitability.
What should I do after a session?
Use standard sun protection on the treated area for the rest of the day. Mild warmth or redness is normal and usually settles within one to two hours. Contact us before your next session if you notice blistering, prolonged redness or pain.
Are package sessions available?
Yes. 5-session and 10-session packages are available at a reduced per-session rate. Prices are shown in the session rates table on this page.
Ready to talk to a physician about Red Light Therapy?
Book a consultation with one of our physicians, or get in touch first if you have a question.
This page is for general information only and does not constitute medical advice. Suitability for Red Light Therapy is confirmed at your screening appointment with a Modern Health physician.