Athletic trainers are constantly looking for efficient ways to support recovery, manage pain, and keep athletes progressing through rehabilitation. As red light therapy (RLT), also known as photobiomodulation, gains traction in sports medicine, many clinicians are exploring how it can fit into existing treatment plans. One of the biggest advantages of red light therapy is that it can be integrated into established clinical workflows without disrupting other interventions.
Where Red Light Therapy Fits in the Athletic Training Setting
Unlike some modalities that require significant changes to treatment routines, red light therapy can be used alongside many interventions commonly performed by athletic trainers. It can be paired with treatments such as soft tissue techniques, cupping, dry needling, massage, and joint mobilizations, either concurrently or as part of a sequential treatment plan.
For athletic trainers working with high school, collegiate, or professional athletes, this flexibility makes RLT a practical addition to a busy sports medicine environment.
Consider Replacing Traditional Heat and Ice
Many athletic training facilities rely on heat before activity and ice after treatment or exercise. Red light therapy wraps offer an alternative approach by delivering red and near-infrared light directly to the treatment area while providing a comfortable warming sensation.
Before exercise or rehabilitation, RLT may help prepare tissues for movement while addressing discomfort. After training, competition, or treatment sessions, it can be used to support recovery efforts and help manage pain and inflammation. This allows athletic trainers to maintain familiar workflows while incorporating an emerging recovery modality.
Supporting Rehabilitation Progressions
One challenge in sports medicine is maximizing treatment time without limiting athlete participation. Because red light wraps are secured directly to the body, athletes may be able to wear them while performing select therapeutic exercises, functional movements, or activities of daily living. Both passive and active applications can be practical options for clinicians.
This creates opportunities to continue treatment while athletes remain engaged in their rehabilitation program rather than spending additional time on separate modality sessions.
Potential Benefits for Athletes
Photobiomodulation may support several goals commonly addressed by athletic trainers, including:
- Pain management without medication.
- Regulation of inflammation during both acute and chronic conditions.
- Support for tissue healing and recovery.
- Enhanced cellular energy production through increased ATP activity.
These effects have made red light therapy an increasingly discussed modality in sports recovery and rehabilitation settings.
Getting Started
Athletic trainers interested in incorporating red light therapy do not need to redesign their entire treatment approach. A practical first step is identifying areas where traditional heat or cold packs are currently used and evaluating whether RLT could be integrated into those portions of care. Product options such as the Fringe Red Light Wrap and Cramer Red Light Therapy x Fringe can help athletic trainers apply red and near-infrared light therapy in a practical, treatment-room-friendly format. Its compatibility with other treatments makes it easy to incorporate into existing rehabilitation and recovery protocols.
Bottom Line
For athletic trainers, red light therapy offers a versatile option that can be incorporated into many aspects of athlete care. Whether used during rehabilitation, alongside manual therapy techniques, or as part of a recovery strategy, RLT can fit seamlessly into existing workflows while supporting the overall goal of helping athletes recover, perform, and return to play.
This is the first of a series of articles covering the uses of red light therapy. Keep and eye on our article homepage for more series like this one!
Medical Disclaimer: The information provided on this site, including text, graphics, images, and other material are for informational purposes only and are not intended to substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other healthcare professional with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your condition.
