Red Light Therapy for Fibromyalgia: Promising Pain Relief and Broader Benefits

We aren’t making any claims in this article; we are simply sharing research. 

Let’s discuss Fibromyalgia. This topic is particularly compelling due to the promising research that has emerged over the years.

In Summary:

Is red light therapy beneficial for fibromyalgia? Current research findings are highly encouraging. However, it’s important to first take a step back and examine the fundamental nature of fibromyalgia.

Fibromyalgia is a chronic disorder marked by widespread pain, fatigue, stiffness, sleep disturbances, anxiety, and depression. The pain occurs throughout the body and at specific tender points. It is estimated to affect up to 5% of the global population, with women comprising the majority of cases. While the exact cause remains unknown, researchers believe it may involve a combination of peripheral nervous system sensitization, chronic inflammation, immune system activity, genetic predisposition, and lifestyle factors.

In relation to lifestyle factors, interventions such as dietary changes, natural supplements, sleep optimization, and other supportive strategies may offer benefits. Prescription medications are also commonly utilized in the management of fibromyalgia.

Encouragingly, research suggests that red light therapy may offer a wide range of benefits for individuals with fibromyalgia. Studies have reported reductions in pain, stiffness, anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbances, along with improvements in joint function, range of motion, and overall quality of life.

Currently, no single treatment protocol has been universally established, but full-body red light therapy appears to show the most promise. Additionally, targeted high-powered red light therapy applied directly to areas of fibromyalgia-related pain may offer further benefit.

Combining red light therapy with additional strategies—such as exercise within individual tolerance, appropriate medications, and cognitive behavioral therapy—appears to offer the most effective outcomes. Therefore, red light therapy should be viewed as one component of a broader, multidisciplinary approach.

In studies involving full-body red light therapy, treatments are most commonly administered twice per week. However, adjustments to this frequency may be appropriate based on individual response, and outcomes should be monitored to determine what is most effective on a case-by-case basis. Overall, the outlook for individuals with fibromyalgia continues to improve, not only through the potential of red light therapy but also through advancements in treatment options and a growing scientific understanding of the condition.

Fibromyalgia: Understanding Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Approaches

The following section examines recent scientific reviews on fibromyalgia. These reviews synthesize and evaluate findings from earlier studies on the condition. For this analysis, reviews published within the past five years were selected (1; 2; 3; 4; 5; 6; 7; 8; 9; 10; 11; 12; 13).

Learning about Fibromyalgia

A recent review provides a clear and comprehensive overview of the fundamental aspects of fibromyalgia:

"Fibromyalgia is a syndrome characterized by chronic widespread musculoskeletal pain, which may or may not be associated with muscle or joint stiffness, accompanied by other symptoms such as fatigue, sleep disturbances, anxiety, and depression. It is a highly prevalent condition globally, being considered the third most common musculoskeletal disorder, following lower back pain and osteoarthritis. It is more prevalent in women than in men, and although it can occur at any age, it is more common between the ages of thirty and thirty-five. Although the pathophysiology and etiopathogenesis remain largely unknown, three underlying processes in fibromyalgia have been investigated. These include central sensitization, associated with an increase in the release of both excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters; peripheral sensitization, involving alterations in peripheral nociceptor signaling; and inflammatory and immune mechanisms that develop concurrently with the aforementioned processes. Furthermore, it has been determined that genetic, endocrine, psychological, and sleep disorders may influence the development of this pathology." (1).

It is important to note that in cases of lower back pain, a specific cause or identifiable physiological disturbance is not always present.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Fibromyalgia

Pain remains a central feature of fibromyalgia, with nervous system sensitization playing a significant role. However, the condition is complex, and no single treatment has been identified as universally optimal (1). A broad-spectrum approach is generally considered most effective, with red light therapy recommended as one potential component within a larger therapeutic framework.

Exercise, along with manual or physical therapy, has been shown to provide benefits (1). Pharmacological treatments may also be effective, though they can carry potential drawbacks (2). Ultimately, there is no straightforward or universally applicable solution. Notably, fibromyalgia itself has, at times, been questioned as a valid medical diagnosis (2), reflecting the ongoing complexity and debate surrounding the condition.

Despite these complexities, the following summarizes what researchers have reported on the topic:

"The syndrome’s impact on quality of life is profound, affecting daily activities, sleep, cognitive function, and social interactions. Diagnosis has evolved from reliance on tender points to a more comprehensive assessment, emphasizing the widespread nature of pain and associated symptoms. The risk factors, including gender predominance, genetic predisposition, and comorbid conditions, contribute to the complexity of fibromyalgia." (14)

Exercise, physical activity, stress management, and improved sleep hygiene have all been shown to influence fibromyalgia symptoms (3; 5; 14). Psychological interventions, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), may also provide benefit (14). Evidence suggests that a combination of multiple therapeutic approaches often yields the most favorable outcomes (4; 5).

More broadly, fibromyalgia and its associated symptoms are influenced by a wide range of factors (6), including exposure to air pollutants, electromagnetic fields (EMFs), past trauma (particularly in childhood), infections, and psychological stress.

Understanding the Impact of Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is not a rare condition, affecting up to approximately 5% of the global population (7). An estimated 80–96% of those diagnosed are women (7).

Diagnosis commonly occurs in individuals in their 30s, though it is often delayed due to symptom overlap with other medical conditions.

Chronic pain associated with fibromyalgia has been linked to an increased risk of mood and sleep disorders(15). The combined effects of persistent pain and disrupted sleep may also contribute to cognitive impairments over time. Additionally, there is a documented association between fibromyalgia and conditions such as anxiety and depression—an understandable correlation given the ongoing nature of the pain(16). In many cases, fibromyalgia can result in reduced work activity or even the inability to participate in the labor force (17).

Advancements in Fibromyalgia Treatment Approaches

Here’s some good news…The decentralized web enables individuals with fibromyalgia to connect and share experiences related to symptom management and treatment strategies.

According to a 2023 review, researchers highlighted these developments with a renewed focus on:

"the role of inflammation, gut dysbiosis, and neuroinflammation, and possible treatment options, including medications such as antioxidants and kinin antagonists, neurostimulation, and mind-body interventions. Although ketamine, vitamin D, and hormone therapy have shown promise in reducing [Fibromyalgia] symptoms, further research is needed to optimize their use. Neurostimulation techniques, such as transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, transcranial direct-current stimulation and transcranial magnetic stimulation, have been investigated in terms of their efficacy in reducing pain and improving the quality of life. Finally, the role of nutrition is discussed as study findings suggest that weight control, modified high-antioxidant diets, and nutritional supplementation can help to alleviate the symptoms of [Fibromyalgia]." (9)

The 2024 update of that review offers a more in-depth examination of the physiological mechanisms underlying fibromyalgia (10), reflecting the rapid advancement of research in this area.

Nutrition and Supplement Strategies for Fibromyalgia

While not the primary focus of this article, it is worth exploring the role of nutrition and supplements in managing fibromyalgia (11; 12; 13). A recent review on this topic states:

"In total these studies investigated 17 different nutritional interventions. Significant improvements in reported pain were observed for those following a vegan diet, as well as with the low fermentable oligo di-monosaccharides and polyols (FODMAP) diets. Supplementation with Chlorella green algae, coenzyme Q10, acetyl-l-carnitine or a combination of vitamin C and E significantly improved measures of pain." (11)

Another review says:

"Various nutritional interventions, including vitamin D, magnesium, iron, and probiotics supplementation, have shown potential in reducing [Fibromyalgia] symptoms, such as chronic pain, anxiety, depression, cognitive dysfunction, sleep disturbances, and gastrointestinal issues. Additionally, weight loss has been associated with reduced inflammation and improved quality of life in FM patients. The review highlights the anti-inflammatory benefits of plant-based diets and the low-FODMAPs diet, which have shown promise in managing [Fibromyalgia] symptoms and related gastrointestinal disorders. Supplements such as vitamin D, magnesium, vitamin B12, coenzyme Q10, probiotics, omega-3 fatty acids, melatonin, S-adenosylmethionine, and acetyl-L-carnitine are discussed for their potential benefits in [Fibromyalgia] management through various mechanisms, including anti-inflammatory effects, modulation of neurotransmitters, and improvement of mitochondrial function." (12)

So, it seems as though you should do what works for you.

Adhering to a Standard American Diet (SAD) or a similar dietary pattern may help improve symptoms. Improving dietary habits can offer meaningful benefits, as lifestyle and nutrition often play a significant role in chronic conditions, particularly those not solely driven by genetics.

The next section will explore the fundamentals of red light therapy, followed by a discussion on its potential relevance as part of a fibromyalgia treatment approach.

What is Red Light Therapy?

As a quick overview, red and near-infrared light can penetrate the body to a depth of several inches, where it interacts with cells at the molecular level. This interaction may help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, leading to increased cellular energy production. Since energy is the fundamental "currency" of the cell, enhanced energy availability can support a wide range of physiological processes.

For example, reported benefits of red light therapy include improvements in skin, nail, and hair health, enhanced blood circulation, increased energy levels, better sleep and nighttime recovery, improved athletic performance, and cognitive support. Additionally, research suggests potential benefits in the prevention and management of various chronic health conditions, including cardiovascular, metabolic (such as type II diabetes), and neurodegenerative disorders. Red light therapy may also influence pain reduction, wound healing, and other aspects of overall health.

Side effects from red light therapy are extremely rare, particularly when used as directed. It is important to follow manufacturer guidelines or consult resources on appropriate dosing. In basic terms, red and near-infrared light is applied to targeted tissue for a few minutes daily, supporting healing and overall health. While the underlying mechanisms are more complex and nuanced, this simplified explanation provides a useful starting point for general understanding.

The following section provides a detailed overview of red light therapy in the context of fibromyalgia highlighting its potential effects, limitations, and what individuals may realistically expect.

Key Benefits of Red Light Therapy for Fibromyalgia

Below is a summary of the studies into Fibromyalgia. A review of all available human research on light therapy for fibromyalgia reveals several reported benefits:

• Reduction in overall fibromyalgia symptoms
• Decreased pain, both general and at fibromyalgia-specific tender points
• Reduced tenderness and stiffness
• Lower levels of fatigue
• Fewer sleep disturbances
• Decreased symptoms of depression and anxiety

The studies utilize a wide range of wavelengths within the red and near-infrared light spectrum. Some also employ full-spectrum near-infrared light, spanning from approximately 780 nm to 1,400 nm. These investigations have yielded promising results.

Other studies have employed high-powered light therapy, often using lasers targeted at fibromyalgia-specific points on the body. These studies have reported promising outcomes, typically requiring higher energy doses—up to approximately 130 J/cm². In contrast, studies using much lower doses, such as 2 J/cm², generally do not demonstrate significant effects. A few studies have found no notable impact, often attributed to insufficient dosing.

Finally, some studies have combined light therapy with aerobic exercise, resulting in enhanced therapeutic effects. However, research utilizing lower dosages or suboptimal application methods often reports limited or no improvement. Overall, red light therapy shows considerable promise for fibromyalgia management, though further investigation is wanted.

Red Light Therapy and Fibromyalgia: What the Research Shows

Currently, there are 26 studies focused specifically on red light therapy for fibromyalgia, all of which involve human participants or are reviews based on prior human research (18). As a result, animal studies are not included in this analysis. The following sections will examine the most recent systematic reviews along with the individual human trials.

Human Studies

First, the human studies will be reviewed to assess the conclusions that can be drawn from the available data.

• One randomized controlled trial (RCT) utilized a high-intensity laser with a wavelength of 1,064 nm (19). The study reported improvements in several key measures, including the Revised Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (RFIQ), overall pain intensity, tenderness at fibromyalgia-specific pressure points, and overall quality of life—indicating positive outcomes.
• A second randomized controlled trial (RCT) investigated the effects of 808 nm light (20). Participants were divided into four groups: placebo, aerobic exercise, light therapy, and a combination of light therapy with aerobic exercise. All groups showed improvements in pain and quality of life. The light therapy was administered locally, although the exact dosing parameters are not clearly defined. The intervention consisted of two sessions per week over a 12-week period.
• Another study examined whole-body light therapy (21; 22). The outcomes were qualitative in nature, focusing on the participants' personal experiences (22). The system emits light at wavelengths of 660 nm and 850 nm. Reported results from the study were notably positive, with participants describing substantial improvements. The following examples highlight some of these outcomes, beginning with reductions in pain (22).

And on mood (22):

Here’s what was said about sleep quality (22)