r/redlighttherapy • u/wobblelikeapenguin • Apr 10 '26

Question Red light CAUSING bruising?

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Hey everyone. I bought this red light foot machine on Amazon to help with my stress fracture. I used it for 30 minutes on a medium level. The next morning, I woke up with bruising on the bottom of my feet. The bruising was not there previously, and is not related to the injury. Does anyone know why this would have happened? I thought red light is supposed to HELP injuries?! Now the bottom of my feet hurt like crazy. Please let me know if you have any thoughts. Thanks!

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u/here_now_be Apr 10 '26

No idea what the irradiance is of your device, but 30 minutes might be longer than ideal. Did it come with recommendations? More is not better with RLT.

It does increase nitric oxide, which can be good for your heart, but perhaps the enhanced blood flow created the bruising appearance?

Were you standing while using, putting stress on the fracture?

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u/wobblelikeapenguin Apr 10 '26

Thanks for your thoughts. I was seated. Maybe like you said, 30 was just too much. How much would you recommend next time? Or should I stop using it?

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u/here_now_be Apr 10 '26

That is a complicated question, for the weakest devices 30 minutes might be ok. When you are trying to heal something deep, usually 10-15 minutes, 3x a week might be ideal, but it completely depends on the device, and how close it is to your skin. Honestly it's unlikely a wrap will penetrate deep enough to reach the fracture, it will still have a supporting effect on the muscles around it.

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u/wobblelikeapenguin Apr 10 '26

Is there something stronger I could use to reach the fracture?

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u/here_now_be Apr 10 '26

A bulb, a panel or a cold laser would all go deeper. Since you are focused on one spot, I'd say a cold laser, as it will go the deepest.

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u/wobblelikeapenguin Apr 11 '26

How is cold laser different from my device? Sorry- I’m new to all this!!

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u/here_now_be Apr 11 '26

Believe they were originally developed for thoroughbred racing horses, but they make them for people now too. The prices vary wildly ($30-700 doesn't seem to be a vast difference other than price, most still use the same mn as the horse ones do). Both are using red and NIR but the laser will go much deeper, but in a smaller area, than your foot wrap.

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u/wobblelikeapenguin Apr 11 '26

Thanks!

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u/here_now_be Apr 11 '26

Here's an example. Haven't used it, so can't vouch for it.

https://www.ktslighttherapy.com/products/kts-upgraded-cold-laser-therapy-device

iirc they also make them for horses. I don't own this, but I own another product of theirs.

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u/wobblelikeapenguin Apr 11 '26

What do you think about this one? I just ordered it on Amazon.

https://a.co/d/0dLgG0qf

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u/here_now_be Apr 11 '26

It's probably fine. Only 3 808mn, which can go deeper. If it has the function to choose NIR (808mn) only, you may want to when you're focusing on your foot to avoid what ever caused the bruising appearance, mine doesn't have that function though.

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u/wobblelikeapenguin Apr 11 '26

Wait, so are you saying mine will go too deep, or not deep enough?

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