Are you still suffering from fatigue, breathing problems, or brain fog after a COVID-19 infection? You are not alone. It is estimated that 1 in 5 people experience long-term complaints, even years after the virus. The search for natural ways to support recovery is a daily reality for many.
Red Light Therapy is gaining more attention as a complementary method for long COVID. In this article, you will read what the therapy involves, how it works, and what the possible benefits are.
Note! The text below is not medical advice. This text is compiled based on our own knowledge, customer experiences, and various online sources.
Table of contents
What is long COVID (post-COVID)?
Long COVID, also called post-COVID syndrome, refers to complaints that persist or arise after an infection with the COVID-19 virus. This can occur even after a mild infection. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines long COVID as symptoms that last longer than 12 weeks and cannot be explained otherwise.
What makes long COVID so difficult is that it can affect many different body functions, from your breathing to your concentration. Unfortunately, there is still no clear treatment that works for everyone.
What are the symptoms?
The symptoms of post COVID vary widely. Below is an overview of the most common complaints:
- Severe fatigue, often even after light exertion
- Shortness of breath or tightness
- Muscle and joint pain
- Concentration problems (brain fog)
- Headache
- Sleep problems
- Chest pain
- Loss of taste or smell
- Dizziness
- Heart palpitations
The nature and intensity of symptoms can vary from person to person. Some are symptom-free after a few weeks, others remain limited in their daily life for months or years.
How does Red Light Therapy work?
Red Light Therapy (or light therapy) uses red and near-infrared light with a wavelength between 630 and 850 nanometers. These wavelengths can penetrate deep into the skin without causing damage.
View all Red Light Therapy panels
What exactly happens in your body then?
- The light particles are absorbed by your mitochondria, the energy factories of your cells
- This increases the production of ATP (adenosine triphosphate), the primary energy source for cellular processes
- The result: better cell repair, inflammation reduction, and improved circulation
These effects can help your body recover better from stress or damage, such as that caused by an infection like COVID-19.
How can red light help with post-COVID complaints?
Red Light Therapy is still being extensively researched, but initial insights are promising. Here are some ways this therapy can provide relief for long COVID complaints:
1. More energy with extreme fatigue
Fatigue is one of the most limiting symptoms of long COVID. Because red light therapy increases the energy production in your cells, it can contribute to more physical and mental energy. Some users notice their overall energy level slowly improving after a few weeks of use.
2. Reduction of pain and inflammation
Many people experience long-lasting muscle or joint pain, often caused by inflammation. Red light is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, and can thus contribute to less pain and better mobility.
3. Improved breathing
COVID-19 can cause lasting damage or inflammation in the lungs. By improving blood circulation and reducing inflammation in the chest area, red light therapy may help make breathing easier.
4. Clearer thinking and less brain fog
Red light can also affect the brain, especially when applied to the head or through so-called transcranial light therapy. By bringing more oxygen and energy to brain cells, some users experience a reduction in mental fog and better focus.
How should I use red light lamps?
The great thing about light therapy is that it can be easily applied at home. You don’t need a clinic or doctor for this, although consulting one in case of doubt is always wise.
- Choose a good device: preferably a red light panel or lamp with wavelengths between 660 nm (red) and 850 nm (near-infrared)
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Direct the light to the right zones: for long COVID these are mainly:
- Your chest (for breathing complaints)
- The upper back
- Possibly the head (for cognitive complaints)
- Duration of the session: start with 10-15 minutes at a time, 3 to 5 times per week
- Consistency is important: most people notice effects only after several weeks of regular use
- Use on bare skin, at a short distance (10-30 cm from the device)
What does the science say? Research & studies
There is increasing scientific research on Red Light Therapy for various conditions such as inflammation, chronic fatigue, and brain complaints.
Specific research on long COVID is still in its early stages, but the initial findings are promising:
1. Reducing lung inflammation and improving oxygen uptake
A pilot study in COVID-19 patients showed that Red Light Therapy can reduce inflammatory processes in the lungs while simultaneously improving oxygen saturation. This may be particularly relevant for long COVID patients with persistent breathlessness or respiratory problems.
Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33043132/
2. Relieving cognitive complaints
In a small but promising study, participants with long COVID received transcranial Red Light Therapy on the head. They reported improvements in memory, mental clarity, and focus. The results suggest a positive effect of light therapy on brain function in long-term symptoms.
Source: https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.07.24.25331961v1.full
3. Supporting energy metabolism at the cellular level
Fatigue is one of the most common symptoms of long COVID. Research on photobiomodulation shows that red light stimulates the production of ATP, the energy source of your cells. More ATP means more energy, which can help relieve extreme exhaustion.
Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28748217/
4. Possible support for respiratory complaints
According to a 2021 overview study, Red Light Therapy can help reduce inflammation in the lungs, improve oxygen uptake, and support the immune system in COVID-related symptoms. This makes it an interesting option for people with long COVID who continue to struggle with shortness of breath and breathlessness.
Source: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8233727/
5. New insights on light therapy as an adjunct treatment
A comprehensive review from 2024 discusses how light therapy, including red light, may serve as an adjunct treatment for COVID-19 and long COVID. According to the authors, the therapy appears to have anti-inflammatory effects, promote cell repair, and improve oxygen transport.
Source: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11022193/
Important: although the results are promising, more research is needed to draw definitive conclusions about the effectiveness specifically for long COVID.
Experiences from our customers
Michiel (40), paramedic nurse, recovery with Red Light Therapy
My name is Michiel, I am 40 years old and work as a paramedic nurse in Maastricht. After my long COVID diagnosis in June 2022, my life changed drastically. Where I used to work hard, exercise, and enjoy family life, I was suddenly faced with extreme fatigue. Even a short walk could make me feel sick and exhausted the next day.
On the recommendation of those around me, I started using Red Light Therapy. I use two devices: the Liroma Armor 500, a small, portable lamp that allows me to target specific body parts, and the Liroma PrimeForce RL300, a more powerful panel that covers larger areas of my body at once.
I like the RL60 because I can use it exactly where I need it, for example, for muscle pain. The Force RL300 gives a slight warm sensation that helps relax my muscles, especially after a tough day. By applying the therapy every other day, I notice my muscles recover faster and my overall energy level improves.
What is important to me: I use the lamps in a calm environment, without distractions. No music, no phone: just me, the light, and my breathing. That moment of calm helps not only physically but also mentally.
Although Red Light Therapy does not cure long COVID, it helps me keep my symptoms under control. It gives me structure, relief, and the feeling that I am actively working on my recovery. Hopefully, my experience will inspire others to give this therapy a chance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between post-COVID and long COVID?
Although the terms sound different, they actually refer to the same thing: persistent symptoms after a COVID-19 infection.
The term long COVID was initially used because the symptoms persist for a long time; ‘long’ means ‘long’ in English. Later, the term post-COVID was introduced, where ‘post’ comes from Latin and means ‘after.’ This name emphasizes that the symptoms occur after the acute infection has passed.
Is Red Light Therapy safe?
Yes, in most cases Red Light Therapy is safe. It is non-invasive and does not cause skin damage. However, it is wise to always consult your doctor if you are taking medication or have other health issues.
When will I notice the effects of Red Light Therapy?
Many people notice improvements after 3 to 4 weeks of regular use. Others experience results sooner or later. Consistency is important.
Can I combine Red Light Therapy with other treatments?
Yes, Red Light Therapy is often used alongside other treatments such as physical therapy, breathing exercises, or supplements. Always consult a healthcare provider.
