A Brief History of Red Light Therapy (RLT)

  • 1960s Origins: Red light therapy began shortly after the invention of the laser. In 1967, Hungarian scientist Endre Mester observed that low-level laser light helped stimulate hair growth and wound healing in mice. This discovery marked the beginning of photobiomodulation — the therapeutic use of light to influence biological systems.

  • NASA Involvement (1990s): NASA funded red and near-infrared light studies to promote wound healing and tissue repair in astronauts during space missions. These studies accelerated RLT’s credibility in clinical and scientific settings.

  • Medical & Wellness Use (2000s–present): RLT expanded into use for pain relief, inflammation, skin rejuvenation, athletic recovery, and circulation. Today, it’s found in physical therapy clinics, dermatology offices, spas, and increasingly in at-home wellness devices.

How It Works: The Science

Red and near-infrared light (typically 600–900nm wavelengths) penetrate the skin and underlying tissues without damaging them. Mitochondria absorb the photons, the energy centers of cells, stimulating:

  • ATP production (cellular energy)

  • Increased circulation (blood flow, oxygenation)

  • Faster tissue repair and reduced inflammation

  • Improved nerve function and pain modulation

This process is called photobiomodulation, and it helps promote healing, reduce discomfort, and stimulate systemic balance.

Why the Feet Matter: RLT & Foot Wellness

Feet contain 7,000+ nerve endings, numerous reflex points, and critical circulation zones (including the soleus muscle pump, a “second heart” for venous return). RLT applied to the feet can:

  • Stimulate systemic circulation

  • Soothe and reset the nervous system

  • Improve peripheral nerve function (great for neuropathy)

  • Activate foot-based reflexology points that affect organs and brain-body communication

How This Connects to RollRx

RollRx integrates red light therapy directly into the footbeds, targeting:

  • Circulatory boost via soleus and venous pathways

  • Nerve activation and sensory engagement for users with poor circulation or neuropathy

  • Enhanced tissue repair and mitochondrial health

  • Synergy with reflexology rollers and bilateral movement to increase the therapeutic effect

 

This stacked stimulation (movement + light + reflexology) transforms the feet from passive contact points into active wellness zones — making every RollRx session a neurological and vascular tune-up.