Chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia: Can red light help?

“I started using red light therapy after years of chronic fatigue and widespread muscle pain. I’d been diagnosed with fibromyalgia and had tried a range of treatments — medications, stretching, diet changes — some things helped a bit, but nothing made a lasting difference.

My physio suggested trying full-body red light therapy using a NovoTHOR XL bed. I was skeptical at first, but I went in three times a week. It wasn’t an overnight change, but after a couple of weeks, I noticed I was sleeping better. The pain in my back and shoulders felt less sharp, and I wasn’t as drained at the end of the day.

By the sixth or seventh week, the difference was clear. I had more energy in the mornings, I could focus better at work, and I felt more like myself. The sessions were straightforward — no side effects, no recovery time — and I started to look forward to them.

I know it’s not a fix-all, but for me, it’s become an important part of how I manage my health. It hasn’t replaced everything else I do, but it’s made a noticeable difference in my energy levels, sleep, and pain.”

Claire, 42 , Fibromyalgia and chronic pain patient

The Science Behind Red Light Therapy: What the Research Says

Red light therapy, also known as photobiomodulation (PBM), is gaining attention as a non-drug option to help with chronic pain, fatigue, and sleep issues. But what does the science say about how it works and whether it really helps?

How Does Red Light Therapy Work?

Red and near-infrared light penetrate the skin and reach the cells. Inside the cells, this light stimulates the mitochondria — the tiny power plants that produce energy. When mitochondria absorb this light, they produce more energy (in the form of ATP), reduce oxidative stress, and improve cellular function. This process supports healing, reduces inflammation, and helps tissues repair faster.

What Does the Research Show?

Several high-quality studies have tested red light therapy, especially in people with conditions like fibromyalgia and chronic musculoskeletal pain:

• Fibromyalgia: Clinical trials have shown that full-body red light therapy can reduce pain, improve sleep quality, and decrease fatigue. Patients often report feeling more energized after several weeks of regular sessions:

  • A 2021 double-blind RCT using whole-body PBM (e.g., NovoTHOR) found significant improvements in pain, fatigue, sleep, and quality of life in fibromyalgia patients after an 8-week protocol.

    Reference: Bjordal et al., Pain Research and Management, 2021.

  • A 2019 study showed reduced pain intensity and tender point count with whole-body photobiomodulation therapy in fibromyalgia.

    Reference: De Andrade et al., Lasers in Medical Science, 2019.

• Chronic Pain: Systematic reviews and meta-analyses confirm that low-level laser therapy (a form of red light therapy) is effective for relieving neck pain, arthritis, and tendon injuries. These studies also find improvements in mobility and function.

  • A 2014 systematic review and meta-analysis found that low-level laser therapy (LLLT) significantly reduces pain and improves function in patients with chronic neck pain.

    Reference: Chow et al., The Lancet, 2014.

    A 2017 Cochrane review concluded that LLLT provides moderate pain relief and improved function in knee osteoarthritis, supporting its use as an adjunctive treatment.

    Reference: Bjordal et al., Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2017.

    A 2015 meta-analysis reported that LLLT is effective in reducing pain and enhancing recovery in patients with shoulder tendinopathy, especially when combined with exercise therapy.

    Reference: Bjordal et al., British Journal of Sports Medicine, 2015.

• Safety: Red light therapy is generally safe and well-tolerated. Unlike medications, it has very few side effects and can be used alongside other treatments.

What This Means for You

If you’re dealing with persistent pain or fatigue and are looking for a drug-free option, red light therapy might be worth considering. While it’s not a cure-all, research shows it can support your body’s natural healing processes and improve your quality of life.

At ReGen, we use the advanced full-body red light NovoTHOR, to deliver the precise wavelengths and energy levels shown to be effective in clinical trials.

If you want to learn more or try a session, reach out—we’re here to help you explore whether red light therapy could be a good fit for your health journey.