NovoTHOR: Whole-Body Red Light Therapy Explained (vs. Panels & Masks)

Curious why some people swear by at-home red light panels - yet rave even more after a NovoTHOR session? Think of NovoTHOR as PBM (photobiomodulation) for your whole body, delivered evenly, safely, and in minutes. Here’s how it works, how it compares with panels and masks, and how to choose the right dose for your goals.

NovoTHOR is a medical-grade whole-body photobiomodulation bed that bathes you in clinically used wavelengths of red and near-infrared light. The aim isn’t “heat” or tanning, it’s to nudge your cells’ mitochondria so they can make energy more efficiently. Most people feel this as better recovery, calmer joints, brighter skin, or just… more pep.

NovoTHOR vs panels & masks (what’s the real difference?)

If you’re looking to choose between NovoTHOR and a red light therapy panel or mask, here’s the simple truth: NovoTHOR is a medical-grade, full-body photobiomodulation bed designed to deliver an even, calibrated dose from head to toe in minutes. It’s ideal for systemic goals - recovery, multi-site aches, steady energy - because the entire body is treated consistently.

Panels and masks are okay for when you only need a small, targeted area (e.g., face or a single joint), but they require careful positioning and multiple passes to cover more than one zone. Below, we compare coverage, dose control, time, and user experience so you can decide when to book whole-body NovoTHOR in Leamington Spa (Warwickshire) - or when a spot device is perfectly adequate.

NovoTHOR vs Panels & Masks (what’s the real difference?)

A quick, honest comparison between whole-body PBM and spot devices.

	NovoTHOR (whole-body PBM)	Panels & masks (spot treatment)
Coverage	Even, head-to-toe exposure—no missed angles.	One area at a time; easy to under- or over-dose spots.
Dose control	Fixed distance, calibrated output, consistent beam spread every session.	Varies with how you stand/sit, distance, tilt, and room setup.
Time to result	Whole body in one go—typically 8–12 minutes.	Multiple areas = multiple sessions or long routines.
Experience	Lie down, relax, eyes protected; we handle the settings.	Juggling stands, timers, positions; easy to drift off-protocol.
Best for	Systemic recovery, multi-site pain, fatigue, sleep, post-training readiness.	Targeted concerns (e.g., face, a single joint, a small scar).
Consistency over time	Same conditions every time → steadier progress tracking.	Session-to-session variability makes progress harder to judge.

Think of panels and masks as a spotlight and NovoTHOR as full studio lighting. With panels, you chase angles and distances one area at a time. With NovoTHOR, you lie back for 20 minutes while a calibrated, whole-body dose lands evenly - no hotspots, no guesswork, no juggling. If you’ve got one small target, a panel is handy at best. If you want full-system recovery, steadier energy and multi-site relief, the bed does it in a single, consistent appointment.

Person laying on a NovoTHOR full-body red light therapy bed in a red-lit treatment room.

What do the results feel like?

A significant number of clients have reported experiencing a notably easier recovery process following their training sessions on the NovoTHOR XL. They often mention feeling calmer in their joints, enjoying a steadier level of energy throughout the day, and noticing an improvement in their skin tone, which appears clearer and more vibrant. Additionally, some individuals find themselves feeling pleasantly sleepy later in the evening, which is completely normal as it indicates that your body is actively engaged in its repair mode. For those who are training intensively, you may also observe an enhanced sense of readiness for your next workout and a reduction in delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS).

1. Vanin AA, Verhagen E, Barboza SD, Costa LOP, Leal-Junior ECP. Photobiomodulation therapy for the improvement of muscular performance and reduction of muscular fatigue associated with exercise in healthy people: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Lasers in Medical Science. 2018;33(1):181-214. doi:10.1007/s10103-017-2368-6
2. Stausholm MB, Naterstad IF, Joensen J, et al. Efficacy of low-level laser therapy on pain and disability in knee osteoarthritis: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised placebo-controlled trials. BMJ Open. 2019;9:e031142. doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2019-031142
3. Bjordal JM, Lopes-Martins RAB, Joensen J, et al. A systematic review with procedural assessments and meta-analysis of low-level laser therapy in lateral elbow tendinopathy. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders. 2008;9:75. doi:10.1186/1471-2474-9-75
4. Jagdeo J, Austin E, Mamalis A, et al. Light-emitting diodes in dermatology: a systematic review of randomised controlled trials. Lasers in Surgery and Medicine. 2018;50(6):613-628. doi:10.1002/lsm.22791
5. Zhao J, Tian Y, Nie J, Xu J, Liu D. Red light and the sleep quality and endurance performance of Chinese female basketball players. Journal of Athletic Training. 2012;47(6):673-678. doi:10.4085/1062-6050-47.6.08

Dosing: how often, for how long?

For most goals, we recommend starting with 2–3 sessions/week for 3–4 weeks, then reassessing. Sessions are short (usually around 20 minutes) and we adjust exposure as your body adapts. For skin goals or ongoing joint support, once-weekly maintenance works well after the initial phase.

Safety notes: Red and near-infrared light are non-ionising. Side effects are rare. If you’re photosensitive, pregnant, have active cancer, or are on light-sensitising meds, speak to your clinician first- tell us and we’ll guide you.

NovoTHOR delivers two well-studied bands: visible red at ~660 nm and near-infrared at ~850 nm (often a ~50:50 mix). Red (660 nm) interacts closer to the skin surface (skin quality, superficial circulation), while NIR (850 nm) penetrates deeper tissues (muscle/joints). PMC+3novothor.com+3novothor.com+3

Full-body NovoTHOR red light therapy session at ReGen Rooms—clinic-grade photobiomodulation for recovery, joints, skin and sleep.

What to expect at ReGen Rooms

Arrive, say hello at reception, and settle into the NovoTHOR full-body bed. We set the programme; you switch off. No oils, no fuss, no downtime - just precise light, a glass of water, and a calm reset before you head out. As simple as that.

Who it’s perfect for?

• Athletes & frequent trainers – faster bounce-back between sessions

• Desk-bound bodies – tight hips, stiff backs, screen fatigue

• Stubborn, niggly joints – steady, consistent TLC over a block

• Skin & sleep seekers – support for glow, tone and more restful nights

Price & memberships

We offer one-offs, bundles and memberships - see our Pricing page for current offers and the best value.

Stack it like a pro

For deeper relaxation or tough training weeks, pair NovoTHOR with Infrared Sauna or Contrast Therapy. Sauna warms tissue and eases tightness; contrast perks up circulation and gives you that post-sauna zing.

1) NovoTHOR ➝ Infrared Sauna (deep relax, tissue ease)

Best for: tight hips/back, general recovery, sleep support, high-stress weeks.

Order: NovoTHOR first, Sauna second.

Why this order: PBM (NovoTHOR) is a non-heat stimulus that kickstarts cellular processes; following with gentle heat relaxes fascia, increases circulation, and helps you glide out of the session calm and loose.

Suggested dose:

• NovoTHOR 15-20 min (first-timer at the lower end).

• Infrared Sauna 20–35 min at a moderate temp—enough to sweat, not suffer.

• You’ll leave loose, warm, and de-stressed - great on evenings or rest days.

• Pro tip: Hydrate before/after; add magnesium in the evening if sleep is your goal.

2) Contrast Therapy ➝ NovoTHOR (or on alternate days) (circulation + bounce-back)

Best for: athletes, heavy training blocks, “flat” legs, delayed onset soreness.

Order options:

• Contrast ➝ NovoTHOR on the same day if you want a sharper, refreshed finish.

• Alternate days if you’re doing back-to-back training and want distributed recovery inputs.

• Suggested dose:

• Contrast (hot/cold) 3–4 cycles of 2–3 min heat / 1–2 min cold, finish cold.

• NovoTHOR 8–12 min afterwards or the next day.

• Lighter legs, clearer head, and post-contrast “zing” with PBM smoothing the edges.

• Pro tip: If you’re racing next morning, do Contrast Therapy only or NovoTHOR only to keep arousal/sleep balanced.

Small details that make a big difference

• Hydration & electrolytes: Arrive hydrated; sip water after each modality.

• Temperature discipline: Moderate sauna beats “hero temps.” Aim to leave refreshed, not wiped.

• Spacing: If stacking all three in one visit, keep it to 60–75 min total: Contrast (15–20) ➝ NovoTHOR (8–12) ➝ Sauna (20–30).

• First-timer ramp: Start at the lower end of times for each therapy for the first 2–3 visits.

• When to avoid stacks: If you’re run-down or sleep-deprived, do one therapy only (NovoTHOR or Sauna) and keep it short.

Ready to try the whole-body version? Book NovoTHOR in Leamington Spa - we’ll tailor your first dose so you leave feeling refreshed, not wiped.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How many sessions until I notice a difference?

  Most people feel something in 1–3 sessions (looser, calmer, clearer). For measurable change, plan 6–10 sessions over 3–5 weeks.

  Typical timelines: recovery/DOMS 2–4 sessions, joint comfort 4–8 sessions, sleep 3–6 sessions and skin sessions 4–8.

• How long is a session and what does it feel like?

  8–12 minutes in the NovoTHOR full-body bed. Gentle warmth, no oil, no mess, no downtime. We start at the lower end for your first 2–3 visits and build gradually so you leave refreshed, not wiped.

• What should I wear and do I need eye protection?

  Wear underwear or a swimsuit—expose as much skin as you’re comfortable with for best coverage. Remove heavy makeup on areas you want to treat. We provide protective eyewear; please keep it on for the whole session.

• Is it safe for me? Who shouldn't do it?

  PBM uses non-ionising red/near-IR light and is well-tolerated. Tell us if you’re pregnant, on photosensitising meds (e.g., some antibiotics, isotretinoin), undergoing active cancer treatment, have uncontrolled epilepsy, or a history of photosensitive migraine. We’ll adjust, defer, or ask for clinician clearance if needed.

• Can I stack it with Infrared Sauna or Contrast Therapy -

  Yes.

  For relaxation/sleep: NovoTHOR → Infrared Sauna (20–35 min) later in the day.

  For athletic recovery: Contrast → NovoTHOR the same day or on alternate days.

  Pre-workout use a short NovoTHOR (6–8 min) earlier in the day; post-workout do Contrast → NovoTHOR.

  Keep total stacks ≤ 60–75 min and hydrate.