Does Red Light Therapy Actually Work for Lymphedema?
This is one of those questions where I wish I could give you a simple yes or no answer.
The truth?
Maybe.
And I know that sounds frustrating. I wanted a definitive answer too.
When I started researching red light therapy, I was fascinated by the science behind it. Red light therapy (also called photobiomodulation or low-level light therapy) works by using specific wavelengths of light to stimulate cellular activity. The theory is that this can increase mitochondrial function and ATP production—the energy source your cells use to do their jobs.
So where does that fit into lymphedema?
Researchers are interested in whether red light therapy may help by:
- Supporting cellular energy and function (aids in lymphatic vessel pumping?)
- Reducing inflammatory processes that contribute to swelling
- Improving tissue quality and possibly helping with some of the changes seen with fibrosis
Lymphedema is complicated. It isn’t just “extra fluid.” Over time, chronic swelling can lead to inflammation, tissue changes, and fibrosis. Anything that may influence those processes is worth paying attention to. I am stage 2, which means I have some fibrosis.
Red Light vs. Near Infrared Light
When researching devices, you will usually see two main types of light:
Red light (commonly around 660 nm)
This wavelength does not penetrate as deeply and is thought to primarily affect more superficial tissues and lymphatic vessels.
Near infrared (NIR) light (commonly around 830–850 nm)
NIR penetrates deeper and may reach connective tissue, muscles, scar tissue, and deeper structures, including deeper lymphatic vessels.
Because lymphedema involves more than just the surface of your skin, I knew that if I was going to try red light therapy, I wanted a device that included both red light and near infrared light.
How I Chose My Device
My Certified Lymphedema Therapist (CLT) used a low-level light therapy device during my treatments. The two of us looked at the packaging of the device and noticed it was a combination of red light and NIR light, so naturally, I went home and started researching.
If something exists in a clinic, I want to know if there is a realistic way to access it at home.
There are a few things I looked for when choosing a panel.
1. Does it provide both red light and NIR light?
This was non-negotiable for me.
2. Does it list irradiance?
Irradiance basically tells you how much light energy is actually reaching your skin.
If a company won’t tell you the irradiance, don’t buy it.
It reminds me of skincare products. If you are selling a vitamin C serum, I want to know the percentage of vitamin C in that bottle. If you won’t tell me, I’m not going to buy it when I CAN buy a serum that will tell me.
3. What is the size?
Those tiny handheld wands- forget about it. ,I wanted something that could treat my entire arm and hand without me constantly moving it around.
I wanted a panel I could place my arm in front of and let the light do its
The Panels I Tried
Based on my research at the time, I chose the Hooga. It was around $200-$250 when I purchased it (I don’t remember the exact ampount). I used it consistently for about a year.
Eventually, the fan started making noise and then stopped working, so I upgraded to the Tundra Tribe panel, which I still use today about 3–4 times a week.
Before purchasing either one, I compared specifications, looked at reviews, and researched the companies. At the time, both seemed like reputable options.
Actually, I used my Tundra panel this morning.
So… Did It Work?
This is the hardest question.
And my answer is:
I honestly don’t know.
I don’t have a control arm.
My right arm and hand have lymphedema. My left arm doesn’t. I can’t treat one side and not the other and run a true experiment.
Over time, my arm has improved and my swelling has decreased, but I do many things to manage my lymphedema:
- Compression
- Overall exercise
- exercises specific to getting my lymph moving
- My pump
- Skin care
- Manual lymphatic techniques
- Red light therapy
The reality is that I don’t know if one specific thing is responsible for the improvement.
Maybe it is the red light.
Maybe it is the combination of everything.
Maybe red light therapy is a small piece of a much bigger puzzle.
Would I Recommend Buying One?
I don’t think there is one right answer.
For me personally, I like knowing I am doing everything reasonably possible to support my body.
Using my compression, exercising, taking care of my skin, using my pump, and using my red light panel all help me feel like I have an active role in managing my lymphedema.
Does red light therapy help?
Maybe.
Does it replace compression, exercise, or medical treatment?
No.
Is it worth the investment?
That depends on your budget, your expectations, and whether the possibility of a benefit feels worth the cost. I linked the two panels that I owned/own to my amazon page. I do think the Tundra Tribe is build better. The Hooga stand also kind of fell apart. It didn’t affect the light part, but I had to hold it, which was a pain. A girl just wants to drink coffee while she does the red light!
One interesting thing happened recently.
I had ICG lymphatic imaging performed at the Cleveland Clinic. Based on what my lymphatic system looked like on imaging, my arm should have looked much worse than it actually is. This was according to my doctor. He was very surprised in fact at the size of my arm after reading the report.
That tells me something I am doing is helping.
I just can’t honestly tell you whether red light therapy is one of the reasons.
And that is why I share my experience the way I do—not as a promise, but as one person’s journey.
I’d love to hear from you.
Have you tried red light therapy for lymphedema?
Did you notice a difference?
Or are you still deciding whether it is worth trying?
Lymph Living 
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