Infrared Therapy Lamp

Overview

A DIY red/NIR (near-infrared) light therapy panel designed for muscle recovery, joint pain relief, and skin health. Uses the same modular desk lamp frame from the full-spectrum therapy lamp project with a swappable light module.

Problem

Red and near-infrared light therapy (photobiomodulation) has strong evidence for joint pain, hair regrowth, skin aging, and muscle recovery — but commercial panels are expensive and often poorly specced.

Approach

• Different LEDs from the full-spectrum lamp: 660 nm (red) + 850 nm (near-infrared)
• Light penetrates skin → absorbed by mitochondria → stimulates ATP production → cells repair and regenerate
• Power density matters more than lux — need >100 mW/cm² at treatment distance
• Modular swap from the full-spectrum lamp frame

Key Design Differences from Full-Spectrum Lamp

• Different LED wavelengths (660 nm + 850 nm vs. full-spectrum white)
• Power density (mW/cm²) is the key metric, not lux
• Dosing varies by application (e.g., eye conditions use <1 mW/cm²; knee osteoarthritis uses 4-8 J per spot at 780-860 nm)
• Distance and exposure time protocols differ by body part

Evidence-Backed Benefits

• Joint pain / osteoarthritis (19+ studies)
• Hair regrowth (FDA-cleared for home use)
• Skin aging — wrinkles, fine lines, dark spots (visible improvements after ~3 months)
• Muscle recovery / wound healing
• Carpal tunnel syndrome (8 studies)

Open Questions

• What specific LED chips/strips to use for 660 nm + 850 nm?
• What power supply and driver needed for therapeutic power density?
• Does the existing lamp frame work, or does it need a larger panel?
• Dosing protocols for the most common use cases (joint pain, skin, recovery)
• Combined 660 + 850 nm panels vs. single-wavelength — which is better?

References

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