There’s something I started using during my own rebuilding that I haven’t talked about enough in the context of survivorship.
And given everything I share about cellular repair, energy, and healing after treatment…it’s time I did.
Red light therapy.
I know that might sound like a wellness trend.
I thought so too.
But when I started looking at it through a different lens, not from trends, but from what chemotherapy and radiation actually do to the body, it started to make sense.
What Treatment Actually Does to the Body
We don’t talk enough about what happens after treatment ends. Not just on the surface. But at the cellular level. Chemotherapy and radiation don’t just target cancer cells.
They also impact:
- mitochondrial function (your body’s energy system)
- cellular repair processes
- inflammation levels
- overall recovery capacity
This is why so many survivors experience:
- Fatigue that lingers
- Brain fog
- Slower healing
- A sense that their energy hasn’t fully come back
Where Red Light Therapy Fits In
Red light therapy works by delivering specific wavelengths of red and near-infrared light into the tissue. These wavelengths interact with the mitochondria, the part of your cells responsible for producing energy. In simple terms: It helps support the body’s ability to create energy, reduce inflammation, and repair at a deeper level. This is known as photobiomodulation. And while it may sound new, the research behind it is growing and meaningful.
Studies have shown benefits such as:
- reduced inflammation and pain
- improved skin health and collagen production
- support for wound healing
- improved recovery in certain conditions
Why It Made Sense for Me
When I looked at what my body had been through…this felt like a logical addition. Not as a replacement for anything. But as support.
Especially for things like:
- radiation-affected skin
- surgical healing and scarring
- joint stiffness or discomfort
- lingering fatigue
- nervous system recovery
What I’ve Noticed
For me, this has been about consistency. Not quick fixes. I use red light therapy daily. And over time, I’ve felt: more supported in my recovery, more connected to my body, a subtle but steady improvement in how I feel
What I Use
I personally use:
- Hooga HG300 at home
- Hooga: https://hoogahealth.com/?ref=KIALEE
- Firefly Portable Red Light Device when I travel
- EMR-TEK: https://www.emr-tek.com/KIA93459
Consistency has been key for me.
What I Want to Say Clearly
This isn’t about adding more pressure to “do everything.” It’s about understanding that recovery doesn’t end when treatment ends.
