Frequently Asked Questions About Light Therapy

Red light therapy is a non-invasive wellness technology that uses specific wavelengths of light — including red, blue, and near-infrared light — to support the body's natural processes. dpl® devices use it to support pain relief, muscle recovery, and overall wellness.

Unlike a heating pad, red and near-infrared light penetrate roughly 1" to 1.5" below the skin's surface, where they help increase local blood circulation, relax muscles, and reduce spasms. Different wavelengths are used for different goals, including pain relief, recovery, and skincare.

Many people notice reduced pain after their first session, though full results typically take multiple treatments over several days. Results vary based on the type and source of pain, medications, treatment location, and individual factors, so we recommend consistent use and realistic expectations.

dpl® devices are designed for safe at-home use when used as directed. We recommend testing your skin's sensitivity before your first treatment, avoiding use on broken or irritated skin, and talking to a physician first if you're pregnant, on light-sensitive medication, or managing a serious medical condition. Light therapy is not intended to replace medication prescribed by your doctor.

Yes. dpl® pain and oral care devices are FDA-cleared for their intended uses.

LED light therapy may support a variety of wellness goals depending on the device, including temporary relief of minor muscle and joint pain, support for muscle recovery, reduced appearance of wrinkles, and support for acne treatment.

Red light works closer to the skin's surface and is commonly used for skin-focused goals like fine lines and acne. Near-infrared light penetrates deeper into tissue and muscle, making it well suited to pain relief and recovery. Many dpl® devices combine both wavelengths in a single treatment.

The right device depends on where you're treating and how you like to use it. Handheld devices offer targeted, on-the-go treatment for smaller areas; wraps and pads allow hands-free treatment with continuous, even coverage over joints or muscle groups; and panels cover larger areas at once.

Wraps and pads are flexible and worn directly on the body — like a knee, back, or shoulder — for hands-free, targeted treatment. Panels are rigid, stationary devices that treat a larger surface area at once and are best for broader coverage in a single session.

Devices designed for joint-area treatment, such as wraps that wrap securely around the affected joint, are typically best for arthritis and joint pain, since they hold light in consistent contact with the treatment area.

The dpl® pain devices are designed with the back pain sufferer in mind and can be worn using an adjustable strap on a flex pad, or used as a handheld device. Focus treatment on the primary pain area until you notice improved pain relief and mobility before expanding to other areas.

Larger-coverage devices, such as pads or panels, are generally best for post-workout muscle recovery since they can treat bigger muscle groups in a single session.

Yes. Light therapy can help with minor pain and inflammation on most areas of the body, including sore muscles and tendons, joint pain, and general tissue inflammation, so a single device can typically be used across multiple treatment areas.

Most dpl® devices can be used multiple times per day, with cooling time between sessions. Frequency depends on your specific device and treatment goal, so always follow the usage guide included with your product.

Session length depends on the device and application. Pain-relief devices are typically used for 14 to 25 minutes per area, depending on severity. Acne and wrinkle-reduction treatments are typically 3 minutes per area, and oral care applications range from 10 to 20 minutes. Always check the instructions included with your specific device.

For best results, place the device directly on clean, dry skin. You'll feel gentle warmth, but unlike a heating pad, the device works beneath the skin's surface to increase circulation and support muscle relief. Allow air to circulate around the device while it's in use, and hold handheld devices steady over the treatment area for the recommended time.

Some of the LEDs on your device emit light in the infrared spectrum, which isn't visible to the human eye. If your device combines infrared with red or amber LEDs, you'll see the red and amber lights but not the infrared ones — some smartphone and digital cameras can pick up infrared light if you'd like to see it.

Unlike a heating pad, which warms the skin's surface, the infrared LEDs in dpl® devices work beneath the skin to gently warm tissue while increasing circulation. This mild warmth is normal and by design — the device doesn't need surface heat to be effective.

We recommend applying pain cream after your light therapy treatment, not before. Oil-based creams or those containing metallic ingredients like zinc can block light and reduce treatment effectiveness, and can also make your device harder to clean.

Power on your device and place it on, or no more than ¼" from, the skin on your forearm for 3 minutes. Afterward, check the area — if it's still red after more than 2 hours, your skin is light sensitive. Discontinue use and contact Customer Service at support@dpltherapy.com.

Turn the device off and unplug it from any power source. Never clean the LED lights with liquid or a damp cloth — use an air blower, such as a hair dryer on a cool setting or a compressed air duster, to remove dust and debris. Wipe the device's exterior with a damp cloth or rubbing alcohol and let it dry completely before your next use.

Our devices start at a higher optical output energy, which shortens the amount of time needed to create an effect. Devices with lower optical output typically require longer sessions to achieve similar results.

dpl® pain devices emit energy in the near-infrared spectrum for the temporary relief of minor muscle and joint pain, arthritis and muscle spasm, and stiffness, while promoting muscle relaxation and temporarily increasing local blood circulation where applied.

dpl® pain devices are designed to provide temporary relief of minor muscle and joint pain associated with arthritis and muscle spasm, while helping relax muscle tissue and temporarily increase local blood circulation in the treated area.

Some people notice relief after their first session, but if your pain has developed over months or years and is considered chronic, it may take multiple daily treatments before you notice a difference. Light therapy is not intended to replace medication prescribed by your physician — consult your doctor if pain persists or worsens, as this can be a sign of a condition needing attention.

The dpl® pain device is designed with back pain sufferers in mind and can be worn hands-free using the adjustable strap on the flex pad, or used as a handheld device. Focus treatment on your main pain area first, working toward other areas as mobility and comfort improve.

Light therapy can support minor pain and inflammation in most areas of the body, including joints like the knee.

Yes — we offer free standard 3–5 day shipping on all orders with a subtotal of $75 or more (after discounts) within the contiguous U.S., excluding Hawaii and Alaska.

International orders are temporarily suspended. We'll update this page as soon as international shipping is reinstated — in the meantime, contact support@dpltherapy.com with any questions.

Our devices are classified as medical devices for personal use, so for hygiene and safety reasons, opened products aren't eligible for return. Unused products may be returned within 30 days of purchase if they're in their original, undamaged, clean, and sealed packaging. Contact support@dpltherapy.com to confirm eligibility before starting a return.

dpl® devices carry a 6-month to 1-year manufacturer's warranty, with the exact length listed on your product page. If you purchased directly from our site, you're automatically registered. If you purchased through an authorized distributor or wholesaler, complete the registration form on our warranty page within 30 days of purchase, along with your name, address, purchase date, device(s) purchased, and proof of purchase.

Our dpl® pain and oral care devices are FDA-cleared and eligible for FSA and HSA benefits. Shop all of our eligible devices here.

Yes — we've partnered with Binkey to let you pay directly with your FSA/HSA card at checkout by selecting "Pay with FSA/HSA." You'll need sufficient funds to cover the eligible total, and any non-eligible items in your cart will need to be paid separately by credit card. If you pay with a non-FSA/HSA card, you can request an itemized invoice from support@dpltherapy.com to submit to your plan administrator for reimbursement.