The 7 Best Infrared Light Therapy Devices (for Pain Relief)

best infrared therapy devices for pain relief

More and more people are regularly using deep-penetrating infrared light therapy devices to relieve pain naturally and fast – without any side effects.

Having your own infrared therapy device is a cost-effective and quick way to relieve muscle pain, joint pain, Neuropathy pain, or any kind of pain, no matter the cause.

But:

There are so many infrared machines out there: small ones, larger ones, hand-held ones, carbon fiber ones, and so on.

How do you choose the right one for you?

This infrared light therapy comparison will help you choose the best one for you, and save you hours of tedious research.

👉 See how to use an infrared heat lamp for pain relief and healing.

In a Hurry? see our short comparison table. Below it, you’ll find my full infrared devices reviews.

Infrared Therapy MachineBottom LineWavelengthsPrice
Serfory Infrared Lamp
serfory infrared lamp review
Best Infrared Lamp for Muscle PainInfrared @700-1200 nmCheck Price on Amazon
iReliev Infrared Heating Pad
Best for Back Pain
Infrared$112 with code meital20 at iReliev
Snailax Infrared Massager
snailax infrared massager
Best Handheld Infrared Massager
Infrared$51 at Snailax
DPL IIa LED Panels
Best Infrared LED panels
Red@660 nm
Infrared@880 nm
Amber@530 nm
292 LEDs
$399 at Revive Light Therapy
Far Infrared TDP Lamp
Best for Full Body
InfraredCheck Price on Amazon
Comparing the best infrared therapy devices according to type, best uses, wavelength, and price.

This post may contain affiliate links, at no extra cost to you.

How Does Infrared Light Therapy Work for Pain Relief?

infrared light therapy devices

Infrared therapy is scientifically proven to be a safe and effective way to reduce pain and treat a wide range of conditions, including injuries. The deep penetrating infrared rays are experienced as heat, which increases heart rate and boosts blood circulation. This results in faster pain relief, regeneration, and healing.

The 7 Best Infrared Light Therapy Devices 

Through our extensive research, these are the highest quality infrared light therapy devices (and lamps) for natural and quick pain relief at home:

1. Serfory Infrared Lamp Best Infrared Lamp for Muscle Pain

best infrared lamp for muscle pain
Serfory 150W near infrared lamp – view on Amazon
  • Size – 12.91″ x 9.33″ x 7.36″
  • Weight – 5.4 Pounds
  • Technology – near-infrared bulb

The Serfory near-infrared heat lamp has a powerful 150W near-infrared bulb, covered with an improved wire net to protect the bulb and you – from touching this hot lamp.

It is the best infrared lamp for targeted muscle pain relief, and all you have to do is point it to the aching area and enjoy the soothing infrared rays for 5-18 minutes a day (but do not overuse them). Pre-heating for 5 minutes is necessary.

infrared lamp for pain relief

The base of the Serfory lamp is sturdy and prevents it from tipping over.

However, please be careful! keep a safe distance from this lamp while using it – at least 24 inches and go even further if you feel it is too hot. It should feel nice and warm, not burning hot.

Serfory Infrared Lamp pros

  • Sturdy, well-built
  • Powerful and gets very hot
  • Adjustable tilt
  • Not expensive
  • Easy installation

Cons

  • Danger of skin burning if you don’t keep a safe distance

 ✅ Available on Amazon ($70)

2. iReliev Infrared Heating Pad – Best for Back Pain

ireliev infrared heating pad
My iReliev Infrared Heating Pad – view at iReliev
  • Size – 24″ x 16″
  • Technology – gemstone mat

The iReliev infrared heating pad emits healing infrared radiation via semi-precious natural Jade and Tourmaline stones that also release negative ions when heated.

The infrared rays are naturally emitted from the stones when they are electrically heated.

(Negative ions promote endorphin release and pain-relieving blood components in your body)

The iReliev FIR pad is big enough to cover most of your back or any other part of your body (it is flexible) and can be placed on a bed, sofa, recliner, or chair.

The reflective cover maximizes treatment effectiveness, and there is a 55-160 F temperature setting you can choose from.

Also, it has Velcro stitching and a strap – which allows you to also use it while sitting on a chair.

I absolutely love infrared heating pads and use them for years – for any pain or discomfort, and even when I have a cold. It is basically our family doctor except it is always available. 😉

iReliev Pros

  • EMF Free (like most jade heating pads)
  • A long power cord helps place it where ever you want
  • Comes with a travel bag

Cons

  • Can not be used directly on the skin at a high temperature

Available at iReliev ($112 with my coupon code meital20)

👉 If you have elbow pain – see the best elbow heating wraps!

3. Snailax Infrared Massager – Best Handheld

best handheld infrared massager
Snailax Infrared Massager – view at Snailax

An infrared massager is one of the most effective and quickest infrared pain relief devices (for muscle and nerve pain) – at home.

The Snailax infrared massager has everything you need to quickly relieve pain at home: it has variable massage settings (from low to deep tissue), infrared heat, and acupressure massage attachment, and the design is comfortable and easy to use.

We’ve compared the Snaialx with more infrared massagers, including a heated massage gun – take a look!

Snailax Infrared Massager Pros

  • Infrared heat – reaches deep into your tissues to boost the massage benefits
  • A detachable head that becomes a palm-held massager
  • Highly adjustable – speed control and attachments
  • Comes with a detachable velcro strap, if you want to use it without the handle
  • 5-year warranty, good customer service
  • 6.5 ft power cord
  • Reasonable price

Cons

  • Some users think it’s a bit too heavy

Available at Snailax ($51 with free shipping)

4. TDP Infrared Mineral Heat Lamp Best for Physiotherapy

best infrared lamp for physiotherapy
K.S Choi Korp TDP lamp  – view on Amazon
  • Size – Adjustable
  • Technology – near infrared bulbs + mineral plate

A far-infrared TDP lamp emits the far-infrared wavelength through a mineral plate that is heated with coil heat, so no light bulb is needed.

The TDP lamp is very popular, and many physical therapists and Chinese medicine practitioners use it at their clinics to enhance treatments.

The mineral plate’s lifetime is between 1000 to 1500 hours, and no replacement parts will be needed for the 5 years of daily use you can get out of it.

Treatment time can be up to 40 minutes daily. Do not use it on bare skin, keep away from the heat source to a point you feel comfortable, and use safety goggles for your eyes.

tdp lamp for pain relief

K.S Choi Corp. TDP lamp pros

  • Powerful far infrared lamp – covers a large treatment area (7.8 inches wide head)
  • 360 degrees adjustable head and body & bendable neck
  • Comes with a stand, easy to use when lying down or sitting
  • Lasts for 5 years of daily use, no replacement parts are necessary
  • Comes with a controller with a timer
  • Helpful customer service

Cons

  • Takes about 15 minutes to heat up fully

Available on Amazon ($170)

5. dpl Flex Pad Best LED Wrap

best infrared wrap with LED
dpl Flex Pad – view at dpl Light Therapy

👉 See the Top 5 LED Light Therapy Wraps of 2023!

  • Treatment area – 10″ x 5″
  • Technology – near-infrared LEDs

The dpl red & infrared LED therapy pad (FDA-cleared) covers a relatively large treatment area (9.75″ x 5″) and contains 40 infrared (880 nm) and 20 red (660nm) LEDs.

LED light therapy is a painless and non-invasive light therapy treatment. This near-infrared wrap will not get hot, so there is no danger of skin burning, and it is flexible and can be used anywhere on your body.

dpl flex pad

Treatment time is 14 minutes per area. Note that the infrared bulbs will not light up when you use the pad, since infrared rays are invisible.

dpl Flex Pad pros

  • Lightweight
  • Flexible – can be wrapped around different areas
  • Hands-free operation
  • 2 Velcro straps, stays put
  • Perfect for knees and elbows
  • Automatic 40-minute shut-off

Cons

  • Corded, limits movement

Available at Revive Light Therapy ($159 with free shipping)

6. Revive dpl IIa Best Infrared LED Panels

best infrared panels for arthritis
reVive Light Therapy dpl IIaview at Revive
  • Treatment area – 10″ x 15″
  • Technology – red & infrared bulbs

The dpl IIa red & infrared LED light therapy system covers a large treatment area and contains 292 infrared bulbs, dark red bulbs, red bulbs (630 nm), and amber bulbs (best for hyperpigmentation!).

It is advertised for skin anti-aging, but it can also be used for pain relief!

It is a great pain relief tool for arthritis because it is large enough to cover the painful joints along with the surrounding muscles.

dpl IIa LED light therapy

dpl Panel System pros

  • Large treatment area
  • 2-panels – can be attached to any area with the Velcro strap
  • Hands-free operation – comes with a stand
  • Timer and auto shut-off
  • Easy to use

Cons

  • Not a great fit for travel due to size
  • May not feel comfortable directly on the skin

Available at Revive Light Therapy ($399 with free shipping)

👉 See our Revive Light Therapy Reviews to help you choose the best one for your needs!

7. Infrared Foot Massager Best for Foot Pain

best infrared device for foot pain
Snailax Shiatsu Foot Massager – view at Snailax

An infrared foot massager combines massage therapy (Shiatsu/Air Compression/Vibration) with infrared therapy to loosen your achy feet and relieve them from pain caused by working on your feet, Neuropathy, Plantar Fasciitis, and more.

The Snailax infrared foot massager has 3 programs to choose from – Shiatsu, rolling, and airbags massage – and 3 intensities, that fit even the most sensitive feet.

It’s quiet and durable, and the customer service is excellent.

Snailax Foot Massager Pros

  • Combined massage and infrared heat
  • Relaxing and stress relieving

Cons

  • Doesn’t fit large feet, mostly benefits average to small feet

Available at Snailax ($74 with coupon code HMD30)

Can Infrared Light Help with Nerve Pain?

Studies have confirmed that infrared light therapy is effective in helping to regenerate or restore a normal sensory threshold back to the feet of neuropathy patients within 30 days to 60 days or more, depending upon the severity.

Infrared rays penetrate deep to reach muscles and nerves. The nerve cells absorb energy from the light, which supports cellular regrowth and regeneration, reduces inflammation, and repairs wounds or injuries.

👉 See exactly how to use Red/Infrared Light for Neuropathy at Home!

Infrared Therapy Devices Side Effects

Infrared therapy devices are generally considered safe and have minimal side effects. However, some people may experience mild adverse effects in the short term, such as skin irritation (from overuse), and dehydration (from sweating too much without drinking water).

If you are using a combined red & infrared light device, it’s important to use safety goggles or at least to not look directly at the light – to prevent possible eye damage.

Pregnant women are advised to check with a physician before using infrared light therapy.

To your health and happiness,

Meital

P.S

Make sure to consider the full-body infrared treatment – see the best infrared saunas of 2023, or the top portable infrared sauna.

Studies

Jean Stelian MD, Israel Gil MD, et al. Improvement of Pain and Disability in Elderly Patients with Degenerative Osteoarthritis of the Knee Treated with Narrow‐Band Light Therapy, https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1532-5415.1992.tb01824.x

Dong Huang, Yong-Hong Gu, Qin Liao, Xue-Bin Yan, Shai-Hong Zhu, Chang-Qing Gao, “Effects of Linear-Polarized Near-Infrared Light Irradiation on Chronic Pain“, The Scientific World Journal, vol. 2012, Article ID 567496, 4 pages, 2012. https://doi.org/10.1100/2012/567496

Vinck, E., Cagnie, B., Coorevits, P. et al. Pain reduction by infrared light-emitting diode irradiation: a pilot study on experimentally induced delayed-onset muscle soreness in humans. Lasers Med Sci 21, 11 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10103-005-0366-6

Ishiguro M, Ikeda K, Tomita K. Effect of near-infrared light-emitting diodes on nerve regeneration. J Orthop Sci. 2010 Mar;15(2):233-9. doi: 10.1007/s00776-009-1438-4. Epub 2010 Apr 1. PMID: 20358337.

Meital James
Founder and CEO of 4 healthy living blogs, has a background in Naturopathic medicine, research, journalism, and nutrition. Her blogs are the culmination of her thousands of hours of research and experience and all the posts are verified by scientific findings.

77 thoughts on “The 7 Best Infrared Light Therapy Devices (for Pain Relief)”

  1. Hello,

    Which type of device would you recommend for autoimmune disease and internal inflammation?

    Thank you,

    Reply
  2. I have heelbone spurs and achillies tendonitis. I also have issue on my neck with a couple of dics degeneration. It is a chronic condition. They hurt everytime I exercise. And about a month ago, I hurt my meniscus. I might have a hear on my meniscus. Which device would you recommend for all these issues? Thanks!

    Reply
  3. I have a myrphy infrared bulb that i ordered from amazon. It says its 250wt 250v. I have attached it to a lamp and i use it for 1 my back for back pain for 15 mits everyday
    2 on my stomach for 15 mits everyday for general helth
    3 on my face and head 5 mit every other day for hair fall and general skin vitality.
    I need your advice on
    1 is the murphy bulb a good product? What is its range in mn? Is it in the 800 range?
    2 am i using the bulb correctly for the required time?
    3 how long should i use it for to see results?

    Many thanks for your help and advice

    Reply
    • I couldn’t find the wavelength for this bulb because it’s not specified anywhere.
      If I got you correctly that you use 3 different bulbs at the same time on your face? That’s too much in my opinion. One is enough for the face and keep it at least 24 inches away from your face. Also, do not look directly at it and use safety goggles. 5 minutes is enough, and use it for 5 times a week max to allow the skin to regenerate.
      For back pain and on stomach 15 minutes once a day is enough. You have to listen to your body and stop if you feel in any way uncomfortable.
      You will see and feel the results soon, it works differently for different people.

      Reply
  4. I have chronic (6 yrs now!)sesamoiditis. I believe it stems from tendinitis in those tendons. I wear orthotics daily, however I remain limited with respect to how much time I can be on my feet and I’m always in some level of pain. Do you think this could help with such a chronic condition? If so, which device would you recommend?

    Reply
  5. Which device has the best delivery of “near infrared” light spectrum? Will near infrared therapy help improve leg circulation? Thank you

    Reply
  6. hi,
    I’m interested in Buerer lamp but since it has a wavelength over 1400 I am a bit concern if it causes any damage or side effects

    Reply
    • The Beurer heat lamp wqavelngth ranges from (in nanometers)500nm to a peak of 2500nm. If you are concerned, just keep the lamp further away from you – until the heat feels pleasant and not too hot. Also use safety goggles for your eyes if you place it in front of you.

      Reply
  7. Hello, I have tarsal tunnel syndrome. This is nerve pain that is on the inside and a bit on the bottom of one foot. On this same foot, I have a hyprocure titanium stent on the outside or lateral side of my foot. I am wondering what you might recommend for pain relief?
    Thank you

    Reply
  8. 1. Can I get tanned or sunburnt from the infrared sauna?

    2. Will the infrared lights be effective if I shine it at my body and limbs while I am exercising on an elliptical machine?

    3. In order to cover my whole body from the neck to the feet, avoiding the head and eyes, can I use more than 4 bulbs or is the max 4?

    4. Does this method work like a sauna if I close the room door where I exercise in?

    Reply
    • Fred,
      1. No, you definitely can’t be tanned from an infrared sauna, since it emits no UV radiation.
      2. Yes, the infrard rays will be effective while you exercise, there was even research on the matter, proving that you’ll benefit more from exercise in this situation.
      3. To cover your entire body I would recommend a home infrared sauna, or a portable infrared sauna (dome).
      4. Yes, it will work – here’s my post about how to make your own IR sauna at home (for less than $100): https://www.infrared-light-therapy.com/build-your-own-infrared-sauna/

      Reply
  9. I am very fascinated by what I read from your website. I had a bad whiplash injury 11 years ago and suffer from neck pain initially. Over the years, more symptoms developed. I am now experiencing back pain, knee pain, bursitis of both shoulders, pins and needles, tingling in my hands and fingers as well as feet. Recently, I found out that I have scoliosis which was not present 5 years ago. I live with constant pain and have high blood pressure too. I am apprehensive about the i nfrared sauna as I would get a splitting headache when I get too hot and dehydrated from soaking in hot springs or stay in the sun outdoors for too long. What temperature should I set the sauna to in order to avoid such a side effect. Will heating up my body not cause my blood vessels to dilate and increase my blood pressure instead? I am hoping that infrared therapy is the natural way I have discovered which can help to
    relieve all my chronic pain and health problems. Please advise on what equipment I should try and address my concerns. Thanks in advance.

    Reply
    • Joanne,
      To my knowledge, IR sauna was actually proven to reduce blood pressure, not elevate it. But, a sauna may no be the right thing for you – since you are sensitive to heat at the moment.
      I would start with an infrared lamp, and shine it directly on the root cause of all your symptoms – the neck injury, the neck area. If you manage to heal your injury – most of your symptoms will disappear. And this way you won’t be too hot, since it will be a local treatment.
      Here’s my post about using an infrared lamp for healing: https://www.infrared-light-therapy.com/infrared-heat-lamp-therapy/
      You’ll be happy to discover that IR therapy was also proven to be effective for nerve damage, which is what’s causing your pain, pins and needles and tingling. See this post about it: https://www.infrared-light-therapy.com/infrared-light-therapy-neuropathy/
      I hope this helps, and also I would look into using magnets on the injured area for a few weeks – they seem to be very helpful in speeding up healing.
      I hope you feel better soon!

      Reply
  10. I have axonal polyneuropathy chiefly affecting my lower legs and feet. Main symptoms
    include the usual numbness and tingling, along with muscle weakness (foot dorsi and
    flexor weakness) along with difficulty in walking and worsening proprioception
    and poor balance.

    Have had complete immunologic work-up which is negative. Also no diabetes or
    alcoholic history. Any expected help from these devices?

    Reply
  11. I am just double checking. I have osteoarthritis and possibly tendonitis in both my knee They get swollen,, stiff and very painful. Which light therapy will help best? Does light therapy just help with pain or does it help at least somewhat to heal?

    Reply
    • Wendy I’ve also replied to your email. I think I would go with a jade infrared heating pad – size should be picked according to the size of the pain areas.

      Reply
  12. looking for a device to help with my husbands and my shoulder issues; some arthritis, some tendonitis, bursitis. also to treat my fingers for RA. would the handheld red therapy help. I like it is only used for 1 minute (although that seems really quick).

    Also does this work the same as ultrsound therapy?

    Reply
  13. Hello, thanks for these articles. I have just purchased the Beurer Infrared Heat Lamp, where would I position this for weightless benefits and could this device also be used for the face and hair. I’m still unsure if the wavelengths in this lamp can be used for pain relief as well as weightloss and skin and hair rejuvenation. Thank you.

    Reply
    • The Beurer will not be much help for weightloss. To use infrared therapy for weight loss you’ll need an infrared sauna, or a portable infrared sauna, because you have to sweat and detox to lose weight.
      As for using it for face and hair – red light therapy (not infrared) is a better fit.
      This is actually exactly for pain relief and works great for that purpose.

      Reply
  14. I am directing a near infrared light (850 nm) at my perineum skin to heal inflammation and want to know:

    1) Are there any dangerous of using the light very close to the skin (apart from thee danger of burning but I would feel that and stop anyway)?

    2) Is there any danger of this light being directed at something nearby your ovaries?

    3) Do I need to wear protective glasses for using near-infrared light or can I just cover my eyes with something?

    4) What is the upper time limit for each session – is 20 minutes okay (as long as it’s not too hot)?

    Thank you

    Reply
    • Near infrared light is generally safe in all cases if used properly. If you look straight into the light I would recommend goggles, yes. If not – than no.

      20 minute treatment time sounds fine as long as you listen to your body and if anything feels uncomfortable – stop.
      Good luck!

      Reply
  15. I think it’s supposed to work in Canada, but I’m waiting for a response from the seller. I do not sell anything, I just review products. As for FDA approval, this one specifically is not approved, however it is only a 300W infrared bulb behind ceramic glass. The general treatment of pain with infrared therapy is FDA approved.

    Reply
  16. Hi would this type of light be considered low light therapy or photon therapy. Will this work for cavitations?

    Reply
  17. Hi, I see examples of Lights being set up in a close cluster of four. If I use a closet or. You sauna, would it be better to spread the lights out, perhaps one on each wall? ( ensuring 12 in distance). Presumably I’d want the light covering all of my body rather than coming from one side of the room?
    Thanks!

    Reply
  18. Hello. Really great article and choices. I am looking to improve my 56 year old facial skin – tighter and not so saggy and get rid of or diminish greatly the brown spots…also on my hands.
    which machine is best for that.
    i also have a little psoriases on elbows…could this help?

    Thank you

    Reply
    • Yes, Liza, infrared heat will help with Psoriasis, especially for the redness and itching – less for the flaking. As for the best device – I would go for a handheld device, so you’ll be able to use it on both your hands and your face. But you’re looking at the wrong place – you need a red light therapy device, not infrared.

      Reply
  19. My father has had hip replacement and is not into walking or exersize. He walks with a limp because his hip flexors and hamstrings have tightened. He is very stiff, 80 years old and sits alot to read. What would you recommend for his pain and stiffness?
    Thank you,
    Bobbi Jo

    Reply
  20. Hi both my girls have scoliosis we have tried several therapies over the years. Main one NLP osteopath. Today I found a infratech model no cs-702 hand held in opshop. There are no instructions and wonder if you know of this model ? howcto use it and it’s benefits please.

    Reply
  21. I need treatment for bronchitis and asthma. Bought a Carribean Ray infrared heater but it does not heat body as promised. What will work please!

    Reply
  22. Hi Meital,

    1st, chapeau for your informative an concise site.

    A few questions:

    (1) In principle, as the purpose is not heat but light, don’t you think that LED is preferable?

    (2) Regarding the Tendlite: It’s specified as designed for spine. Alas it’s only 660 nm. From what I read for spine 830 is recommended. Ur take?

    Thanks,

    Reply
    • Boaz,

      1. Infrared light is light which is experienced as heat. It doesn’t really matter if it’s via LED, carbon panels (like in infrared saunas) or jade stones (like in infrared heating pads) – as long as it’s the right wavelength.

      2. Tendlite is actually designed for joint pain, that’s why it’s so small, and it’s red light therapy as you’ve said – not infrared – however, it’s designed for pain relief and that’s why I’ve included it here. Pain relief is usually treated with infrared, and red is more for wound healing and skin anti-aging.

      I hope this helps:)

      Reply
  23. Yes, I think it can help. However, if you want to use it simultaneously on both your arms and legs, I would recommend the Anydone system, which comes with multiple strappable pads you can use anywhere on your body.
    See it here: http://amzn.to/2iH4CdD

    It’s very expensive but there’s a risk-free trial if you need to return it.

    Reply
  24. Do you have something that is specifically designed for bottoms of feet and hands for autoimmmune small fiber peripheral neuropathy?

    Reply
      • I have a infrared light therapy panel and it has done nothing for my SFPN in bottoms of feet. In fact, my feet have gotten worse and now it’s progressed to my hands. I used it regularly on bottom of my feet, kidney area (supposedly this helps with autoimmune system). My feet burn worse after using it whether it’s 2 minutes, 20 minutes. I thought it might be helping but don’t think it’s doing anything. I was also told if pain is worse my “merdian” points acupuncture jargon was blocked and hurting was a good sign until the pathways get cleared out for “healing”. I also noticed someone else who has commented that they saw no improvement using both the infrared therapy or the ReBuilder…. which I’ve also just purchased. I’m so tired of promises and missed expectations. Anyhow, is that true that increased pain means neuropathy is starting to heal… ??

        Reply
        • Well, to my knowledge red light therapy should not cause an increase in pain. Also, this technology has been tested many times for safety and was found to cause no adverse effects, including elevated pain. Red light therapy wavelength is not how and is not supposed to burn in any way.
          I think that for some reason this is not for you. I don’t think it has caused you any harm, but for some reason it hasn’t helped you.

          Reply
  25. I would like to know which is better for therapy for injured tendons on my foot and possibly for other injurys what is the difference between infra red and led light therapy?

    Reply

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