September 11, 2026  "THE GOOD, THE BAD, THE UGLY & THE GLOW!"

“I Heard Tadda’s Is Offering Red Light & NIR Therapy… What Is It?”

Yes! Tadda’s Fitness Center now offers full-body Red Light and Near-Infrared Light (NIR) Therapy – perfect timing for Week 5 when your muscles, joints, and body asking for more recovery.

Remember: Recovery is not being lazy—it is part of the work!

What Is Red Light & NIR Therapy?

The scientific name photobiomodulation (PBM), uses specific wavelengths of low-energy light to support cellular energy production, local circulation, inflammatory signaling and the body’s natural repair processes.

• Red light: Visible, primarily affects the skin and superficial tissues.
• Near-infrared light—NIR: Invisible and reaches deeper into tissue.

This is NOT a tanning bed, does not contain UV light and is not an infrared sauna. You may feel gentle warmth, but sweating isn’t the goal.

Is This New?

No! Modern photobiomodulation has been around since 1967. NASA-funded research during the 1990s and early 2000s helped advance LED technology and explore its potential for wounds, muscle problems and recovery. It isn’t a TikTok trend – it’s decades old!

Why Offer It in a Gym?

Because all the workouts are only one part of the equation, recovery drives results.

Red Light and NIR Therapy may support:

• Post-workout muscle recovery
• Temporary muscle soreness
• Minor joint discomfort and stiffness
• Muscle relaxation
• Local circulation
• Recovery between challenging workouts
• Skin texture and collagen production over a series of treatments
• Gentle recovery option for older adults or those returning to exercise

Some studies have shown improved recovery or reduced soreness, while others have found little or no difference. That means results vary, and the correct light, setting, distance, timing and dose all matter.

THE GOOD

Red Light and NIR Therapy is:

• Noninvasive
• Needle-free
• Drug-free
• UV-free
• Usually comfortable
• Quick before or after a workout
• No downtime: You can complete a session and return to your normal activities.

THE BAD

It is not magic—and everybody will not experience the same results.

One session may feel relaxing, however depending on the desired goal consistent treatments over several weeks may be required. More time and more intensity do not automatically equal better results.

Light therapy has a dose-response effect, which means too little may do nothing, while too much may reduce the benefit or irritate the tissue.

Red Light Therapy also does not replace:

• Proper sleep
• Protein and balanced nutrition
• Hydration
• Stretching and mobility
• Physical therapy
• Medical evaluation
• Proper Rest when your body actually needs it

THE UGLY

Improper use can cause:

• Eye irritation or injury
• Excessive warmth
• Redness or itching
• Skin sensitivity or Pigment changes
• Blisters or burns
• Pain or discomfort

The biggest danger is using light therapy to cover up a problem that needs medical attention.

If you are experiencing new, worsening or unexplained pain, swelling, weakness, numbness or loss of motion do not simply shine a light on it. Get it evaluated!

Red Light Therapy does not repair torn ligaments, cure arthritis, melt fat, detox the body or guarantee weight loss.

Who May Benefit?

• Boot campers and athletes experiencing normal post-workout soreness
• Members training several days per week
• People with minor muscle or joint stiffness
• Older adults seeking a gentle recovery option
• Clients returning after medical clearance
• People interested in general skin wellness
• Anyone becoming more proactive about recovery

Who Needs Medical Clearance First?

Please speak with your healthcare provider before treatment if you:

• Are pregnant, planning pregnancy or breastfeeding
• Have cancer, a tumor, a history of skin cancer in the treatment area or are receiving chemotherapy or radiation
• Have a photosensitivity disorder
• Have photosensitive epilepsy, especially when pulsing or flickering settings are used
• Take medications or supplements that may cause light sensitivity
• Have an active infection, open wound, rash or suspicious skin lesion
• Have a pacemaker, implanted defibrillator or another active medical implant
• Have significant immune suppression or an autoimmune or collagen-vascular condition
• Recently had surgery or a medical procedure in the treatment area
• Have an eye or retinal condition
• Have unexplained pain, swelling or a new injury

Some antibiotics, diuretics, retinoids and herbal products may increase light sensitivity. Do not stop medication on your own—ask your prescriber or pharmacist.

A medical condition does not always mean an automatic “no,” but it may mean we need clearance or a modified plan.

BEFORE YOU STEP INTO THE LIGHT

For the safest session and best light exposure:

1. Complete your health screening. Tell us about all medications, supplements, creams, patches, medical conditions and recent procedures.
2. Arrive with clean, dry skin. Do not place lotion, body oil, cream, makeup, deodorant, perfume or topical medication on the area being treated unless your provider approves it.
3. Expose the target area. Light must reach the skin. Wear shorts, a tank top, sports bra or other comfortable clothing that allows access while protecting your privacy.
4. Do not treat irritated or sunburned skin. Tell us about any rash, wound, infection or unusual skin change before your session.
5. Wear the protective eyewear provided. Keep your eyes protected and never stare directly into the lights—even when only the invisible NIR setting is being used.
6. Hydrate and eat normally. This is not a fasting treatment. Normal hydration supports your overall workout and recovery plan, although drinking extra water does not make the light stronger.
7. Choose a goal. Is your focus muscle soreness, stiffness, recovery or skin wellness? We will document your goal and starting symptoms so we can evaluate your response.
8. Start low and gradually progress. First-time clients begin with a shorter, lower-intensity session. TFC sessions never exceed 20 minutes.

During treatment, mild warmth may be normal. Tell a staff member immediately if you feel burning, pain, dizziness, vision changes or significant discomfort

When to Use It?

Before exercise: It may be used as part of a pre-workout recovery or muscle-preparation plan, although research does not guarantee better performance.

After exercise: Popular time for supporting relaxation and normal post-workout recovery.

On a recovery day: It may complement mobility work when the focus is stiffness, soreness or overall wellness.

For most new clients, a conservative starting point is approximately two to three sessions per week, with time and intensity adjusted according to the device protocol, individual goal and response.

Consistency matters more than intensity.

If combining Red Light Therapy with ice therapy or another recovery service, tell staff. The number of recovery tools, timing, and the order may matter.

Nurse Tadda’s Bottom Line

Red Light/NIR Therapy can be a valuable tool—but it is still only one tool.

Train hard. Recover intelligently. Eat well. Hydrate. Sleep. Stay consistent.

And now you can add a little GLOW to your recovery process!

READY TO STEP INTO THE LIGHT?

Red Light/NIR Session: $35 for up to 20 minutes

Unlimited Recovery Plan (URP):

• $79 monthly for TFC members
• $99 monthly for nonmembers

URP includes Red Light and NIR Therapy, compression legs, oxygen bar, TENS, massage gun, ice therapy and more.

Tadda’s Fitness Center 2615 Park Center Blvd. Decatur, GA 30035 404-520-9119

TFC offers Red Light and NIR Therapy as a general wellness and recovery service. Results vary. It is not a substitute for medical diagnosis or treatment.