10 Best Infrared Heat Lamps Of 2024 To Soothe Sore Muscles, Expert-Approved
Dr. Benjamin Gibson is an award-winning multi-state licensed pharmacist and nutritionist published on PubMed. He is also a best-selling author, international podcast host, international newspaper reporter, and health coach. He has 15 years of experience and a bachelor’s degree in biomedical engineering and a doctorate in pharmacy.
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Shreya is a commerce writer who is passionate about reviewing products related to fitness, health, and home. She holds a master’s degree in clinical psychology from Shree Guru Gobind Singh Tricentenary University, Gurugram, and has four years of experience.
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Medha Deb is a commerce editor with a master's degree in applied linguistics from the University of Hyderabad, which has allowed her to develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts. She specializes in the areas of beauty, health, and wellness and is committed to ensuring that the content on the website is of the highest quality.
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Aditi Naskar has a postgraduate degree in English literature from Presidency University, Kolkata, a bachelor’s degree in education from WBUTTEPA, Kolkata, and a diploma in health and wellness. She is an associate commerce editor with 5 years of experience and specializes in reviewing fitness and health products.
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In This Article
Dealing with constant pain and ache is exhausting, and if the pain is from chronic ailments, it is even worse. Medications are one key factor that provides good relief, especially when coupled with other alternatives. So, here are the best infrared heat lamps to your rescue. They are non-invasive and non-pharmaceutical ways of treating your body pains – totally safe and effective.
Infrared heat lamps are electrical devices that transmit wavelengths of light to the human body to treat pain. They look like any conventional lamp and plug conveniently into any electrical outlet. The radiated light penetrates the skin and generates gentle heat. The therapeutic light will impact the cellular body and help in minimizing the recovery time of injuries and wounds. In addition, it is also helpful to alleviate inflammation, chronic pain, fibromyalgia symptoms, and arthritic cramps.
It is an effective, safe, drug-free technique to relieve pain. It improves the circulation of blood rich in oxygen and promotes faster healing. Certified Functional Specialist Dr. Benjamin Gibson, says, “Just as infrared lamps have also been used for creating collagen, they are also used for wound healing. Some of the better frequencies include 630-680 nm, 800-830 nm, and 904 nm.”
However, you must be mindful when selecting the ideal infrared heat lamp. Ensure that you pick a model that emits light of therapeutic wavelength. To simplify your selection, we have curated a list of the 10 best tried-and-tested infrared heat lamps that provide relief to sore muscles. Keep reading to learn more!
[table “4684” not found /]10 Best Infrared Heat Lamps In 2024 That Will Change Your Life!
1. Best Overall:Hooga Red Light Therapy Device
Improve your sleep and skin health with the Hooga Red Light Therapy Device. It is designed with emission of two different wavelengths – 660nm and 850nm. These two wavelengths are ideal for enhanced skin rejuvenation and deep tissue treatments. The beam angle of this 300-piece high-power LED lamp is 60 degrees. This device is equipped with two power switches to choose the different wavelength emissions for customized treatments. In addition, the clinically backed device comes with a hanging kit, door mount, and eye protection. You can use this infrared heat lamp for muscle recovery from workouts and to enhance muscle strength. Moreover, the therapy device can improve skin health and muscle performance with proven expertise. Check out this honest, in-depth review of the product for further details.
Wavelengths: 660 nm and 850 nm | EMF Output: Low | Power Consumption: 12 W | Batteries Required: No
Pros
- Comes with adjustable hanging kit
- High irradiance
- Customized treatments
- Easy to use
Cons
- None
Did You Know?2. Best UV Protection:Theralamp Red Light Therapy Infrared Heating Wand
When they call it a wand, they aren’t kidding. Theralamp ain’t nothing short of magic! As per expert evaluation, this handheld infrared heating wand is designed to provide professional-worthy care in the very comfort of your home. The human body has more angled curves than flat lines (let’s not fool ourselves), which is why the ingeniously angled head engineered on this device is successfully able to cover just about any problem area. Additionally, the 6-foot long cord allows you to sit back and de-stress those muscles with ease instead of playing tug of war with your electrical socket. Several reviewers appreciate this lamp as it is lightweight, safe, portable, and perfect for travel. It is also ideal for pre-workout muscle warm-ups to prevent future sports injuries and soothe existing ones.
Wavelengths: 630 nm, 660 nm, and 850 nm | EMF Output: Low | Power Consumption: 10 W | Batteries Required: No
Pros
- Does not emit harmful UVB or UVA rays
- Handheld and convenient to maneuver
- Comes with an extra infrared light bulb
- Lightweight
Cons
- Is not cordless
Did You Know?
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
With over 1,301 Amazon acclaimed reviews, this product is sure to find a place in everyone’s shopping bag.
3. Best Durable Design:Serfory Infrared Heat Lamp Set – 150W
Serfory has made quite a name in manufacturing infrared pain relief devices, and this near infrared light lamp lives up to every expectation ever set! It may look like a run-of-the-mill, regular desk lamp, but behind its gorgeously chic white matte exteriors, it packs a powerful 150W of red light therapy to encourage healing for lumbar pain, palmar aches, sore knees, and cervical cramps. It could simply be used for some toasty, soothing heat for overused muscles as well. The analog design means that it’s easy to install and even easier to use, making it the perfect gift for those who are notoriously helpless around digital devices. This Infrared heat lamp for arthritis pain is a must-have tool for the elderly in the house. Take a look at this video detailing a reviewer’s experience of using this lamp to learn more about it.
Wavelengths: 700 nm to 1200 nm | EMF Output: High | Power Consumption: 150 W | Batteries Required: No
Pros
- Sturdy and durable design
- 150 W red heat lamp therapy
- Short pre-heating time
- Easy to use
Cons
- Is not portable enough to travel with
Hooga Red Light Therapy Device Best Overall | Theralamp Red Light Therapy Infrared Heating Wand Best UV Protection | Serfory Infrared Heat Lamp Set - 150W Best Durable Design | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Incandescent Equivalent Wattage | - | 10 Watts | - |
| Dimensions | - | 6 x 0.01 x 10 inches | - |
| Weight | - | 11.36 Ounces | - |
| Shape | - | Reflector(R) | - |
| Number of Items | - | 1 | - |
| Light Color | - | Red | Red |
| Wattage | - | - | 150 watts |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 35 | 1,301 | 494 |
| Price | $889.99 | $39.99 | $79.99 |
| Buy Now | Buy Now | Buy Now |
4. Best In Easy To Use:K.S. Choi Corp Infrared Heat Lamp
If you’re looking for an infrared lamp for healing that’s tall, this candidate by K.S. Choi Corp is a great choice! It is often used by professional acupuncturists and medical device experts. This lamp offers potent infrared heating lights that can be conveniently maneuvered owing to the adjustable height and “goose neck” design, which allows you to swing the lamp head down for optimal exposure and efficient healing. This sturdy wonder is also equipped with small wheels that allow you to effortlessly cart it around your house. Additionally, the giant, uncomplicated analog dial lets users manually vary the heat intensity (versus the simple “heat on/ off” option available in conventional lamps), which we absolutely love.
Wavelengths: 600 nm | EMF Output: High | Power Consumption: 250 W | Batteries Required: No
Pros
- Easy to use dial control
- Infrared lamp with stand and caster wheels
- Analog quiet timer for safety
- Adjustable goose neck
Cons
- Expensive
5. Best Budget-Friendly: RubyLux NIR-A Near Infrared Bulb Grade A
The RubyLux NIR-A Near Infrared Bulb Grade A is a high-quality and efficient light bulb that delivers the benefits of near-infrared therapy, sitting at your home. With 250 watts of powerful red light, it penetrates deep into the skin, promoting circulation, reducing inflammation, and stimulating cellular regeneration. The bulb is compatible with any standard socket, making it easy to use in any room of your home.
Wavelengths: 850 nm | EMF Output: High | Power Consumption: 250 W | Batteries Required: No
Pros
- Shatterproof coating
- Built-in ventilation system
- Easy to use
- High power
- High brightness
Cons
- Doesn’t come with a stand
6. Best For Body Pain:PDGROW Red Light Therapy Bulb
Treat your body pain and keep your skin healthy with the PDGROW Red Light Therapy Bulb. It comes with integrated chip technology and lens focus technology that helps skin aging problems and resolve body pain with proven expertise. This infrared heat lamp also helps to promote blood circulation and offers pain relief and healthy skin. The bulb comes with 660nm red light and 850nm near-infrared light. In addition, the bulb is equipped with an optical lens that improves the irradiance.
Wavelengths: 600 nm and 850 nm | EMF Output: High | Power Consumption: 96 W | Batteries Required: No
Pros
- Easy to use
- Large glass lens
- High power
- High brightness
Cons
- Doesn’t come with a stand
7. Best Convenient Use:Beurer IL50 Infrared Heat Lamp
Beurer IL50 Infrared Heat Lamp provides soothing, deep penetrating heat therapy for targeted areas of your body, helping alleviate muscle tension, ease joint pain, and promote detoxification and relaxation. Featuring a powerful 300-watt lamp and an adjustable angle, it delivers deep-penetrating infrared heat to the affected areas, improving circulation and accelerating the body’s natural healing processes. The device is equipped with a timer function that allows you to set the treatment duration and an automatic shut-off feature that ensures safety and energy efficiency.
Wavelengths: 500 nm to 2500 nm | EMF Output: High | Power Consumption: 300 W | Batteries Required: No
Pros
- Active ventilation
- No risk of overheating
- Easy to use
- Sturdy and durable design
Cons
- Default setting is “ON” when plugged in
8. Best Unique Design:Skin Act 5 Head Infrared Heat Lamp
This enterprising design consists of 5 infrared heat lamps attached to 5 different adjustable arms. Each of these lamp heads uses a 150 W bulb that emits near-infrared heat, giving you a grand total of 750 W of toasty, therapeutic heat! Many reviewers love this lamp as its easy-to-bend arms are connected to a handy set of small wheels, which allow it to change locations easily. If you happen to roll into the bathroom, you could create an at-home sauna experience too! Every lamp head is equipped with a vent system to control heat, while the wires come with protective guards to secure them. Lastly, a single knob is all you need to operate all 5 lamps at once.
Wavelengths: 500 nm | EMF Output: High | Power Consumption: 150 W | Batteries Required: No
Pros
- Near-infrared heat lamp
- Unique design
- Can treat several body parts simultaneously
- Solid stand with casters
Cons
- Expensive
9. Best Travel-Friendly Packaging:Bestqool Red Light Therapy Device
Don’t be deceived by its size! This tiny tower packs a whole lot of therapeutic power in its small (¾ Ib) frame. Not only does it provide users with soothing near-infrared light therapy, it also emits far-infrared light or red light. This wavelength of infrared light helps promote wound healing, improves skin texture, and boosts cell production. In fact, 15-30 minute sessions of red light therapy 4 times a week have also been shown to noticeably reverse signs of aging and boost collagen production. Last but not the least, this adorable lamp comes with a handy pair of protective glasses to ensure the health of your eyes during light therapy.
Wavelengths: 660 nm and 850 nm | EMF Output: Low | Power Consumption: 50 W | Batteries Required: No
Pros
- Anti-aging skin benefits
- No assembly needed, comes with a kickstand
- Portable
- Travel-friendly
Cons
- Small irradiance field due to size
10. Best For Muscle Relaxation:HANGSUN Infrared Light Therapy Heating Lamp
The HANGSUN Infrared Light Therapy Heating Lamp uses infrared light technology to deliver therapeutic heat to the affected area and provide relief from sore muscles. By penetrating the skin and tissues, infrared radiation stimulates the body’s natural healing processes, improves blood flow, and helps muscles relax. The heat produced by the infrared heat lamp helps relax tense muscles, lessen muscular spasms, and increase general flexibility. It is made of ceramic glass and packs a powerful 200 watts of red light therapy to work to its optimum level.
Wavelengths: 750 nm to 2850 nm | EMF Output: High | Power Consumption: 200 W | Batteries Required: No
Pros
- Easy to use
- Sturdy and durable design
- Convenient to use
- Provides 100% UV protection
Cons
- Dismantling required for bulb change
Feeling overwhelmed by choice? Well, we’re here to the rescue. Now that you’re well acquainted with the best infrared therapy devices, why not take a quick peek at our handy buying guide to determine just how to determine which one is the best for you. Read on!
A Beginner’s Guide To Buying The Best Infrared Heat Lamp!
Before you part with your money (and even more precious time), assess the following key consideration to ensure that your infrared heat lamp for joint pain and muscle recovery is the best match for your needs:
1. Function:
Infrared therapy lamps for back pain can be used to help treat other issues like muscle pain, neuropathic pain, joint pain, and pain resulting from injuries. It’s also recommended by healthcare specialists for patients suffering from fibromyalgia, arthritis pain, tendonitis, and other chronic pain ailments. Since it’s wonderfully non-invasive and drug-free, these high-efficiency lamps make for a promising alternative for those who’ve exhausted pharmaceuticals and aren’t a candidate for surgery. Additionally, it’s also been suggested that infrared light therapy can prove effective in repairing UV ray damage, remedying slow-to-heal wounds, and reducing the appearance of fine lines and smoothing wrinkles.
2. Wavelength:
Infrared therapy lamps utilize specific wavelengths of natural light to penetrate the many layers of your skin and impact your muscle cells, soft tissues, and bones to reduce inflammation, alleviate pain, and promote all-around healing. However, to be effective, an infrared lamp must first emit the correct wavelength, otherwise the entire process is rendered useless. Most at-home models usually produce wavelengths in the range of 600-1400 nm. But clinical studies suggest that the most therapeutic range is between 630-680 nm and 800-880 nm; hence, try to aim for said wavelengths when selecting a lamp.
3. Type:
The following are the 4 most common styles of infrared therapy lamps that you may encounter in the market:
- Light panel: These tabletop lamps contain a wide rectangular or square panel, which emit infrared radiation. Such sub-types of therapy lamps usually provide the greatest irradiance. Nevertheless, it can be difficult to maneuver the panel’s position for optimal exposure to the part of the body one’s targeting to treat.
- Tripod: The infrared therapy tripod lamps are rather similar to conventional floor lamps, yet they usually come with nifty wheels on their bottom to allow your lamp to easily be moved around the house. Their head lamps are exceptionally adjustable, which makes targeting a specific body area for treatment more feasible.
- Handheld: The design of the infrared handheld lamp for muscle relaxation is awfully similar to the good ol’ flashlight, making this marvel an ideal travel companion. Since you have the freedom to handhold this lamp, you don’t have any limitations in targeting any specific body areas for treatment. That being said, these lamps are woefully smaller in comparison to the other subtypes.
- Desk: The infrared heat lamps for blood circulation are smaller versions of tabletop lamps, akin to the style of tripod infrared therapy lamps. But these wee things are smaller and lack that convenient adjustability. Nevertheless, in comparison to light panel lamps, desk lamps do succeed in giving users a much easier ride in the angulating department.
Infographic: Best Practices To Follow When Using Infrared Heat Lamps
Infrared lamps have become popular for their anti-aging and pain relief benefits. They are easy to incorporate into your skin or health care routines. However, they can cause chronic damage to your retina if you look into the light during your sessions. In fact, they can even damage your skin with excessive exposure. So, it is important to follow the safety guidelines religiously. Check out the infographic below for more information.
Illustration: The Bridal Box Design Team
The Bottom Line
The quest for pain relief isn’t easy. It’s an exhausting, and often frustrating, journey, especially if you happen to be one of those individuals who prefers a holistic and natural treatment plan over pharmaceuticals and surgery. Thankfully, infrared heat lamps for inflammation and muscle pain relief are a promising alternative for those who are struggling to find a solution. With our compilation of the best infrared heat lamps of 2024 (and handy buying guide), you’re all set to melt those aches and cramps away. Get two wavelengths in one device with the Hooga Red Light Therapy Device. Opt for the Theralamp Red Light Therapy Infrared Heating Wand for its angled head enhancing ease of use, while the Beurer IL50 Infrared Heat Lamp offers deep penetrative heat therapy along with a timer feature. Remember to always consult your physician before use, however. Stay healthy!
Frequently Asked Questions
Are infrared lamps effective?
Infrared therapy is an effective and safe means to alleviate pain and treat several conditions. It can help reduce inflammation, improve circulation and promote healing in injured tissues.
How long does it take to see results with an infrared therapy lamp?
Most users will usually experience some degree of pain relief with infrared light from the first treatment itself.The majority of manufacturers, however, recommend consistent use with 2-3 sessions of 10-15 minutes per week for noticeable improvement.
Does it hurt to use an infrared therapy lamp?
Red light therapy utilizes very low intensities of heat. It isn’t the same kind of light encountered in tanning booths and it doesn’t contain harmful UV light. Instead, it’s gentle, safe, and virtually painless if used properly.
Could you get burned by using infrared heat therapy lamps?
Yes, you could. Even small heat lamps, if powerful enough and stood under for too long, can burn your skin. Always follow the distance recommended by the manufacturer of your purchased model to avoid sustaining burns. Additionally, a few lamps can get very hot to touch so avoid making contact with the bulbs or metal grates during your therapy sessions.
Do I need to continue using an infrared therapy lamp even after I feel relief?
Yes, it is recommended to continue weekly infrared therapy sessions to maintain results and prevent future injuries. Tapering down to 1-2 sessions of 10-15 minutes per week is sufficient to sustain results.
What’s the difference between red light, near-infrared, and far-infrared?
Far-infrared lamps and red light lamps are actually the same: they emit a concentrated wavelength of visible light that works to boost cell production and optimizes blood flow sans the use of any heat. Meanwhile, near-infrared heat lamps generate, well, heat. This thermal energy can help alleviate muscle aches and cramps. Besides providing soothing warmth and comfort, near-infrared light also improves blood flow, boosting nutrient and oxygen reach to the muscles and soft tissue.
Do infrared heat treatment lamps work through clothing?
Yes. Infrared light will certainly pass through your clothing; however, some of these waves tend to get reflected back or simply absorbed by the fabric. Cotton is a good choice to dress in as it doesn’t steal away too much of the heat, thereby allowing your skin to make good contact with the infrared therapy.
Could you create an at-home sauna with red infrared heat lamps?
You could. If your home infrared therapy lamp possesses multiple heat lamp heads, it could possibly generate enough heat to make a small room, like a bathroom, toasty enough to resemble sauna conditions.
Will infrared light work on wrinkles?
Research suggests that red infrared light therapy could significantly aid in increasing collagen density, thereby reducing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, and improving the overall skin complexion.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
The author, Shreya Vishwanathan, is a health and fitness enthusiast. She has conducted a detailed study on the best infrared heat lamps to soothe sore muscles. She has browsed through various online forums for user feedback before compiling this list. She has considered all the necessary parameters and features of the products. These infrared heat lamps provide an effective and safe way to reduce your body pain.
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