Can Red Light Therapy Help With Lymphedema?

If you’ve had cancer treatment, surgery, or radiation and now experience swelling, tightness, or discomfort in your arms, legs, or neck, you may be dealing with lymphedema.

At RegenClinic, we regularly work with patients facing post-treatment swelling. One of the most promising natural tools we use is photobiomodulation (PBM)—also known as red light therapy. PBM is safe, drug-free, and clinically supported to reduce inflammation, ease discomfort, and restore function in people living with lymphedema.

What Is Lymphedema?

Lymphedema is a chronic condition where lymph fluid builds up in the soft tissues, leading to persistent swelling—most commonly in the arms, legs, face, or neck. It often occurs after cancer treatment, especially when lymph nodes are removed or damaged during surgery or radiation therapy.

Symptoms of lymphedema may include:

Swelling or puffiness
A heavy, tight sensation
Discomfort or aching
Restricted movement
Tissue hardening (fibrosis)

While it can’t be cured entirely, lymphedema is manageable—and early treatment (Sources: Mayo Clinic, Cleveland Clinic, Wikipedia)

How Red Light Therapy Supports Lymphatic Health

Photobiomodulation delivers low-level red and near-infrared light to the tissues. This light penetrates the skin and is absorbed by the mitochondria in your cells, which helps stimulate cellular energy (ATP) and reduces oxidative stress.

When used for lymphedema, PBM can:

Stimulate lymphatic drainage
Soften hardened, fibrotic tissue
Reduce swelling and inflammation
Relieve pain and discomfort
Improve circulation and flexibility

Red light therapy is especially helpful in supporting natural healing mechanisms after cancer treatments, injury, or surgery—without introducing medications or invasive procedures.

What the Research Shows

At RegenClinic, we use THOR Laser protocols grounded in published clinical trials. These protocols are tailored to different forms of lymphedema, including:

Head and Neck Lymphedema

Common in patients recovering from radiation therapy to the head or neck
Treatments target lymph nodes and affected tissues 2–3 times per week
Cited studies: Lee et al., 2013 (Journal of Lymphoedema), Omar et al., 2012 (Support Care Cancer)

Arm (Upper Limb) Lymphedema

Frequently seen in patients post-mastectomy or lymph node removal
Studies recommend twice-weekly treatments for 8 weeks or more
Cited studies: Baxter, 2017; Wang, 2021 (systematic review); Kilmartin, 2019; Kozanoglu, 2021 (RCTs)

Leg (Lower Limb) Lymphedema

Typically follows pelvic or lower body cancer treatment
Treatment protocols are similar—2 sessions weekly, continued for 8+ weeks
Cited studies: Akgul, 2020 (randomized controlled trial); Cooper, 2016; de Pauli Paglioni, 2019

These studies consistently show improved outcomes: reduced limb size, decreased tissue stiffness, improved mobility, and better quality of life.

Who Might Benefit From PBM?

You may be a good candidate for red light therapy if you:

Are recovering from cancer surgery or radiation
Experience chronic swelling in the arms, legs, face, or neck
Want to avoid long-term pharmaceutical use
Have trouble with tightness, mobility, or pain
Are looking for a complementary approach to physiotherapy or massage

Even if you’re in active treatment, PBM may fit into your care plan. We’re happy to collaborate with your oncologist, massage therapist, or physiotherapist to ensure continuity and safety.

A Natural Way to Heal and Restore

At RegenClinic, we use medical-grade THOR Laser systems—the same technology trusted in hospitals, research clinics, and university studies worldwide. Sessions are gentle, non-invasive, and designed to help you feel better, faster.

If you or a loved one is navigating lymphedema or cancer recovery, we’d love to support your journey.

You can book a session right away:

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Call or text us at 250-813-2121
Email: sasha@regenclinic.ca