Pulsed vs Continuous Red Light Therapy: Understanding Pulsation Frequency

Most red light therapy panels operate in continuous mode, with LEDs shining steadily throughout the session. Continuous delivery is reliable and well-supported by decades of research in photobiomodulation (PBM), the scientific name for red and near infrared light therapy. Newer devices, such as the Mitopia Radiance Pro, now offer an advanced feature: pulsation frequency control. This next-generation capability lets you deliver light in carefully timed bursts instead of a constant beam, opening up more ways to customise how your body receives red and near infrared wavelengths.

What is Pulsation Frequency in Red Light Therapy?

Pulsation frequency means the LEDs are programmed to switch on and off at a chosen speed, measured in hertz (Hz). While the light often looks steady to the human eye, it is actually flashing at a set rate. These brief “rest” periods can reduce stress on cells, allow tissue to re-oxygenate, and influence how mitochondria and ion channels respond to light. Researchers suggest that pulsed light may influence signalling molecules such as nitric oxide (NO) and reactive oxygen species (ROS), both involved in energy production, circulation, and inflammation balance ^[1]. Pulsing lets you shape the biological effect without changing brightness or distance.

What Does the Science Say About Pulsed vs Continuous Light?

Continuous red light therapy remains effective for skin rejuvenation, sleep, recovery, and energy metabolism. However, several peer-reviewed studies report that pulsed light can produce different or even superior effects in specific contexts. In wound-healing models, 10 Hz pulsed near infrared accelerated tissue repair more effectively than both continuous and higher-frequency light at the same dose ^[2]. Stem-cell experiments show that pulsing in the 30–300 Hz range produces distinct metabolic responses compared with continuous wave delivery ^[3]. In brain research, 40 Hz pulsed near infrared has been linked to synchronisation with gamma brain rhythms and improved neural connectivity ^[4,5].

Rules of Thumb: Low vs High Frequency

• Low frequencies (1–10 Hz): often calming and soothing; 10 Hz shows benefits in wound repair ^[2].
• ~40 Hz: studied in neuroscience; may interact with gamma rhythms supporting focus/alertness ^[4,5].
• Mid-range (100–300 Hz): common for recovery/performance; balances comfort at higher intensities ^[3].
• Very high (500–1000 Hz+): ultra-smooth, gentle delivery for sensitive skin or longer sessions ^[1].

Regardless of frequency, the total dose follows the same principle: irradiance × time × duty cycle. With pulsed light, sessions may need to be slightly longer to match the energy of continuous mode.

How Mitopia Radiance Pro Makes It Practical

The Mitopia Radiance Pro brings these insights together in convenient preset modes that blend power, wavelength balance, frequency, and session time into one-touch protocols, aligned with published research:

• Sleep (0 Hz red / 10 Hz NIR): low-frequency calming; 10 Hz shows restorative effects in wound models ^[2].
• Recovery (292 Hz red & NIR): mid-high band consistent with cell studies showing distinct mitochondrial signalling under pulsing ^[3].
• Skin (0 Hz continuous): dermatology literature largely uses continuous delivery for collagen/skin rejuvenation ^[6].
• Muscle (146 Hz red / 73 Hz NIR): mid-range pulsing supports comfort at higher intensities and post-exercise recovery ^[3,5].
• Mood (146 Hz red, optional blue): mid-range red for daytime alertness; blue in the morning aligns with circadian evidence ^[7].
• Joint (1168 Hz red / 73 Hz NIR): very high Hz for ultra-smooth comfort in longer sessions while maintaining therapeutic delivery ^[1].

These are convenience presets—great for getting started quickly. Crucially, every parameter is fully adjustable: frequency, brightness, red/NIR balance, and time. You can create and save your own protocols, which sets Radiance Pro apart from standard continuous-only panels. And because it’s manufactured under ISO 13485, tested for EN 62471, and built with wavelength accuracy to ±5 nm, you get clinical-grade consistency and safety in every session.

Takeaway

Continuous red light therapy is proven for supporting skin health, recovery, energy, and sleep. Pulsation frequency takes this further by letting you customise how light is delivered, potentially shaping comfort, depth, and biological response. With fully adjustable pulsing, independent red and near infrared channels, and research-aligned presets, the Mitopia Radiance Pro combines the reliability of continuous PBM with the precision of next-generation pulsed delivery—ideal for home or clinic use.

References

1. Hashmi JT, Huang YY, Osmani BZ, Sharma SK, Naeser MA, Hamblin MR. Effect of pulsing in low-level light therapy. Photomed Laser Surg. 2010;28(6):447–458.
2. Wang Y, et al. Pulsed versus continuous wave 810-nm laser irradiation in a rat wound healing model. Lasers Surg Med. 2017;49(9):798–807.
3. Kim HB, et al. Pulse frequency dependency of photobiomodulation on human dental pulp stem cells. Sci Rep. 2017;7:6373.
4. Salehpour F, et al. Transcranial photobiomodulation: Pulsed versus continuous light delivery in brain stimulation. J Photochem Photobiol B. 2023;236:112597.
5. Zomorrodi R, et al. Pulsed near infrared transcranial photobiomodulation: Effects on EEG connectivity. Front Neurosci. 2019;13:1196.
6. Avci P, Gupta A, Sadasivam M, et al. Low-level laser (light) therapy in skin: stimulating, healing, restoring. Semin Cutan Med Surg. 2013;32(1):41–52.
7. Cajochen C, et al. High sensitivity of human melatonin, alertness, thermoregulation, and heart rate to short-wavelength light. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2005;90(3):1311–1316.