/sci/ — Science of red light therapy.

File: rlt.jpg (46 KB, 480x640)

Red light therapy ( RLT ) is becoming increasingly popular. I smelled a scam but surprisingly there are plenty of scientific studies which show health benefits for skin conditions, arthritis, and aiding muscle recovery from injury.
That said there are also plenty of sharks trying to sell RLT devices for home use, trying to make a quick buck.
I dont want it for myself but for my dog who is old and arthritic. I know her time is coming but I want to ease it as much as possible. And yes, there are RLT products out there for dogs, and yes the prices being asked are fucking insane. I smell scammers taking advantage of desperate and ignorant people. Making ridiculous claims and selling just about any red light emitting device as RLT, with very little way for consumers to verify the quality and effectiveness.
Which leaves me, with only a High School education, asking some questions.
As I understand it direct sunlight is all colors. So by just by being in direct sunlight the body should be absorbing a dose of red and near infrared light anyway. So whats so special about sitting under a red bulbs or LED light? Unless you live in a frequently cloudy climate.
From what I have read the main wavelengths used in RLT are 630-670nm, 810-850nm and 1070nm. Is there any simple and cheap way I can produce these wave lengths at home for my dog without being suckered into RLT devices which I really cant afford anyway. Is an ordinary $5 red light bulb just as good as some fancy array of red LEDs which cost hundreds, even thousands of dollars?
Discussion of RLT welcomed.
Knowledge, experience and advice all appreciated.
Also, please dont ask me to go ask on reddit. They are the blind leading the blind. I hope to get some sensible insights here.