When you're dealing with frustrating MS symptoms like fatigue, pain, or drop foot, you might be willing to try just about anything that might help. Red light therapy for MS has been getting a lot of buzz lately, and for good reason. Early research shows it can support energy production, inflammation, and nerve repair—all of which can impact how you move and feel day to day.
By the way, have we met? I’m Dr. Gretchen, an MS Specialist and founder of The MSing Link—an online wellness program and book designed to help people with MS feel stronger and more confident through gentle movement and practical strategies.
I recently spoke with Dr. Genevieve Newton, Scientific Director at Fringe, on The MSing Link podcast about how red light therapy can help improve MS symptoms. (You can listen to the full episode here!) In this post, I’m breaking down the key takeaways and tips from that discussion to help you decide whether this type of therapy is something you want to explore.
Once you understand how red light therapy works at a cellular level, it’s easy to see why so many researchers and clinicians are paying attention. Here’s how it works:
Why does that matter for MS? Because more cellular energy means better immune regulation, reduced inflammation, and improved nerve function. All of these can impact common MS symptoms like fatigue, pain, and mobility challenges.
Research shows that MS is fueled by four main cellular issues: mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and immune dysregulation. By improving mitochondrial energy production and reducing inflammation, red light therapy supports your body in all four areas.
When you’re living with MS, you don’t just want tools that might help—you want real strategies backed by science. While red light therapy for MS is still being researched, the results so far are promising. In recent animal studies, red and near-infrared light therapy was shown to:
Human studies are smaller but still compelling. In one study, participants with MS who used red light therapy 2-3 times per week for several weeks experienced:
The takeaway? While more research is needed, there’s growing evidence that red light therapy can help reduce MS-related inflammation, support nerve regeneration, and improve energy production.
You don’t need to spend hours in a clinic or invest in a fancy light bed to benefit from red light therapy. Brands like Fringe offer wearable red light therapy wraps and devices that are lightweight, portable, and rechargeable.
Dr. Newton recommends starting with just 2 or 3 sessions per week, using red light therapy for 10–20 minutes at a time. If you’re heat-sensitive or just starting out, even 3–6 minutes at a lower intensity can be helpful.
The key is consistency. Just like MS-specific exercise, red light therapy works best when used regularly over time. You might start noticing changes in fatigue, pain, or muscle stiffness within a few weeks—or even a few days, depending on your body.
For general nervous system support, Dr. Newton recommends applying the light along your spine and/or the head and neck, since this targets your central nervous system. If your main goal is to boost immune regulation, placing the light over your thymus gland (just under your breastbone) is a great option.
For symptom-specific relief—like foot drop, leg pain, or jaw tension—you can place the device directly over the affected area.
The deeper the area, the more helpful near-infrared light becomes. That’s why many devices offer both red and near-infrared light, so you don’t have to guess.
Safety always comes first—especially with MS, where heat sensitivity and nervous system changes are real concerns. Fortunately, red light therapy is generally considered safe, non-invasive, and well-tolerated, even by people with heat intolerance.
Red light itself doesn’t generate heat, but near-infrared light can create a gentle warming effect over time. If you’re heat-sensitive, look for a device that lets you adjust the intensity, or start with shorter sessions (just 3–5 minutes) to see how your body responds.
You don’t need to stop any medications or treatments to try red light therapy. It’s designed to complement your current MS plan, not replace it.
There are a lot of red light therapy products out there, and they’re not all the same. If you're going to invest in one, here’s what to look for when you start your search.
Fringe builds its devices based on the latest research, and I’ve personally had a great experience with their products. (Disclosure: I may receive a small commission if you decide to purchase through my link, but I only recommend products I trust and use.)
If you’re not sure where to start, Dr. Newton shared a simple and flexible protocol you can try from home. Here’s a basic rotation you can follow 2-3 times per week:
Each session can last 10-20 minutes (or shorter, if needed). Alternate these two types of sessions throughout the week—ideally with 4-6 total sessions. Even a few minutes, a few times a week, can start making a difference.
Aim for just one session per body area per day, with a maximum of 20 minutes per region. For example, if you’re targeting your spine and your thymus gland, you can do up to 20 minutes in each location. This keeps things safe and effective while giving your body time to respond between sessions.
Whether you're dealing with fatigue, foot drop, or just want to support your nervous system, red light therapy is one more way to take care of yourself and feel more in control of your MS. Best of all, it can easily fit into your routine and work alongside other strategies you're already using.
If you’re considering trying red light therapy for MS, I recommend checking out the devices from Fringe. Their wraps are research-backed, thoughtfully designed, and easy to use. I personally use their products and love that they combine both red and near-infrared light at safe intensities.
Want more help improving mobility and managing MS symptoms? Download my free guide to check out the MS-friendly tools and products I recommend to all my clients. Have more questions about Red-Light Therapy for MS? DM me on Instagram @doctor.gretchen!
Dr. Gretchen Hawley's The MSing Link offers a comprehensive guide to taking control of your MS symptoms and improving your mobility through MS-specific exercises and strategies.
6000+ copies sold in over 13 countries!
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As a physical therapist & Multiple Sclerosis Certified Specialist, I have spent the last 10 years teaching people with MS how to feel more confident & empowered through MS-specific exercises and strategies.
If you want support and encouragement, plus a healthy dose of tough love, come follow me on Instagram (@doctor.gretchen) or on YouTube @DoctorGretchenHawley. It's where I share daily tips, tricks, and information about new offers — plus, you’re bound to feel more empowered, hopeful, & motivated after watching each post and video!
Questions? Email me at Hello@DoctorGretchenHawley.com
