Accelerate ACL Recovery with the Power of Light Therapy

We often take our knees for granted—until pain or injury limits almost every movement. Even a minor knee problem can hint at bigger issues later, and the numbers back this up: knee replacements and ACL reconstructions rank among the most frequent orthopedic procedures. Roughly 100 000 ACL reconstructions are performed in the United States each year.

Whether you are facing an ACL tear or the surgery that follows, the goal is the same: heal as quickly and safely as possible. Light therapy—long used in medicine—is now being applied during post-surgical recovery and, increasingly, in the weeks before the operation.

How light therapy may support ACL injury and surgery recovery

Many surgeons suggest starting light therapy several days before the procedure. Pre-operative exposure may:

• Help strengthen muscle, bone, and connective tissue.
• Boost mitochondrial ATP production.
• Lessen oxidative stress and local inflammation.

These changes can set the stage for a smoother recovery.

After surgery, ongoing sessions are used to:

• Ease post-operative pain.
• Encourage healing of acute and chronic wounds.
• Lower the risk of wound dehiscence.
• Reduce excess bleeding and related complications.
• Support the body’s natural anti-inflammatory response.

Across a range of small studies, light therapy has been linked to less pain, reduced swelling, and faster return of joint function, though individual results vary.

What the light actually does

Red and near-infrared photons penetrate the skin and are absorbed by mitochondria. This extra energy (ATP) can help damaged cells repair themselves and stimulate the formation of new blood vessels and collagen, which may shorten overall healing time. When cells operate efficiently, the reconstructed ligament and surrounding tissues recover more reliably.

Mitochondrial response to photobiomodulation | Wound-healing outcomes with light therapy | Harvard Health on knee surgery trends

Light therapy may also improve the appearance of scars. A peer-reviewed study of 15 children with hypertrophic scars found that treated scars became flatter and less visible than untreated controls.

For people recovering from ACL injury or surgery, light therapy can support tissue repair and may ease some discomfort, which in turn can benefit mood and overall well-being.

Led Mask supplies MDSAP-certified light-therapy devices intended for at-home or professional use. If you are interested in purchasing or private-labeling a device, contact our team for guidance.

This information is educational and not a substitute for professional medical advice.

Scar treatment with low-level light therapy