Red light therapy
Supercharge cells to reduce muscle soreness, encourage tissue repair, and boost collagen production with red light therapy, also known as photobiomodulation (PBM). The innovative treatment uses low-level red and near-infrared light to stimulate cell function, enhancing your body’s natural processes.
For individuals with a heavy training load in need of a comprehensive recovery programme and anyone looking to elevate their wellness routine with science-backed therapies, PBM supports overall physical and mental wellbeing.
Understand how the therapy works, plus discover House tips and how it can contribute to your existing recovery routine in line with your membership.
What is red light therapy?
Red light therapy – or photobiomodulation (PBM) – is a full-body, non-invasive therapy that emits low-level red and near-infrared light wavelengths inside a specialised bed. It is linked to aiding muscle and joint recovery, boosting skin health, and reducing inflammation for heavy training loads and busy lifestyles.
How does red light therapy work?
Our state-of-the-art PBM bed is situated in a private space designed for comfort. You’ll lie flat in the bed and relax while the gentle glow of the red and near-infrared lights is emitted. Unlike tanning beds, PBM does not emit UV rays. As with all Soho Health Club treatments on offer at Soho House, PBM sessions are delivered by trained professionals, who remain on hand throughout the experience.
What are the benefits of PBM?
PBM works by using specific wavelengths of light to promote faster muscle recovery and cell repair, and help reduce fatigue, inflammation, and stiffness. These benefits make PBM a vital part of a comprehensive recovery plan during an intense training block, as well as a way to supercharge your cells and boost energy for your next session or as part of a wellbeing routine.
Additional advantages include skin health and collagen support, helping to reduce acne and inflammation, and supporting hair growth.
House tips
Before your session, we recommend starting with clean, dry skin to help the light penetrate more effectively, removing anything that could block absorption – including oils, sweat or skincare. Your cells respond better when you’re hydrated, so drinking water one to two hours before your session will support natural repair processes. We recommend wearing minimal clothing – if any – while using the red light bed, to allow the light wavelengths to penetrate the skin effectively.
What can I expect during a PBM session?
A typical session lasts 22 minutes. You will lie inside a full-body capsule bed that safely administers low-level wavelengths of red and near-infrared light. The experience is designed to be deeply relaxing, allowing you to switch off while the light emits a warm, gentle glow.
Where is PBM available?
Our teams provide red light therapy at 180 House in London, and Soho Farmhouse in Oxfordshire. We are expanding this offering, with White City House, Soho House Barcelona and Soho House New York set to introduce PBM to their menu of wellness treatments soon. Members and their guests can book sessions via the Soho House app.
Treatment stacking
Build an integrated recovery programme that incorporates treatments including red light therapy (PBM), alongside the enhanced oxygen delivery encouraged by hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT), and the improved circulation and nervous system response delivered by contrast therapy. For muscle repair, incorporate post-training compression treatments in the recovery lounge at select Houses.
