The Science Behind Red Light & Infrared Wellness for Hockey Players
How today's athletes are incorporating red light and infrared technologies into their overall wellness and recovery routines.
By Coach Scott, Performance Director · hockeyperformanceedge.com
Building Better Recovery Habits Throughout the Hockey Season
Competitive hockey places extraordinary demands on the body. Between practices, strength training, travel, tournaments, and long competitive seasons, players are continually looking for ways to support their overall wellness and stay prepared for the next skate.
While no technology replaces quality coaching, proper nutrition, hydration, sleep, or conditioning, many athletes are incorporating infrared heat and red light into their regular wellness routines.
From NHL organizations to collegiate programs and junior hockey facilities, these technologies have become increasingly common additions to recovery spaces because they provide athletes with a relaxing environment to unwind after training and competition.
This article explores what these technologies are, what current scientific research is investigating, and how many hockey players choose to incorporate them into a balanced training lifestyle.
What Are Red Light & Infrared Technologies?
Red light and infrared technologies use specific wavelengths of light or radiant heat and are available in several different wellness formats.
Infrared Saunas
Full-Body Red Light Systems
Portable Infrared Blankets
Targeted Wraps
Full-Body Wellness Pods
The most common wavelength ranges include:
Visible Red Light (approx. 630–680 nm)
Commonly incorporated into wellness and personal care systems designed for whole-body or localized use.
Near-Infrared Light (approx. 800–880 nm)
Frequently used in full-body and targeted wellness equipment — delivered comfortably during post-exercise wellness sessions.
Far-Infrared Heat (approx. 3,000–14,000 nm)
Produces radiant warmth many athletes enjoy following demanding practices or competition. Unlike traditional saunas, infrared creates a gentle warming experience most users find relaxing and comfortable.
Wellness USA Innovation
At Wellness USA, multiple wellness technologies may be combined into a single session through an integrated approach called Bio-Stacking® — bringing together complementary wellness experiences in one system.
Why Hockey Players Are Interested
Hockey seasons are built on consistency. Players often compete several times each week while balancing school, travel, off-ice training, and recovery.
Because of these demands, many athletes develop structured wellness routines that include:
- ✓ Stretching and mobility
- ✓ Proper hydration
- ✓ Nutrition
- ✓ Quality sleep
- ✓ Massage
- ✓ Cold or heat exposure
- ✓ Infrared wellness sessions
- ✓ Red light wellness sessions
Rather than viewing one tool as the solution, today's performance professionals generally encourage a balanced recovery strategy that supports long-term consistency.
Targeted wraps let players address specific joint stress between periods and games.
Supporting Relaxation After Training
One reason athletes choose infrared heat is simply because it creates an opportunity to slow down after intense physical activity. Many players incorporate an evening infrared sauna session as part of their post-practice routine alongside hydration, stretching, and preparing for sleep.
Creating consistent routines that encourage relaxation and recovery habits may help athletes stay disciplined throughout demanding seasons.
Supporting Overall Wellness
Researchers continue studying how heat exposure and specific wavelengths of light interact with the body's normal physiological processes. Published research has explored topics such as:
- ✓ Post-exercise wellness
- ✓ Relaxation
- ✓ Temporary muscle comfort following exercise
- ✓ Circulation during and after heat exposure
- ✓ General athlete wellness
- ✓ Exercise recovery strategies
While many studies have reported encouraging findings, research is ongoing, and outcomes can vary depending on the study design, participants, treatment protocols, and equipment used. No single wellness technology replaces proper medical care, athletic training, nutrition, or sleep.
A Wellness Routine for Hockey Players
Every athlete is different, but many players establish routines that remain consistent throughout the season.
After Practice
- • Hydrate
- • Eat a balanced meal
- • Stretch or perform mobility work
- • Enjoy an infrared sauna or wellness session
- • Prioritize quality sleep
Tournament Weekends
Players may choose shorter wellness sessions between games and longer sessions after the tournament has concluded as part of their overall recovery routine.
Heavy Training Blocks
Some athletes schedule regular infrared or red light sessions several times per week alongside strength training and mobility work to maintain consistency.
Supporting Scientific Research
Researchers around the world continue investigating the relationship between infrared heat, red light, exercise recovery, and overall wellness. Several frequently cited publications include:
Ahokas et al.
Examined infrared sauna use following resistance exercise in athletes. The researchers evaluated post-exercise performance and participant experiences after training, contributing to the growing body of research on infrared sauna use as part of athletic recovery strategies.
Lee et al.
Investigated the use of far-infrared sauna bathing following strength and endurance exercise. The findings added to ongoing research exploring how athletes incorporate infrared heat into post-exercise wellness routines.
Ihsan et al.
Reviewed published research examining heat exposure and exercise recovery. The authors discussed several physiological responses associated with heat exposure while noting that additional high-quality research is needed to better understand the applications for athletes.
Hussain & Cohen
Published a systematic review evaluating sauna bathing and general wellness, summarizing existing literature on sauna use, relaxation, cardiovascular wellness, and quality of life — while emphasizing that many reported associations require additional investigation.
Scoon et al.
Studied endurance athletes who incorporated sauna sessions following exercise. The research has been widely referenced within the broader discussion of heat exposure and athletic training, although the study focused on endurance athletes rather than hockey players.
Although these studies provide valuable insight into athlete wellness and exercise recovery, scientific research continues to evolve. Individual experiences may differ, and findings from one study should not be interpreted as applying universally to every athlete or every product.
Practical Considerations
For hockey families interested in incorporating infrared heat or red light into a wellness routine, consistency is generally more important than intensity. Many athletes choose to:
- ✓ Use infrared saunas after practices or games
- ✓ Incorporate full-body wellness systems throughout the week
- ✓ Use targeted wraps following demanding workouts
- ✓ Combine wellness sessions with stretching, hydration, and proper nutrition
Every athlete's schedule, goals, and preferences are different, making it important to develop routines that fit within an overall training plan.
The Bottom Line
Successful hockey players understand that long-term performance is built through consistent daily habits. Quality sleep, proper nutrition, hydration, strength training, mobility work, coaching, and recovery all contribute to athlete development.
Red light and infrared technologies have become increasingly popular additions to many athletes' wellness routines because they provide a relaxing environment that complements these healthy habits.
While research continues to explore these technologies and their role in exercise recovery and athlete wellness, they should be viewed as one component of a comprehensive performance program — not as a substitute for professional coaching or medical care.
Ready to Build Your Recovery Routine?
Explore the Wellness USA Hockey Performance Edge Collection
Infrared saunas, red light systems, targeted wraps, and more — designed for the demands of competitive hockey.
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Disclaimer
The information provided in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Wellness USA products are intended to support general wellness and relaxation and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Individual experiences may vary. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional regarding injuries or medical conditions.