Happy spring! Are you feeling all that new and restless energy swirling about? Yep, us too. This vibrant, optimistic, and energetic season brings on a heightened “aliveness”. (Spring fever, anyone?) And it isn’t just in our heads. It's backed by science and has a profound impact on our entire wellbeing.
After many dark, cold winter months, the longer, brighter days of spring motivate us to get off the couch and start moving more. Let’s first understand why springtime has this effect and then we’ll explore how LED light therapy can help treat muscle and joint pain, reduce inflammation, and help you recover faster as you slowly turn up the activity dial.
The science behind spring's energy boost
The transition from winter to spring creates significant changes in our bodies and minds.
- Serotonin surge: Increased exposure to natural light boosts our mood and energy levels by increasing serotonin—a neurotransmitter associated with happiness and well-being¹.
- Circadian rhythm regulation: Our circadian rhythms are natural, 24-hour cycles that help coordinate and synchronize our sleep-wake cycle, body temperature, hormone release (e.g., melatonin, cortisol), appetite and digestion and alertness and cognitive function, leading to better mood and a more active sleep-wake cycle so we sleep more soundly and feel more alert¹.
- Vitamin D production: Longer, brighter days stimulate vitamin D production. Vitamin D regulates serotonin and dopamine and can trigger stress relief and a sunnier outlook on life.
- Seasonal optimism: From an evolutionary standpoint, longer days signal feelings of abundance and safety, naturally reducing stress and raising our spirits and energy levels¹.
Why we’re motivated to move
April is “Move More” month, and it's no coincidence that this call to action perfectly aligns with spring. Here's why we naturally feel more motivated to get outside and break a sweat.
- Better weather: Warmer temperatures and more sunshine make outdoor activities a whole lot more appealing².
- Longer days: More daylight means more opportunities for outside after-work exercise.
- Spring fever: Spring increases our craving for community and connection, which can encourage group activities, including team sports, like softball or ultimate frisbee, and other outdoor exercise².
LED light therapy for muscle recovery and more
All this spring-inspired activity can come with its fair share of muscle and joint aches and pains as we begin to build back our stamina and strength. Along with regular stretching and strength training, non-invasive LED light therapy can be instrumental in helping to reduce pain and inflammation, increase mobility, and speed recovery after strenuous workouts. LED is the ideal companion before and after any kind of sports, training, hikes, long walks, bike rides—you name it — to keep your body moving with ease.
Many of our patented, shape-taking LED light therapy devices come equipped with multiple treatment options including “pain mode” which is FDA cleared to increase blood circulation and tissue temperature to address muscle aches, pains, and spasms.
Here are just a few ways LED light therapy works synergistically to reduce recovery time, alleviate pain, promote flexibility, and support musculoskeletal health so you can feel your best no matter what’s on your springtime activity list:
- Accelerating muscle recovery: Particularly red and infrared LED light stimulates cellular energy production³ which can help your muscles heal faster and grow stronger after strenuous exercise. It also boosts blood flow so more oxygen and nutrients can reach tired muscles and achy joints.
- Reducing acute and chronic pain and inflammation: LED light therapy helps increase endorphins that simulate the production of natural painkillers in the body³. It also boosts nitric oxide production to enhance blood flow and reduce inflammation and decreases pro-inflammatory cytokines while increasing anti-inflammatory ones--all so you can stay active longer.
- Enhancing tissue repair: LED light therapy promotes faster healing of injuries, allowing for quicker return to physical activities. It stimulates fibroblast activity to help build collagen and elastin to support healthy skin, joints, and muscle. It also speeds up the reproduction and growth of cells responsible for tissue repair.
- Increasing confidence: When your body feels (and looks) good, your mind will follow. LED light therapy also has the added benefit of boosting skin health for a lit-from-within kind of glow.
As you celebrate the energizing effects of spring, consider complementing your exercise routine with LED light therapy to support your recovery. Now is truly the perfect season to shine more light on your overall well-being.
References
- Loure. The brighter days of spring make us more productive. Here’s how to harness it. March 10, 2025.
- National Institute for Fitness and Sport. 5 Reasons Spring is the Season to Walk. May 14,2018
- The Independent. LED Light Therapy for Pain Relief: Can it Help?
