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THE VAGINA DIALOGUE

Unfiltered, educational, shameless talk about vaginas and it’s bffs with Dr. Ashley

Red Light Therapy for Reducing Inflammation, Supporting Tissue Healing, and Pelvic Wellness

  • Writer: Dr. Ashley Hocutt
    Dr. Ashley Hocutt
  • May 11
  • 5 min read

As a pelvic health physical therapist, I’m always looking for supportive, non-invasive tools that complement the body’s natural healing process. Red light therapy is one I personally use and often recommend for people dealing with pelvic discomfort.


One tool I’ve been loving for well over a year now is the large red light wrap from Fringe Heals. I love that it wraps all the way around the belly and low back so you can comfortably treat both areas at the same time. It’s become one of my favorite tools for supporting inflammation reduction, tissue healing, circulation, and recovery.


I recently even used it during a back injury flare and was genuinely surprised by how much relief and support it provided.


If you’ve ever dealt with postpartum soreness, period discomfort, endometriosis flares, bloating, or persistent pelvic tension, you know how frustrating it can feel to search for relief that actually supports your body instead of masking symptoms.


So what exactly is red light therapy, and why is it becoming such a popular tool for healing and recovery?


What Is Red Light Therapy?

Red light therapy (also called photobiomodulation, or PBM) uses specific wavelengths of red and near-infrared light to support cellular energy production and healing.


Research shows that red and near-infrared light can penetrate tissues and stimulate the mitochondria — the “powerhouses” of our cells. This process helps increase cellular energy and triggers a cascade of responses that support repair, recovery, and overall cellular function.


Think of it a little like sunlight: the right amount can be nourishing and supportive for the body. Red light therapy works similarly by helping create the “just right” environment for cellular healing and recovery.


When used around the pelvic and abdominal region, red light therapy may help support:

  • Connective tissue healing and repair

  • Collagen production for healthier tissues

  • Improved circulation and blood flow

  • Reduced inflammation

  • Tissue recovery and rejuvenation

  • Muscle relaxation and pain relief

  • Nervous system regulation

  • Cellular repair and regeneration


The goal isn’t to “force” healing — it’s to support the body’s natural healing systems.


And this is where choosing the right device and how it’s designed really starts to matter—which is why I personally gravitate toward Fringe Heals, especially for their approach to therapeutic dosing and thoughtful design.


Why I Trust Fringe Heals

One of the most important things to understand with red light therapy is that more intensity is not always better. Just like sunlight, the body responds best to the right therapeutic dose. Too much exposure or poorly designed devices can actually become less supportive rather than more effective.


Fringe Heals is designed around science-backed therapeutic dosing and healing wavelengths — including 660nm red light and 850nm near-infrared light — rather than the idea that stronger automatically means better.


Red light is commonly used to support skin health, collagen production, and tissue repair, while near-infrared light penetrates more deeply to help support inflammation reduction, circulation, pain relief, and recovery.


They also use a 2:1 ratio of near-infrared to red light to support deeper tissue effects, while still keeping the experience comfortable and non-overheating.


My Go-To: The Large Wrap

The large wrap is the product I reach for most often because of how versatile it is.

It comfortably covers the lower abdomen, pelvis, hips, sacrum, and low back all at once, which makes it especially helpful when symptoms aren’t isolated to just one area.


I’ll typically us it for:

  • Period discomfort

  • Low back pain or tension

  • Bloating or digestive discomfort

  • General inflammation support


Others may also use it for postpartum recovery, endometriosis-related pain, pelvic floor tension, and more.


It’s warm, calming, and grounding, which many people find supportive for the nervous system.


Fringe Heals also offers a pelvic light therapy wand if you're looking for more targeted pelvic and vaginal support.


The Fringe Heals Pelvic Wand

Fringe Heals also offers a pelvic light therapy wand designed for more targeted pelvic and vaginal wellness support.


If you’ve ever been curious about at-home tools that support pelvic tissue health, this is one of those options people tend to ask me about.


The pelvic wand brings together red, near-infrared, and blue light to support pelvic wellness in a more targeted way.


Red and near-infrared light work a bit deeper — helping support cellular energy, circulation, and tissue repair (think: helping the body do what it already knows how to do, just more efficiently).


Blue light works more at the surface and has antimicrobial properties, which may help support a healthier microbial balance in the pelvic environment.


Some use it for:

  • Pelvic discomfort or sensitivity

  • Tissue healing and recovery support

  • Vaginal dryness or irritation support

  • Blood flow and tissue nourishment

  • Postpartum recovery

  • General pelvic wellness curiosity and maintenance


I also appreciate that it’s wireless, easy to use at home, and includes a gentle vibration setting that many people find calming and soothing.


As with any wellness tool, it’s important to remember that everyone’s body responds differently, and red light therapy should complement — not replace — individualized medical or pelvic health care.


My Favorite Part? Supporting the Body Instead of Fighting It

One of the reasons I’m drawn to tools like red light therapy is because they support the body’s healing systems instead of constantly trying to override symptoms.


Healing often happens best when we:

  • Improve circulation

  • Reduce inflammation

  • Support the nervous system

  • Allow tissues to recover

  • Create safety and calm in the body


Sometimes the simplest tools can create the biggest shifts when used consistently.


Special Discount: 15% Off Through May 17

Fringe Heals is offering my community 15% off through May 17.


Use my affiliate link + code AH15 at checkout to receive 15% off.


Final Thoughts

Not every tool is going to be a magic fix — especially when it comes to pelvic health. But what I’ve found is that supportive therapies that help reduce inflammation, improve circulation, and support the body’s natural healing processes can make a real difference over time.


For me, red light therapy is one of those tools that fits into a bigger picture approach — not instead of care, but alongside it.


When it’s paired with things like nervous system support, mindful movement, pelvic floor care, and rest when your body needs it, that’s where I tend to see the most meaningful shifts.

If you try it, I’d genuinely love to hear how it feels for you.


And if questions come up about how I integrate tools like this into pelvic health care, feel free to reach out anytime.


This blog is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider regarding your individual needs and conditions.

 
 
 

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