Explore the benefits of HILT for brain health, pain relief, and recovery—especially when combined with HBOT and neurofeedback.
At Rezilir Health, we believe that healing should support the body’s natural intelligence—by reducing inflammation, improving circulation, and enhancing cellular repair. That’s why we use High-Intensity Laser Therapy (HILT)—a powerful and non-invasive treatment that uses focused light to stimulate healing in the brain, muscles, joints, and nerves.
In this article, we’ll explore what HILT is, how it works, and the science behind its use—especially when paired with other advanced therapies like Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) and neurofeedback.
What Is High-Intensity Laser Therapy (HILT)?
HILT is an advanced type of photobiomodulation—a treatment that uses light to activate the body’s repair systems. It uses a Class IV “cold laser,” which delivers a therapeutic dose of light energy deep into the body without causing tissue damage. While lower-powered lasers only affect surface tissue, HILT can reach deeper areas such as joints, tendons, muscles, nerves, and even brain tissue.
Despite being called a “cold” laser, the device may produce a gentle warmth during treatment—but not heat damage.
How It Works:
- Increases circulation and oxygen flow to tissues
- Boosts cellular energy (ATP) to help cells heal and regenerate
- Reduces inflammation and pain
- Stimulates tissue repair, including muscle and nerve recovery
Supporting Brain Health and Cognitive Function
While HILT is often used for pain and injury, it’s also a promising therapy for supporting brain health—especially in individuals dealing with traumatic brain injury (TBI), PTSD, dementia, brain fog, or age-related memory decline.
Near-infrared light can penetrate the skull, where it improves how neurons (brain cells) produce energy, supports the brain’s ability to rewire itself (neuroplasticity), and helps calm neuroinflammation.
Benefits for the Brain:
- Improves focus and mental clarity
- Reduces brain inflammation
- Supports mood and emotional regulation
- Enhances neuroplasticity and cognitive recovery
Research Highlights:
Cognitive Boost in Older Adults
A 2017 clinical study found that applying near-infrared light to the forehead improved focus, memory, and mood in older adults with mild cognitive impairment. Results appeared after just a few sessions.
Source: Barrett DW & Gonzalez-Lima F. Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment, 2017;13:2833–2853.
Read Study ›
Reducing Brain Inflammation
A 2016 medical review showed that light therapy helps reduce oxidative stress, increases energy in brain cells, and calms overactive brain immune cells, which are linked to Alzheimer’s and concussion-related issues.
Source: Hamblin MR. BBA Clinical, 2016;6:113–124.
Read Study ›
Relief for Muscles, Joints, and Chronic Pain
HILT is widely used to treat acute injuries and chronic pain, especially in the muscles, joints, and connective tissue. It works by boosting blood flow to damaged areas, reducing swelling, and speeding up the repair of muscle and connective tissue.
Conditions It Helps:
- Muscle strains and spasms
- Joint pain, arthritis, and stiffness
- Tendinitis, bursitis, and sprains
- Sciatica, carpal tunnel, and nerve pain
- Sports injuries and post-surgical recovery
Research Highlights:
Joint Pain Relief in Arthritis
A 2009 Cochrane review found that cold laser therapy significantly reduced pain and improved joint function, especially in people with osteoarthritis and tendon-related issues.
Source: Brosseau L. et al. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2009; CD002046.
Read Study ›
Faster Recovery and Less Fatigue
A 2016 study found that athletes who received light therapy before workouts had better endurance and less muscle soreness afterward. The treatment also helped reduce signs of muscle fatigue in the blood.
Source: Leal-Junior ECP et al. Am J Phys Med Rehabil., 2016;95(12):1000–1007.
Read Study ›
Synergy with Other Therapies
When Combined with Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT)
HBOT involves breathing pure oxygen in a pressurized chamber to flood your cells with oxygen, which supports tissue repair and immune function. When used with HILT, the two therapies complement each other to maximize healing.
Together, they help:
- Improve oxygen delivery and usage
- Reduce inflammation more effectively
- Accelerate tissue repair after injury or trauma
Best practice: Do HILT before your HBOT session to prime your cells for oxygen uptake.
Research Highlight:
A 2021 review showed that combining HBOT with photobiomodulation (light therapy) supports brain healing by improving energy production in neurons and regulating inflammation. This approach has shown particular promise for post-concussion and brain injury recovery.
Source: Hadanny A & Efrati S. Frontiers in Neurology, 2021;12:665100.
Read Study ›
When Used with Neurofeedback
Neurofeedback is a therapy that retrains your brainwave patterns using real-time EEG monitoring. HILT complements this by improving circulation to the brain and making neural pathways more flexible and responsive.
HILT + Neurofeedback May:
- Increase blood flow during sessions
- Improve brain adaptability
- Reduce the time needed to see results
Best practice: Use HILT after your neurofeedback session to reinforce brain training.
What to Expect in a Treatment Plan
At Rezilir Health, we tailor every protocol to your personal needs. Here’s a general idea of what a treatment plan might look like:
- Muscle or joint issues: 2–3 sessions per week for 3–6 weeks
- Brain support: 10–20-minute transcranial sessions, 2–3 times per week
- Combination plans: Built around your overall care strategy
Is It Safe?
Yes—HILT is very safe when administered by certified professionals. At Rezilir, all treatments follow strict safety guidelines.
Safety precautions include:
- Mandatory eye protection for everyone in the room (including service animals)
- Thorough review of any health conditions or implants
- Avoiding treatment over active cancer sites or during pregnancy (unless cleared by your physician)
Final Thoughts
High-Intensity Laser Therapy is a powerful, natural treatment that helps your body heal faster—without drugs or surgery. Whether you’re managing chronic pain, recovering from a brain injury, or simply want to improve cognitive performance, HILT offers a safe and effective path to better health.
When combined with Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy and neurofeedback, the results can be even more powerful.
If you’re curious whether HILT is right for you, reach out to our team at Rezilir Health for a personalized consultation.
References
- Brosseau, L. et al. (2009). Low level laser therapy for treating osteoarthritis. Cochrane Database.
- Leal-Junior, E.C.P. et al. (2016). Effect of laser therapy on muscle performance. Am J Phys Med Rehabil.
- Barrett, D.W., Gonzalez-Lima, F. (2017). Red-light therapy improves memory and mood. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat.
- Hamblin, M.R. (2016). Photobiomodulation for brain disorders. BBA Clinical.
- Hadanny, A., Efrati, S. (2021). Combining oxygen therapy and light for brain healing. Front Neurol.
