The science
behind light
therapy
Built on over 15,000 hours of research and testing, and backed by more than 6,000 clinical papers, the MOVE+ is engineered by experts and grounded in real science to deliver results you can trust.
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The science
A simple introduction to red light therapy
Red light
Infrared light
Red light therapy uses specific wavelengths of visible red and near-infrared light. These wavelengths can be absorbed by cells and have been shown to influence processes involved in energy production, circulation, inflammation and recovery. Scientists often refer to this process as photobiomodulation, or PBM.
380 nm
660 nm
810 nm
Wavelengths within the 630-850 nm range are among the most extensively studied in research on joint pain, inflammation and musculoskeletal recovery.
Photobiomodulation
What is Photobiomodulation?
Photobiomodulation describes how specific wavelengths of red and near-infrared light interact with living tissue.
As the light passes through the skin and underlying tissue, some of it is absorbed by light-sensitive molecules within cells, triggering biological responses associated with cellular energy production, circulation, inflammatory regulation and tissue repair.
Different wavelengths travel through tissue to different depths. Red light is absorbed more readily by superficial tissue, while near-infrared light can penetrate further beneath the skin.
What's going on
in the body?
Red (~660 nm) and near-infrared (~808 nm) light pass through the skin and reach tissues beneath the surface. These wavelengths reach your mitochondria - the energy powerhouses of cells.
The light is absorbed by a key enzyme called cytochrome c oxidase, or CCO. CCO plays an important part in turning oxygen and nutrients into a usable energy currency, known as ATP.
Nitric oxide (NO) is a natural messenger made by your body, it helps control blood flow and cell activity. When cells are under stress, nitric oxide can bind to cytochrome c oxidase and restrict its activity. Red and near-infrared light help release this nitric oxide, allowing the enzyme to function more effectively.
The released nitric oxide also helps blood vessels relax and widen, increasing local blood flow and supporting the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the tissue.
With NO out of the way, mitochondria speed up and make more ATP - the main energy source for your cells. This additional energy supports the processes cells rely on for maintenance, repair and healthy function.
Light exposure also creates small changes in reactive oxygen species, calcium and other cellular messengers. These signals influence gene expression and activate wider pathways involved in inflammatory regulation, cell protection and tissue repair.
Together, these effects help create an environment that supports recovery and more efficient cellular function.
The evidence to date
Decades of research. Thousands of studies.
Photobiomodulation - also known as red and near-infrared light therapy - has been investigated across thousands of laboratory, animal and human studies.
More recent research has increasingly focused on randomised clinical trials, systematic reviews and meta-analyses to understand where it works best and how treatment should be delivered.
How does it work?
Powerful impacts,
backed by science
Light therapy uses specific wavelengths of red and infrared light that are readily absorbed by the cells in your body, triggering measurable effects in tissue, joints, and muscle to aid the body's natural recovery response.
Boosts cellular energy
Suppresses pain
Stimulates blood flow
Promotes tissue repair
Calms inflammation
Reduces oxidative stress
Pain Reduction
80%
The evidence to date
Research
Summaries
Explore the clinical evidence behind photobiomodulation for some of the concerns most relevant to Kineon customers.
Growing evidence
Across 50 randomised controlled trials in knee osteoarthritis, photobiomodulation has been associated with reductions in knee osteoarthritis pain and improvements in physical function, particularly when appropriate wavelengths and doses are used.
Growing evidence
Across 36 randomised controlled trials in shoulder pain and rotator-cuff conditions, most report reduced pain and improved shoulder function following photobiomodulation, with the strongest and most consistent results in rotator-cuff tendinitis and frozen shoulder.
Growing evidence
Across 51 randomised controlled trials in tendon and overuse conditions, most report reduced pain and improved function following photobiomodulation, with the most consistent results in plantar fasciitis and tennis elbow.
Early evidence
A small group of recent trials reports less pain, better knee flexion and reduced swelling in the weeks following total knee replacement. Three months after surgery, participants could bend the treated knee substantially further.
Growing evidence
Across 40 randomised controlled trials in chronic low back pain, most report reduced pain and improved everyday function following photobiomodulation.
In one randomised trial, pain scores fell 57% over a course of treatment - compared with 19% in the placebo group.
Early evidence
Twelve randomised controlled trials in joint and muscle conditions have measured inflammatory markers in the blood alongside pain and recovery. In a randomised placebo-controlled trial, levels fell 27% further in the treated group than in the placebo group after a single session.
Summary
Light therapy has been studied in people for more than thirty years, building a substantial body of research across pain, inflammation and recovery.
While results vary, one pattern is clear: the details matter. Wavelength, dose, placement, treatment time and frequency all influence how much light reaches the target tissue to produce a meaningful effect.
Much of the variation between studies comes down to the treatment parameters and how the light was delivered, highlighting the importance of precise, targeted treatment.
What is the MOVE+?
Clinically-backed red light therapy for pain relief and recovery
Targeted
Combines medical-grade LED and laser technology to penetrate light deeper into tissues, delivering faster, more effective pain relief.
Portable
Lightweight, travel-friendly, and battery-powered, so you can stay consistent with your recovery.
Wearable
The MOVE+ is fully wearable and hands-free, so you can enjoy effective, targeted pain relief while you get on with your day.
Versatile
Designed to target pain and speed up recovery on any area of the body, including your shoulder, knee, elbow, ankle, wrist, hip, or back.
Designed to deliver light where it matters
A light therapy device can produce plenty of power at the surface, but that doesn't mean the same amount reaches the joint, muscle or tendon beneath it.
MOVE+ was developed using advanced 3D photon modelling to simulate how light travels through the body and reaches tissue beneath the skin.
By starting with the light stimulus required at depth and working backwards, MOVE+ optimises how light is delivered to the target tissue. The result is a more precise, consistent dose where it matters most.
MOVE+ combines 660 nm red light for broader surface coverage with targeted 808 nm near-infrared lasers designed to reach deeper tissue.
The modules sit directly against the skin and can be positioned around the treatment area, reducing the light lost through distance or poor alignment.
The wearable design keeps the light securely in place, helping deliver a repeatable treatment to the intended area every time you use it.
Trusted by healthcare professionals
Recommended by 612 Clinicians
Biohacker, nutritionist, physiologist, fitness coach, bestselling author
This red-light therapy device from Kineon, is a complete GAME CHANGER. In just a few short days, you could be on your way to living with a lot less pain.
Nutrition and Business Performance Coach
Impressive technology. I legit only like to work with brands that put science first. Kineon's ability to harness the power of red light therapy into a laser is an amazing example of their unique innovation. Impressive pain relief on the spot!
Doctor of Physical Therapy & Crossfit Athlete
The MOVE+ is a phenomenal tool that allows me to train harder and recover faster. I've reduced pain and improved my mobility. I love that I can use it on the go and take it with me to training or use it in my practice. I've incorporated it into my daily routine and recommend it to patients.
CrossFit Fittest On Earth (35-39)
I've used $30-$60k class 4 lasers, $5000 Red Light panels and yet the Move+ is my preferred and most used product. The Move+ has completely replaced my need for Ibuprofen. I attribute a great deal of my ability to heal so rapidly from a full biceps rupture surgery to the Move+. In 6 months I went from surgery to being ranked the fittest 35-39 year old in the world.
Owner and founder of Resiliency Physical Therapy
Amazing product! As a Doctor of Physical Therapy I strive to find ways to help my patients relieve their pain as quickly as possible. Since find the Move + Pro I have been getting amazing results with reducing inflammation, pain reduction, improving recovery from strenuous workouts, and decreasing arthritic symptoms. This has truly been a game changer for my practice!
Doctor of Physical Therapy, Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist and USA Weightlifting Coach
The MOVE+ is the perfect addition to compliment treating patients. Has been a game changer both in the facility and personally to help optimize muscular and joint recovery.
Photobiomodulation studies
Explore the studies behind the science, with plain-English summaries, key findings and links to the original research.
From injury rehab to daily pain relief - find out if it's right for you in under a minute.
Most common pain relief options come with compromises. MOVE+ delivers targeted light therapy designed for convenient, non-invasive support at home.
Meet the technical team
Meet the scientists and product experts helping turn photobiomodulation research into technology that is helping thousands move pain-free.
Forrest Smith
CEO/Founder
20+ yrs founding and scaling hardware startups across the US and China, multiple acquisitions (incl. Illumitron → Cooper Lighting). Fluent Mandarin; Georgia Tech. Lifelong rugby, CrossFit, football, athlete — the reason our first device exists.
Dr. Chris Bohler
CTO
PhD in Atomic, Molecular & Optical Physics. 35+ yrs in solid-state emitter/detector tech across lighting, display, and defense (Eaton, GE, Texas Instruments). 43 patents, 600+ product launches; former President, Dallas IEEE Lasers & Electro-Optics Society.
Evan Peikon
Head of Physiology
Scientist at the intersection of human health and performance. Co-founder & Chief Bioscientist at NNOXX (wearable muscle-oxygen/NO biosensors); bioinformatics PhD candidate and NASA GeneLab researcher. Previously applied physiologist to pro teams, CrossFit Games athletes, and US military units.
Juan Bautista Ward
Industrial Design Lead
Owns Industrial Design Concept and Development for Kineon’s wearable medical technology. A Universidad de Buenos Aires Industrial Design graduate, he brings experience across medical devices and health technology, including conceptual work on cardiac stents, alongside award-winning product design recognised by A’ Design Award and Yanko Design.
Joseph Lee
Electrical Engineering Lead
Joseph leads Electrical Engineering at Kineon, bringing nearly a decade of experience in electronics and hardware development. A graduate of Olin College of Engineering, he has spent the past four years driving the electrical systems behind Kineon’s medical technology, overseeing everything from schematic and pinout decisions to hardware and firmware integration.
Mary Lee
App Lead & Relief+ Tech Lead
Mary leads Application Development at Kineon, combining her background in computer science with years of experience as a stretching coach. She brings firsthand understanding of mobility and recovery into product development, helping shape intuitive technology that works seamlessly across hardware, firmware, and software to deliver effective, real-world solutions for Kineon customers.
Engineered for Results
Technology You Can Trust.
At Kineon, we're driven by one goal: to empower people with science-backed tools that truly improve lives.
Our flagship device, the MOVE+, is the result of over 15,000 hours of research, engineering, and real-world testing by our in-house team. Shaped by cutting-edge science and feedback from thousands of users, our products are constantly refined to ensure they're not just innovative — they're effective.
When you choose Kineon, you're investing in clinically informed technology built to last and deliver real results.
