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Illuminating Performance: John Tavares Embraces Red Light Therapy

Explore John Tavares' use of red light therapy for athletic recovery, muscle health, and performance improvement ahead of the 2024-25 hockey season.

RedlightTherapyDigest Staff By RLTD Staff Updated September 2, 2024
Medically reviewed Medically reviewed by: Brendan Camp, MD
Advertising Disclosure: Our editors independently research, test, and recommend the best products; we may receive commissions on purchases made from our chosen links. You can learn more about our review process here.

Introduction to John Tavares’ Red Light Therapy Journey

Certified star and captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs John Tavares set the hockey world abuzz: he jumped aboard the red light therapy bandwagon while getting his recovery regimen in line after foundering in the first round of the playoffs last season. Recently, the leader of the Leafs has shown its followers a photo of using a full-body red light therapy device from Kala Brand, putting a spotlight on his faith in cutting-edge recovery methodologies.

The reputation Tavares built toward peak performance has seemed to find a new ally. The Leaf’s captain’s embrace of this cutting-edge therapy underscores his belief in its potential benefits for athletes.

Red Light Therapy: A Growing Trend Among Athletes

One of the more recent trends in athletic circles is red light therapy. This has become a famous non-invasive treatment involving the penetration of red and near-infrared light into the skin and cells for possibly a myriad of benefits. Athletes who have used red light therapy consistently have reported better recovery of their muscles, reduced inflammation, healthier skin, and better sleeping.

Among the long list of high-performance advocates for the therapy are Olympic swimmers and Athletes. Many professional athletes across a wide range of sports have used red light therapy as part of their regimen. Among these is CrossFit star Ricky Garard, who has incorporated red light therapy into his training routine to enhance recovery and performance. A testament to the belief in this therapy comes from a few teams that have even installed red light therapy rooms in their training facilities.

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John Tavares and the Kala Brand Partnership

Kala Brand shared a photo with John on their instagram, welcoming him to their family, with the caption, “Welcome to the Kala Family, JT!” While this does sound like a partnership, it’s clear that Tavares is more interested in Red Light Therapy than he would be in just another brand promotion. The beats are science-proven to be effective at recovery, and since the same person has a history of using similar alternative training recovery methods, that gives a certain amount of credibility.

Even when Tavares is promoting a specific brand, the more compelling discussion is on red light therapy and whether it worked for the captain of the Bruins. In any such case of emerging technology, it is always left to the individual to research and consult health professionals to make decisions about its appropriateness for his own use.

But worry not as those who are interested in Tavares’ new recovery method do have other alternatives. Also competing in this group are brands such as Platinum LED Therapy Lights, Infraredi, and Hooga Health which offer different sizes of full-body red light therapy treatment. These also vary in their power output, but also in price point, so consumers can find the right ones to fit their needs and their budget.

Media Buzz: Evan Doerfler’s Take on Tavares’ 2024-25 Season

Evan Doerfler of The Hockey News highlighted Tavares’ new routine in a tweet, which said, “What are your expectations for JT in 2024-25?” That question harkens back to the red light therapy and what difference that might make on the ice for Tavares and now certainly adds an element of excitement for both fans and athletes.

Upcoming with the 2024-2025 season, Tavares will be the centre of attention from fans and analysts as he tries to prove whether this glowing supplement to his routine will translate into even brighter performances on the ice. If nothing else, Tavares piloting red light therapy is a spotlight example of the steady improvement in athletic recovery techniques and the lengths to which top performers are willing to go to maintain their competitive edge.

In embracing innovative approaches, like red light therapy, Tavares continued to prove that he was not only a leader on the ice but in the area of athletic performance and recovery as well. And with the continued mainstream adoption of technology, we may yet see more players trailing in Tavares’ illuminating footsteps—led, of course, to unparalleled sports recovery. Read the full story on how Erling Haaland, another elite athlete, leverages full-body red light therapy, echoing the recovery strategies of John Tavares for optimal muscle health.

By Brendan Camp, MD

Brendan Camp, MD, is double board-certified in dermatology and dermatopathology and sees patients at MDCS Dermatology.

**This is a subjective assessment based on the strength of the available information and our estimation of efficacy.

*Result may vary. The information contained in this website is provided for general informational purposes only. No medical claims are implied in this content, and the information herein is not intended be used for self diagnosis or self treatment of any condition.

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