NOVAA LIGHT PAD Review: Does This Red Light Pad Help Pain?

Introduction — NOVAA LIGHT PAD Review

Pain has a way of slowing people down. A sore back after work, stiff knees after activity, or tight muscles after rest can make simple movement feel harder than it should. Many people now look for ways to recover at home without pills or clinic visits.

Because of this, red light therapy has gained attention in the health space. People talk about it as a gentle option that fits into home routines. Short sessions and simple setups add to the interest. However, not every device works the same way.

The NOVAA LIGHT PAD enters this space as a red light therapy pad designed for home use. According to the brand, it aims to support comfort, recovery, and flexibility. The pad wraps around targeted areas and works as an at-home recovery device for joints and muscles.

In this NOVAA LIGHT PAD Review, we’ll dig into how it works, its benefits, downsides, evidence, user feedback, and whether it’s worth your money. You’ll also learn what the pad is best used for and where it may fall short.

So, is this red light therapy pad a helpful option for pain and recovery at home? Keep reading to find out.

What Is the NOVAA LIGHT PAD?

The NOVAA LIGHT PAD is a red and near-infrared light therapy device designed for home use. It uses medical-grade LED lights to deliver focused light to specific areas of the body. According to the brand, the goal is temporary relief from minor pain, stiffness, and muscle tension.

This device falls under the category of red light therapy products. It combines red light at 660 nm and near-infrared light at 850 nm. These wavelengths are commonly used in light therapy devices meant for pain support and muscle comfort.

Compared to large red light panels, the NOVAA LIGHT PAD is smaller and easier to handle. Panels often require standing space and fixed placement. The pad, however, can wrap around areas like the knee, back, or shoulder for more direct use.

Some people compare it to red light belts. Belts usually focus on one body area and may limit placement. The NOVAA LIGHT PAD offers more flexibility since it can be positioned on different parts of the body with a strap.

NovaaLab positions this product as a clinically tested medical device. It carries CE and RoHS certifications, according to the brand. This places it in the category of regulated light therapy tools rather than casual wellness gadgets.

How Does it Rate?

NOVAA LIGHT PAD gets an overall rating of 4.8 out of 5. It uses red and near-infrared LED lights in a flexible pad format designed for targeted home use. The device includes a 60-day money-back guarantee, and results may vary based on consistency and personal needs. Its medical device positioning and safety certifications support the quality and customer satisfaction scores.

Editor’s Rating

4.8

NOVAA LIGHT PAD

4.8/5Quality

4.7/5User Friendly

4.9/5Value

4.8/5Customer Satisfaction

Official Website

Pros

• Uses red and near-infrared LED lights in a single flexible pad design.
• Compact size allows use on different body areas such as knees, back, or shoulders.
• Includes accessories like a remote, a strap, and power components in the box.
• CE and RoHS certifications are listed according to the brand.
• Comes with a 60-day money-back guarantee for trial use.

Cons

• Price sits higher than some basic red light therapy pads.
• Instructions may feel unclear for first-time users, based on some feedback.
• Requires a power connection during use; there is no built-in battery.
• Results can vary and may take weeks of regular use.
• Mixed customer reviews were reported on third-party platforms.

How Does the NOVAA LIGHT PAD Work?

The NOVAA LIGHT PAD works through red and near-infrared light exposure applied to targeted body areas. The device places LED lights close to the skin, allowing light energy to reach muscles and joints. According to the brand, this process aims to support comfort and relaxation in areas affected by minor pain or stiffness.

This process is often referred to as photobiomodulation. It describes how specific light wavelengths interact with cells. Red and near-infrared light may support cellular activity linked to energy production. This may help tissues respond better during recovery periods.

The NOVAA LIGHT PAD uses two common wavelengths. Red light at 660 nm stays closer to the skin surface and may support muscle relaxation. Near-infrared light at 850 nm reaches deeper tissues such as joints and connective tissues.

This wavelength combination appears often in pain support devices. Brands select it because it allows light to reach both the surface and deeper areas. For recovery-focused products, this balance may support short-term comfort and movement support without drugs or invasive methods.

NOVAA Light Pad Features & Specs

• LED Count & Wavelengths: The pad has 450 medical lights in total. It uses 300 near-infrared LEDs at 850 nm and 150 red LEDs at 660 nm. This mix aims to reach both surface and deeper tissues for support.
• Irradiance Output: At close range, it delivers up to 150 mW/cm² of light power. As the pad moves farther from the skin, output drops. Higher irradiance may help light reach tissues more effectively during sessions.
• Size & Weight: The pad measures about 16.3 in x 7.9 in and weighs around 0.6 lbs. Its slim shape and light weight make it easy to handle and move across the body parts.
• Certifications: According to the brand, it carries CE and RoHS marks, which relate to safety and material standards.
• Accessories Included: The package contains a remote control, power cord, connecting wire, adaptor, stretchy strap, and a user manual.
• Price: Around $262.43 for the standard pad.
• Rating: 4.8 / 5 stars based on quality, ease, value, and satisfaction.
• Pros: medical lights, flexible use, accessories included, certifications, and a trial guarantee.
• Cons: higher price range, learning curve to use, results may vary, needs a power connection, and mixed reviews.

The NOVAA Light Pad may be best for minor knee discomfort, back or neck stiffness, muscle soreness, and areas that need gentle support. Its shape and light mix may help with targeted comfort and short-term support in those zones.

Health Benefits & Evidence

Red and near-infrared light therapy is gaining attention for its role in pain relief and recovery. As research grows, more studies are exploring how light exposure may help with comfort and how the body responds. Here are a few benefits users may experience:

Pain relief for knees, joints, and back

Many people use red light therapy to help ease discomfort in their knees, joints, or lower back. Clinical research shows it may lower pain levels in those with joint stiffness or knee osteoarthritis. These results mostly point to short-term relief rather than a lasting cure ^[1].

Muscle recovery and reduced stiffness

Studies on athletes and active people suggest that red light therapy may help muscles recover faster after workouts or strain. Some trials observed reduced muscle soreness and faster comfort return after using light. Evidence here appears fairly consistent across recovery-focused studies ^[2].

Circulation support and relaxation

Red and near-infrared light may help improve blood flow in areas being treated. Research on muscle and skin tissues shows changes in local circulation after exposure. This may be why many users say they feel warmth and relaxation during or after their sessions ^[3].

Neck comfort and stiffness support

Smaller clinical studies have looked at how red light therapy affects neck pain and stiffness. In many cases, people reported feeling better after a series of sessions. The results are promising, though bigger studies and clear guidelines for neck use are still limited ^[4].

Inflammation and swelling comfort

Some studies suggest light therapy may influence biological markers linked to inflammation. The effects seem more noticeable in mild swelling rather than serious, long-term conditions. While the studies are encouraging, experts are still building broader agreement in this area ^[5].

How to Use the NOVAA Light Pad (Step-by-Step)

NOVAA Light Pad is designed to be easy to use. The device focuses on targeted areas, so setup and session timing matter for proper use and comfort. Here is how to use it correctly:

• Place the NOVAA Light Pad directly over the spot that needs relief.
• Use the flexible strap to gently hold the pad in place on the knees, back, neck, or joints.
• Connect the power cord, adaptor, and remote control before turning it on.
• Keep the pad close to the skin without pressing it too tightly.
• Each session should last between 10 and 20 minutes for the area you’re treating.
• Limit use to 3 to 5 sessions per week, according to brand guidance.
• Allow rest time between sessions in the same area.

Consistency matters more than long sessions. So, follow the suggested time limits, avoid placing the pad too close for extended periods, and stop use if discomfort occurs.

Side Effects & Safety Considerations

Here’s a cleaner, smoother version that keeps everything accurate and easy to read, with a calm and neutral tone:

Red light therapy devices like the NOVAA Light Pad are generally considered safe for short-term use at home. According to the brand, the device uses medical-grade materials and meets safety standards. Long-term data across large groups remains limited, so careful and proper use is important.

Some users may notice mild redness, dryness, or slight skin irritation, especially after longer or frequent sessions. These effects often fade within a short time. Sticking to the recommended session length may help lower the chance of irritation.

People who are pregnant or breastfeeding should speak with a healthcare provider before use. The same applies to anyone with photosensitivity, skin conditions, or a history of skin cancer. Those taking medications that increase light sensitivity should also seek medical advice before starting therapy.

User Reviews & Real-World Feedback

We first reviewed feedback on Trustpilot, since it features verified purchases and allows users to share detailed experiences. At the time of this review, NovaaLab holds a 4.4 out of 5-star rating, based on 3,671 verified reviews. To understand both positives and concerns, we looked closely at individual comments.

Many users describe positive outcomes related to pain comfort and recovery. One reviewer, Laurie Halverson, shared a strong experience after an injury. She wrote:

The NovaaLab products work! They do what they claim and help the body heal quicker. I’m 63 and sprained my left ankle, plus I hyper extended my left knee playing pickleball. I was back to playing twice as soon, and pain free!

Another reviewer, Alison Hawkins, highlighted joint comfort for long-term use. She stated:

This red light therapy pad has helped my husband’s osteoarthritis in a huge way. He gets so much relief from using it daily.

Not all feedback is positive. Some users report limited or no results after consistent use. Kevin K., who gave a 2-star rating, wrote:

I purchased this for inflammation on my shoulder, and have been using it everyday for the last 3 weeks. So far I notice no difference at all!

Lower-rated reviews also mention setup confusion or unclear instructions. A few users report difficulty powering the device or understanding settings, reflected in several 1- to 3-star reviews.

Taken together, feedback leans positive for pain comfort and ease of placement. Still, some users report no noticeable changes or setup frustrations. Results appear to vary based on expectations, consistency, and individual response.

Expert Opinion

Many clinicians see red and near-infrared light therapy as a reasonable, low-risk option for short-term comfort. Still, they also stress that results depend on the condition, the light dose, and steady use.

For example, a 2020 systematic review with meta-analysis in Lasers in Medical Science led by Patricia Gabrielli reviewed 10 studies with 542 participants. The review found lower pain at rest versus placebo, with a mean difference of -0.7 (95% CI -1.1 to -0.2). Oliveira and co-authors concluded that, “PBM reduces pain intensity in patients with knee osteoarthritis and may improve disability” ^[6].

At the same time, expectations should stay realistic for some conditions. A randomised placebo-controlled trial in the journal Pain (2021), led by Layana de Souza Guimarães, studied 148 people with chronic non-specific low back pain. At 4 weeks, the difference vs placebo was close to zero for pain (0.01 points, 95% CI: −0.94 to 0.96). The authors stated, “Photobiomodulation therapy was not better than placebo to reduce pain and disability” ^[7].

For muscle soreness after exercise, the evidence looks more encouraging. A 2025 review published in the Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology by Yung-An Tsou looked at multiple clinical trials on red and near-infrared light use after exercise. The review found that people using light therapy reported less muscle soreness and better strength recovery within 24 to 48 hours compared to placebo. The authors noted that this suggests light therapy may help muscles recover faster after strain, though results still vary between individuals ^[8].

Final Verdict — Is the NOVAA LIGHT PAD Worth It?

The NOVAA LIGHT PAD offers a simple red and near-infrared light therapy option for people seeking temporary comfort from minor pain, tight muscles, or joint stiffness. It combines a flexible pad design with a solid LED count and practical accessories for home use. Many real users report comfort and easier movement, but some others see limited effect or find the setup confusing at first.

Research suggests light therapy may help with knee pain and muscle recovery in some cases. For back pain, results appear more mixed. From what we’ve seen, this device fits best for people with mild discomfort who want a non-drug, at-home option for comfort and recovery.

We rate the NOVAA LIGHT PAD 4.8 out of 5. If you value a home device with a 60-day trial period, it may be worth testing. But if you expect strong or lasting relief, it may not meet that need.