12851 University Ave #300, Clive, Iowa 50325Mon/Wed 6:30 am–7 pm  ·  Tue/Thu 9 am–7 pm  ·  Fri 6:30 am–5 pm  ·  Sat 9 am–1:30 pm
515-207-0088Instagram
LightLab Wellness
515-207-0088
Home LearnResultsAboutFAQContact
Call Now
FAQ

Red Light Therapy FAQ
LightLab Wellness
Clive, Iowa

Everything you need to know about red light therapy, our PTx™ programs, and visiting LightLab Wellness in Clive, Iowa. Serving West Des Moines, Urbandale, Johnston, Waukee, and the greater Des Moines metro.

Getting Started

What is red light therapy?
Red light therapy (also called photobiomodulation or PBM) uses specific wavelengths of red and near-infrared light that research suggests may support cellular energy production and the body's natural anti-inflammatory response. It is non-invasive, painless, and the subject of thousands of peer-reviewed studies.
Is red light therapy safe?
Yes. Red light therapy is one of the safest wellness modalities available. It uses no UV radiation, produces no heat damage, and has no known serious side effects when used as directed. LightLab uses a professional-grade photobiomodulation system designed for whole-body wellness. Consult your physician if you have a specific medical condition.
How is LightLab different from other light therapy options?
LightLab is more than light therapy — it's a complete wellness system combining advanced full-body light therapy with nutrition guidance, movement coaching, and personalized wellness plans. Our medical-grade system delivers therapeutic dosing across your entire body simultaneously in just 15 minutes, fundamentally different from handheld devices, face masks, or partial panels.
Do I need a referral or prescription?
No. LightLab Wellness is a wellness center, not a medical facility. You do not need a referral or prescription to book a session. However, if you have a specific medical condition, we encourage you to consult your healthcare provider.

Sessions & Programs

How long is a session?
Most sessions are 15 minutes of full-body light therapy. Some programs include a brief pre-session consultation or post-session guidance, so plan for approximately 25 minutes total for your visit.
How many sessions do I need?
Most members notice a difference after their very first session. For specific goals like pain management, body composition, or skin rejuvenation, we typically recommend a program of 12-24 sessions over 4-8 weeks for optimal results. Our team will help you design the right protocol.
What should I wear?
Anything that's covered doesn't receive treatment — light does not penetrate clothing, even minimal layers. Most members wear undergarments to maximize skin exposure. Towels and complete privacy are always provided. No need to remove jewelry or metal. Also, please avoid applying any lotions, creams, or oils for at least 2 hours before your session.
Can I use multiple PTx™ programs?
Yes. Many members combine programs — for example, using the Recovery program after workouts and the Skin program for aesthetic goals. Our team can help you design a multi-goal protocol that fits your schedule.
Are there any contraindications?
Red light therapy is safe for most people. However, we recommend consulting your physician if you are pregnant, have active cancer, take photosensitizing medications, or have a condition that affects light sensitivity. Our team will review any concerns during your initial consultation.

Pricing & Membership

Is there a contract or membership required?
We offer single sessions, session packages, and flexible membership plans — whatever fits your lifestyle and budget. When you sign up for a package, there is an agreement that covers the terms. We never pressure you into anything.
Do you offer a free trial or introductory session?
Contact us or visit our Clive studio to ask about current introductory offers. We want you to experience the difference before making any commitment.
Can I pause or cancel my membership?
Yes. Our membership plans are flexible. Contact our team at the Clive studio or by phone to make any changes to your plan.

Location & Hours

Where is LightLab Wellness located?
We are located at 12851 University Ave #300, Clive, Iowa 50325, right along the University Ave corridor, just west of the I-35/I-80 interchange. We’re easy to reach from Jordan Creek Town Center in West Des Moines (about 5 minutes east on University Ave), from Merle Hay Mall in Urbandale (about 7 minutes south on Merle Hay Road to University Ave), and from the NW 86th Street corridor in Johnston. From Ankeny, take I-35 south to the University Ave exit and we’re just minutes away.
What are your hours?
Monday: 6:30 am – 7:00 pm Tuesday: 9:00 am – 7:00 pm Wednesday: 6:30 am – 7:00 pm Thursday: 9:00 am – 7:00 pm Friday: 6:30 am – 5:00 pm Saturday: 9:00 am – 1:30 pm Sunday: Closed We offer early morning hours on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday starting at 6:30 am so you can fit a session in before work, and evening hours until 7:00 pm Monday through Thursday.
Do you accept walk-ins?
Yes, walk-ins are welcome based on availability. We recommend booking in advance to secure your preferred time, especially for evening and Saturday sessions. Members coming from Waukee, Grimes, or Ankeny often book ahead to avoid the drive for nothing.
Do you serve clients from West Des Moines and Urbandale?
Absolutely. Our Clive location at 12851 University Ave is easily accessible from all Des Moines metro communities. From West Des Moines, take University Ave east past Jordan Creek, about 5 minutes. From Urbandale, head south on Merle Hay Road and turn west on University Ave. From Johnston, take NW 86th Street south to University Ave. From Waukee, take I-80 east to University Ave. From Ankeny, take I-35 south and exit at University Ave.
Is LightLab Wellness near Jordan Creek Town Center?
Yes. LightLab Wellness is located just minutes east of Jordan Creek Town Center on University Ave in Clive. If you’re shopping at Jordan Creek or working in the West Des Moines business district, we’re a very convenient stop for a 15-minute red light therapy session.
Is there parking available?
Yes, free parking is available at our University Ave location in Clive. The studio is in a professional office complex with ample surface parking. No parking fees, no garages, easy in and out.
Is LightLab Wellness worth the drive from Ankeny or Grimes?
Many of our most loyal members make the drive from Ankeny, Grimes, and even Ames. From Ankeny, we're about 20 minutes south on I-35, then west on University Ave. From Grimes, take NW 54th Ave south to University Ave, about 15 minutes. LightLab's advanced full-body light therapy system is a professional-grade experience you won't find closer to home, and the results our members report make the drive worthwhile. We offer early morning hours (6:30 am) so you can fit a session in before your commute.
What's near LightLab Wellness on University Ave in Clive?
Our studio at 12851 University Ave #300 is in the heart of Clive, right along what locals call Medical Row — two major hospitals, all the big clinic chains, and specialty doctors are all around us. It's the center of everything medical on the west side of town. We're near the University Ave/86th Street intersection with a Hy-Vee, Starbucks, and several restaurants within a few minutes' drive, making it easy to combine a session with errands or lunch.

Specific Conditions

Can red light therapy help with chronic back pain?
Our advanced light therapy system is designed to support the body's natural recovery and wellness. Many members with minor chronic back discomfort report improvement with consistent sessions. Research suggests red and near-infrared light may support the body's natural anti-inflammatory response and tissue repair. Individual results vary. Consult your physician for diagnosed conditions.
Is it effective for weight loss?
Our fat-loss program is designed to support body composition goals as part of a complete wellness approach — combining light therapy with nutrition guidance and movement coaching. Research suggests specific wavelengths may temporarily affect fat cell membrane permeability. Results vary based on individual factors, diet, and activity level. Light therapy complements healthy lifestyle habits and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Can it improve my skin?
Red light at 620-670nm is one of the most well-studied approaches to non-invasive skin wellness. Research suggests consistent sessions may support collagen production, improved skin tone, and reduced appearance of fine lines over time. Individual results vary. Light therapy is not intended to diagnose or treat any skin disease — consult your dermatologist for specific skin conditions.
Will it help with my athletic recovery?
Our advanced light therapy system is designed to support muscle recovery and relaxation. Research suggests near-infrared light may support faster muscle repair and reduced delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS). Many athletes use full-body light therapy both before and after training. Individual results vary.

Still Have Questions?

Our team in Clive is happy to help. Call us or stop by anytime.

515-207-0088