Discover why Great Britain’s No.1 female padel player Catherine Rose incorporates whole-body photobiomodulation therapy at Light Therapy London, Kingston upon Thames, as part of her elite recovery and performance programme.
For elite athletes, success is built long before competition begins. Training, nutrition, sleep, rehabilitation and recovery all contribute to the ability to perform consistently at the highest level.
For Catherine Rose, Great Britain’s No.1 female padel player and one of the world’s top 100 players, recovery forms an essential part of her performance strategy. In June 2026, Catherine achieved a major career milestone when she became British No.1 following her fifth FIP title and rise to World No.100.
As she competes internationally throughout the year, Catherine regularly incorporates whole-body photobiomodulation therapy into her wellness and recovery routine at Light Therapy London, located within John Rose Eye Care in Kingston upon Thames, London.
From British No.1 to the World’s Top 100
At just 27 years old, Catherine Rose has rapidly established herself as one of Britain’s leading padel athletes. Her rise has been built on relentless dedication, international competition and an unwavering commitment to continuous improvement.
Her achievements include:
• British No.1 Female Padel Player
• World Top 100 Ranking
• Five International FIP Tour Titles
• Female Padel Player of the Year at the 2026 LTA Awards
• Great Britain International Representative
Competing at this level requires much more than technical skill. Elite performance demands physical resilience, mental focus and the ability to recover effectively between training sessions, travel schedules and international tournaments.
Dubai FIP Silver Damac
Why Recovery Matters in Professional Padel
Padel is one of the fastest-growing sports in the world and places significant physical demands on athletes.
Professional players perform:
• Explosive acceleration and deceleration
• Rapid changes of direction
• Rotational power and agility movements
• Repetitive high-intensity rallies
• Extensive international travel throughout the season
The cumulative effect places considerable stress on muscles, joints and connective tissues, making recovery a critical component of performance.
At the highest level of sport, recovery is no longer viewed as downtime. It is an essential part of the performance process.
What is Photobiomodulation Therapy?
Photobiomodulation, commonly known as red light therapy or near-infrared light therapy, is a non-invasive treatment that uses specific wavelengths of light to support cellular function.
These wavelengths are absorbed by mitochondria, often described as the energy-producing structures within cells. This process helps support cellular metabolism and energy production.
Over the last decade, photobiomodulation has gained increasing recognition within sports medicine, physiotherapy, rehabilitation and human performance settings due to its potential role in supporting recovery and tissue health.
Why Are Elite Athletes Using Red Light Therapy?
Photobiomodulation therapy is becoming increasingly popular amongst elite sportsmen and women worldwide.
From professional footballers and Olympic athletes to rugby internationals and tennis champions, recovery technologies are now considered an important component of modern performance programmes.
Athletes such as tennis legend Novak Djokovic and former England rugby international Jonny May have publicly discussed the importance of recovery, regeneration and performance optimisation throughout their careers. Both have been widely associated with the use of red light therapy and other advanced recovery modalities as part of a comprehensive approach to maintaining physical resilience and longevity in elite sport.
Today, photobiomodulation is increasingly utilised within:
• Professional sports clubs
• Elite athlete performance centres
• Physiotherapy and rehabilitation clinics
• Sports medicine facilities
• Wellness and longevity clinics
The growing adoption of red and near-infrared light therapy reflects a wider shift towards evidence-based strategies designed to support recovery, resilience and long-term physical performance.
Why Does Catherine Rose Use Red Light Therapy?
As a professional athlete competing on the international padel circuit, Catherine understands the importance of preparing her body for the demands of elite competition.
Alongside training, nutrition and physical conditioning, she incorporates whole-body photobiomodulation therapy as part of her wider recovery strategy.
Like many elite athletes, Catherine recognises that sustained performance is often determined by how effectively the body recovers between periods of intensive training and competition.
Clinical Opinion from John Rose FCOptom
“Having worked with photobiomodulation technology for many years, we have seen a significant increase in interest from elite athletes, healthcare professionals and individuals seeking science-led approaches to recovery and wellbeing.
We were proud to become the first clinic in the United Kingdom to install the NovoTHOR Whole Body Light Pod and have since welcomed athletes from a wide range of sporting disciplines looking to support recovery, physical resilience and overall wellbeing.
Whilst no recovery modality replaces structured training, good nutrition, hydration and sleep, photobiomodulation has become an increasingly valuable addition to comprehensive performance and recovery programmes.”
John Rose FCOptom
Founder, John Rose Eye Care
Founder, Light Therapy London
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do professional athletes use red light therapy?
Professional athletes increasingly incorporate red light therapy into their recovery programmes because research suggests photobiomodulation may support recovery processes, cellular energy production and physical resilience following intensive exercise.
What is photobiomodulation?
Photobiomodulation is the scientific term for the therapeutic use of red and near-infrared light to support cellular function and biological processes within tissues.
Does red light therapy help recovery?
Research suggests photobiomodulation may help support recovery following exercise and assist in managing exercise-induced muscle soreness.
Is red light therapy safe?
When delivered using medical-grade equipment and established treatment protocols, photobiomodulation is generally considered a safe and non-invasive therapy.
Where can I experience whole-body red light therapy in London?
Light Therapy London, based within John Rose Eye Care in Kingston upon Thames, offers treatment using the NovoTHOR Whole Body Light Pod, one of the world’s most advanced whole-body photobiomodulation systems.
Experience the NovoTHOR Whole Body Light Pod at Light Therapy London
Light Therapy London is located within John Rose Eye Care in Kingston upon Thames and welcomes clients from Richmond, Wimbledon, Surrey, South West London and across the UK.
The NovoTHOR Whole Body Light Pod delivers red and near-infrared light therapy across the entire body and is used by athletes, health-conscious individuals and those seeking evidence-based approaches to recovery and wellbeing.
Potential benefits include:
• Supporting recovery following exercise
• Promoting physical resilience
• Supporting healthy circulation
• Enhancing skin health and appearance
• Supporting relaxation and wellbeing
• Complementing active and healthy lifestyles
Book Your NovoTHOR Session
To experience whole-body photobiomodulation therapy at Light Therapy London, book online and select:
Option H – NovoTHOR Whole Body Light Therapy
Discover more about Light Therapy London and John Rose Eye Care
Light Therapy London at John Rose Eye Care, Kingston upon Thames
Catherine’s rise to British No.1 was officially recognised by the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) following her fifth FIP title and breakthrough into the world’s top 100. Read the full story here: Catherine Rose rises to become British No.1 after clinching fifth title – LTA Padel
Catherine Rose GB no 1 Padel