There’s no shortage of momentum behind photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) and laser therapy modalities. With 30+ years in light medicine, we’re only seeing this continue to accelerate. The research areas for photobiomodulation are growing by the day as researchers and scientists continue to discover new benefits.
Key insights and latest facts:
- PBM is supported by thousands of studies covering a multitude of surface-level and cellular benefits.
- FDA-approved uses for light and laser therapy include pain, inflammation, joint mobility, and more.
- Other benefits of PBMT include reduced depression, anxiety, and inflammation, improving the look and feel of scars, better recovery from sports injuries, and nerve pain.
- Red light therapy and near-infrared light use specific wavelengths to stimulate mitochondria, increasing cellular energy, supporting cell recovery, tissue repair, and faster cell regeneration.
- Only clinically validated devices with measurable wavelengths can generate actual results.
PBMT: Fringe Science? Not Even Close
Photobiomodulation therapy, or light therapy, is not an alternative medicine. There are thousands of studies on low-level light therapy and its many benefits throughout the body. The FDA has also cleared clinically validated devices for the following uses:
- Decrease inflammation
- Increase blood flow
- Restoration of motion to joints
- Temporary relief from pain and inflammation, including chronic conditions
- Temporary relief from pain and inflammation associated with arthritis
- Hair loss due to androgenetic alopecia
- Adjunct to obesity treatment
Providers who care about getting measurable, systemic results for patients and targeting root causes, rather than symptoms, should implement red light and laser therapy.
Real-World Studies and New Research Areas for Photobiomodulation
Studies supporting the benefits of photobiomodulation are extensive:
- Pain, ROM, and Functional Scores: PMBT can effectively reduce pain, increase ROM, improve functional scores, and improve quality of life in knee osteoarthritis and spinal disorders: Utilization of the 1064 nm Wavelength in Photobiomodulation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
- Improving Scars: PBMT is an effective intervention enhancing the appearance and texture of scars. 47% of patients reported good results, and 43% reported excellent results, with no side effects. Multi-Modal Laser Combination Therapy of Pigmented Scars: A Case Series of 30 Patients
- Sports Injuries, Inflammation, and Pain Relief: Current clinical uses include pain and inflammation relief, as well as sports injury relief. Photobiomodulation
- Dermatological, Musculoskeletal, Neurological, Ophthalmic, and Oncological Conditions: PBMT has measurable biological effects on cells and energy production, to calm inflammation, and support cell recovery and regeneration. From light to healing: photobiomodulation therapy in medical disciplines
- TBI, PTSD, Anxiety, and Depression: Transcranial Near-Infrared Laser/Light Therapy (NILT) demonstrated marked clinical improvements for these conditions across a group of patients. Treatments for traumatic brain injury with emphasis on transcranial near-infrared laser phototherapy
- Reduced Depression for TBI and Parkinson’s: Study patients experienced resolution of their depression symptoms, in as few as eight weeks. 39 Patients With Depression, Parkinson’s, Brain-Injury Laser Treatment Studies
Overall, the benefits of Photobiomodulation Therapy are consistent: faster recovery, reduced inflammation, and improved systemic function.
How Photobiomodulation Works
Photobiomodulation (PBM) uses red light and near-infrared light concentrated at specific wavelengths to stimulate mitochondria to produce more ATP. ATP boosts cellular energy and how it’s transported in the body. This influences every other physical process to function more effectively, including:
- Cell recovery
- Repairs damaged tissue
- Replaces damaged or dead cells
- Accelerates the body’s natural healing process
Clinically-validated devices, like TheraLight’s Red Light Therapy Beds and Aspen Laser Class IV Laser Systems, don’t just use light. Their effectiveness has been proven, using specific wavelengths to target specific outcomes in the body.
But Where’s The Proof?
Scientific studies get the medical community’s professional insights on how well something works, or if. However, we believe the best proof is real-world results from everyday people and providers.
- “I have had bad anxiety as I get older, and this has helped me to cut down those bad depression days. I feel that this helps me sharpen my mind and body and allows me to have more control over my emotions.” Seth S., 29
- “…To say that the laser is a success in our therapy practice is a definite understatement. Patients love it, and the limited follow-ups that I have seen are a testament to its success. We may have a waiting list to go to therapy for the first time in a long time. Again, thanks.” Michael Cavanaugh, MD, Wissahickon Orthopedic Specialists in Flourtown, PA
- “We’ve been using the TheraLight 360+ at B.Hacking Studio, and both our team and clients absolutely love it. The red and near-infrared light sessions feel deeply restorative, support recovery, and leave people noticeably more energized. A fantastic addition to our studio.” Kristina, B.Hacking Studio
How To Unlock Positive Outcomes
When evaluating which devices would best suit your personal needs or those of your patients, consider the right PBMT approach:
- Science-backed systems: Only clinically validated wavelengths will generate measurable outcomes.
- Full-body red light therapy: Red light therapy bed or portable red light therapy panels with verified wavelength production for systemic benefits, only 10-20 minutes per session.
- Focused RLT or laser therapy: A more targeted light solution for pain, inflammation, injury recovery, and more.
See everything you need to know about Photobiomodulation Therapy.
The Final Word On New Research Areas for Photobiomodulation Therapy
- PBMT is supported by thousands of studies covering a multitude of surface-level and cellular benefits.
- FDA-approved uses for light and laser therapy include pain, inflammation, joint mobility, and more.
- Other benefits of PBMT include reduced depression, anxiety, and inflammation, improving the look and feel of scars, better recovery from sports injuries, and nerve pain.
- RLT and NIR light use specific wavelengths to stimulate mitochondria, increasing cellular energy, supporting cell recovery, tissue repair, and faster cell regeneration.
- Only clinically validated devices with measurable wavelengths can generate actual results.
