Is low-level laser therapy (LLLT) or photobiomodulation (PBM) with red light, typically in the 630-700 nanometer (nm) range, effective?

From the Guidelines

Red light therapy is most effective at a wavelength of 650 nm for preventing oral mucositis in patients receiving high-dose chemotherapy and total body irradiation, followed by autologous stem cell transplantation. This recommendation is based on the study by 1, which suggests that low-level laser therapy with a wavelength of 650 nm, power of 40 mW, and each square centimeter treated with the required time to a tissue energy dose of 2 J/cm2, can be used to prevent oral mucositis in these patients.

Key Points to Consider

• The study by 1 provides evidence for the use of low-level laser therapy in preventing oral mucositis, but it does not specifically address the effectiveness of red light therapy for other conditions.
• The wavelength of 650 nm is specifically recommended for preventing oral mucositis, but other wavelengths such as 630-660 nm and 810-850 nm may be effective for other conditions.
• The quality of the device and the consistency of use are important factors in determining the effectiveness of red light therapy.
• Red light therapy should be used as a complementary treatment rather than a standalone solution for serious medical conditions.

Important Considerations

• The study by 1 is focused on the prevention of oral mucositis in patients receiving high-dose chemotherapy and total body irradiation, followed by autologous stem cell transplantation.
• The recommendation for red light therapy at a wavelength of 650 nm is based on this specific study and may not be generalizable to other conditions or populations.
• Further research is needed to fully understand the effectiveness of red light therapy for various conditions and to determine the optimal wavelengths and treatment protocols.

From the Research

Red Light Therapy Effectiveness

• Red light therapy has been shown to be effective in various studies, with different wavelengths being used for different purposes 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
• The effectiveness of red light therapy depends on the wavelength used, with some studies suggesting that wavelengths above 600nm are more effective for penetrating human skin, skull bone, and brain tissue 2.

Wavelengths Used in Red Light Therapy

• Studies have used various wavelengths, including:
  • 630-680nm (red light) 4, 5
  • 700-850nm (near-infrared light) 2, 4, 5
  • 800-830nm (near-infrared light) 4
  • 850nm (near-infrared light) 6
  • 904nm (superpulsed light) 4
  • 635nm (red light) 3, 5
  • 640nm (red light) 3
  • 730nm (near-infrared light) 5
  • 810nm (near-infrared light) 3, 5
  • 830nm (near-infrared light) 3
  • 980nm (near-infrared light) 5

Applications of Red Light Therapy

• Red light therapy has been used for various applications, including:
  • Promoting wound healing 4, 5
  • Reducing inflammation and pain 4
  • Improving skin health and reducing signs of aging 3
  • Improving mood and reducing drowsiness 6
  • Enhancing collagen and elastin production 3