From the Guidelines
Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) or photobiomodulation (PBM) is not recommended as a primary treatment for promoting wound healing due to insufficient evidence of its effectiveness compared to other treatments. The current evidence suggests that LLLT or PBM may be similar to controls for ulcer alleviation, and its effectiveness is not well established compared to other treatments such as protein or amino acid supplementation, hydrocolloid or foam dressings, and electrical stimulation 1. For wound healing, the following treatments are recommended:
- Protein or amino acid supplementation to reduce wound size 1
- Hydrocolloid or foam dressings to reduce wound size 1
- Electrical stimulation as an adjunctive therapy to accelerate wound healing 1 It is essential to note that the evidence for LLLT or PBM is limited, and more research is needed to fully understand its potential benefits and risks for wound healing. In clinical practice, it is crucial to prioritize treatments with stronger evidence and to consider the individual patient's needs and circumstances when making treatment decisions. Always consult a healthcare provider before starting any new treatment, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are taking medications that may interact with the treatment.
From the Research
Efficacy of Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) or Photobiomodulation (PBM) for Promoting Wound Healing
- The efficacy of LLLT or PBM for promoting wound healing has been studied in various research papers, with some studies suggesting that it can be an effective treatment for wound healing 2, 3, 4, 5.
- Red and near-infrared light-induced photobiomodulation therapy has been found to promote wound healing, reduce inflammation and pain, and restore function 2.
- Near-infrared (800-830 nm) has been found to be the most effective and widely studied wavelength range, followed by red (630-680 nm) and 904 nm superpulsed light, which exhibit beneficial photobiomodulatory effects on impaired dermal wound healing 2.
- LED and LASER have been found to promote similar biological effects, such as decrease of inflammatory cells, increased fibroblast proliferation, stimulation of angiogenesis, granulation tissue formation, and increased synthesis of collagen 3.
- Blue light (470 nm) has also been found to significantly influence wound healing, improving perfusion by release of nitric oxide from nitrosyl complexes with haemoglobin in a skin flap model in rats 4.
- Wavelength-dependent effects of photobiomodulation have been found, with red and green light positively stimulating wound healing, while blue light was ineffective in a diabetic mouse excision wound model 5.
- However, some studies have found that the evidence for the effectiveness of phototherapy in wound care is inconsistent and further well-designed research trials are required to determine its true value 6.
Biological Effects of LLLT or PBM on Wound Healing
- LLLT or PBM has been found to promote biological effects such as:
- Decrease of inflammatory cells
- Increased fibroblast proliferation
- Stimulation of angiogenesis
- Granulation tissue formation
- Increased synthesis of collagen 3, 4, 5
- These biological effects are dependent on irradiation parameters, mainly wavelength and dose 3.
Parameters for the Use of Light Devices
- The parameters for the use of light devices, such as wavelength and dose, are important for determining the efficacy of LLLT or PBM for promoting wound healing 3, 5.
- Red and near-infrared light have been found to be the most effective wavelengths for promoting wound healing, with near-infrared (800-830 nm) being the most effective and widely studied wavelength range 2.