From the Guidelines
Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) or photobiomodulation (PBM) is effective as a treatment for various medical conditions, including low back pain, with evidence supporting its use as a noninvasive nonpharmacologic approach to improve pain and function. According to the most recent and highest quality study, a 2022 guideline from the CDC, LLLT is recommended as a treatment option for low back pain, along with other noninvasive nonpharmacologic therapies such as exercise therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and mindfulness-based stress reduction 1. The evidence suggests that LLLT can improve pain and function in patients with low back pain, with a low risk of serious harms.
Some of the benefits of LLLT include:
- Reducing inflammation and pain in conditions like arthritis and muscle injuries
- Promoting wound healing and tissue repair
- Stimulating collagen production and increasing circulation
- Improving hair regrowth in certain types of hair loss
- Enhancing mitochondrial function, increasing ATP production, and reducing oxidative stress in cells
Typical treatments involve sessions of 10-20 minutes several times weekly using devices with wavelengths between 630-850 nanometers. While generally safe with minimal side effects, results vary between individuals, and multiple sessions are usually required before seeing significant benefits. For serious medical conditions, LLLT should be used as a complementary approach alongside conventional treatments.
It's worth noting that the evidence for LLLT is not limited to low back pain, and it has been shown to be effective in treating other conditions such as fibromyalgia, temporomandibular disorder pain, and neck pain 1. However, the quality of the evidence varies, and more research is needed to fully understand the effects of LLLT on these conditions. As stated in a previous study, LLLT was found to be more effective than sham laser for pain, although the magnitude of effects was classified as small 1.
From the Research
Effectiveness of Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) or Photobiomodulation (PBM)
- LLLT or PBM has been shown to be effective in promoting wound healing, reducing pain and inflammation, and preventing tissue death 2, 3, 4, 5.
- The therapy has been used to treat various medical conditions, including chronic and acute wounds, diabetic foot ulcers, and dermatologic conditions 6, 4.
- Different wavelengths of light, such as red and near-infrared, have been found to be effective in promoting healing, with 635 and 810 nm being particularly effective 5.
- The biological response of the wound tissue depends on the wavelength employed, with the absorption spectrum of cytochrome c oxidase being a key factor 5.
Parameters for Effective LLLT or PBM
- The parameters for effective LLLT or PBM, such as wavelength, dose, and fluence rate, are still being researched and debated 3, 4.
- A range of light energy sources, from LEDs to lasers, have been used, each with their own advantages and limitations 4.
- There is a need for standardized treatment parameters and well-designed clinical research studies to establish optimal clinical protocols for LLLT or PBM 4.
Clinical Applications of LLLT or PBM
- LLLT or PBM has been cleared for use in various clinical applications, including cosmetic improvement of aging or sun-damaged skin, acne, and actinic keratoses 6.
- The therapy has also been used in dental, dermatologic, neurologic, and chiropractic conditions, although more research is needed to establish its effectiveness in these areas 6.
- LLLT or PBM may also have potential in treating serious life-threatening diseases, such as stroke, heart attack, spinal cord injury, and traumatic brain injury 3.