Is low-level laser therapy (LLLT) with flexbeam red light effective for any medical conditions?

From the Guidelines

Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) with flexbeam red light has not been proven as an effective treatment for any specific medical condition through rigorous scientific research. While LLLT in general has shown some promise for certain conditions like pain reduction and inflammation in limited studies, the evidence is largely based on low-quality studies 1. The most recent and highest quality study available on LLLT suggests that it may have a small effect on pain relief, but the evidence is still considered low-quality 1.

Conditions Considered

• Pain relief: Low-quality evidence showed that LLLT slightly improved pain compared with sham laser 1.
• Inflammation: There is limited evidence to support the use of LLLT for inflammation.
• Skin healing: Some studies suggest that LLLT may be effective for skin healing, but the evidence is not specific to the flexbeam device.

Recommendation

It is recommended to consult with a healthcare provider before using LLLT with flexbeam red light for any medical condition, as the current evidence does not support its effectiveness for most conditions. The marketing claims about its benefits exceed the available scientific evidence, and many of the claimed benefits are based on preliminary research of light therapy in general, not on studies using the flexbeam device itself 1.

Considerations

• The device uses red and near-infrared light, which theoretically works by penetrating skin tissue and potentially stimulating cellular energy production in mitochondria.
• However, the lack of substantial clinical evidence supporting its effectiveness for specific medical conditions is a concern.
• Further studies are needed to determine the effectiveness of LLLT with flexbeam red light for various medical conditions.

From the Research

Effectiveness of Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) with Flexbeam Red Light

• LLLT, also known as photobiomodulation (PBM), has been shown to stimulate healing, relieve pain, and reduce inflammation 2.
• The therapy uses red and near-infrared light to target primary chromophores such as cytochrome c oxidase in mitochondria and calcium ion channels, leading to increased ATP production, modulation of calcium levels, and activation of transcription factors 2.
• PBM has been found to produce a pronounced biphasic dose response, where low levels of light have stimulating effects, while high levels of light have inhibitory effects 2.

Medical Conditions Treated with LLLT

• LLLT has been used to treat various medical conditions, including:
  • Wound healing: LLLT has been shown to promote healing, reduce inflammation, and improve tissue repair 3, 4.
  • Musculoskeletal conditions: LLLT has been found to reduce pain intensity in conditions such as non-specific knee pain, osteoarthritis, and fibromyalgia 5.
  • Spinal cord injury: Red light therapy has been shown to reduce pain hypersensitivity and improve sensorimotor function following mild spinal cord injury 6.
  • Inflammatory disorders: LLLT has been found to reduce markers of inflammation and oxidative stress in various animal models 2.

Mechanisms of Action

• The mechanisms of action of LLLT involve the absorption of light by cellular chromophores, leading to increased ATP production, modulation of calcium levels, and activation of transcription factors 2.
• LLLT has also been shown to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation by up-regulating anti-oxidant defenses and reducing reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels 2.