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

From the Guidelines

Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) with red light is effective for treating certain medical conditions, such as low back pain, with moderate to low evidence of effectiveness. The effectiveness of LLLT for low back pain is supported by a systematic review published in the Annals of Internal Medicine in 2017 1. This review found that LLLT was more effective than sham laser for pain, with a low strength of evidence (SOE, low) 1. Some key points to consider when using LLLT for low back pain include:

• The magnitude of effects for pain and function may be small, but factors such as low risk for harms, low costs, and strong patient preferences may support its use 1
• The optimal treatment parameters, such as duration, frequency, and intensity, remain unclear and may vary depending on the individual and the specific condition being treated
• LLLT should not replace conventional medical treatments for serious conditions, and consulting with a healthcare provider before starting any light therapy regimen is advisable, especially if you have photosensitivity or are taking medications that increase light sensitivity 1. It is essential to weigh the potential benefits and limitations of LLLT and to consider the individual's specific needs and medical history before initiating treatment. In terms of the specific wavelengths used, red light typically has a wavelength between 630-660nm, which can penetrate skin to stimulate cellular energy production in mitochondria, potentially leading to reduced inflammation and improved tissue repair. However, more research is needed to fully understand the effects of LLLT and to determine the optimal treatment parameters for various medical conditions.

From the Research

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

• LLLT with red light has been shown to be effective in treating certain medical conditions, including temporomandibular disorders 2 and wound healing 3, 4, 5, 6.
• A study published in 2019 found that LED red light therapy was useful in improving patient's symptoms regarding pain, clicking, and number of tender muscles in temporomandibular disorder patients 2.
• Research has also demonstrated that low-power light therapy, including LLLT with red light, can promote wound healing by increasing fibroblast proliferation, stimulating angiogenesis, and enhancing collagen synthesis 3, 4, 5, 6.

Wound Healing

• Studies have shown that LLLT with red light can accelerate wound healing in skin injuries, including incisional wounds and burns 4, 5.
• A 2014 study found that LED therapy with red light (629 nm) significantly increased angiogenesis and improved ischemic wound healing in a rodent flap model 5.
• Another study published in 2019 reviewed the evidence for the therapeutic application of light energy treatments for wound healing and found that low-dose laser treatments, including LLLT with red light, can provide therapeutic benefits for a broad range of chronic wounds 6.

Mechanisms of Action

• The mechanisms of action of LLLT with red light are not fully understood, but it is thought to involve the stimulation of cellular processes, including increased ATP production, modulation of inflammatory responses, and enhancement of tissue repair 3, 4, 5, 6.
• The wavelength and dose of LLLT with red light are important factors in determining its effectiveness, with different wavelengths and doses having different effects on tissue repair and healing 3, 4, 5, 6.