From the Guidelines
Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) or photobiomodulation (PBM) using red light has shown promise in certain conditions, but its effectiveness is largely dependent on the specific application and condition being treated. The therapy involves exposing the skin to low levels of red or near-infrared light, which may reduce inflammation, improve circulation, and stimulate cellular energy production. Research suggests it may help with wound healing, reducing wrinkles, improving hair growth, and alleviating muscle soreness and joint pain 1. For skin conditions, sessions typically last 10-20 minutes, 3-5 times weekly for 4-12 weeks. For pain or inflammation, treatment might be applied directly to the affected area for similar durations.
Key Findings
- A study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology in 2021 found that ALA-red light PDT was effective in treating actinic keratosis, with a total lesion count reduction of 58% and rates of complete clearance of 74% 12 months after treatment 1.
- The same study found that ALA-daylight PDT was equally effective as ALA-red light PDT, but with significantly lower pain scores, making it a conditionally recommended treatment for patients with AKs 1.
- Another study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine in 2017 found that low-level laser therapy (LLLT) combined with NSAIDs largely decreased pain intensity and resulted in a moderate improvement in function in patients with acute or subacute low back pain 1.
Recommendations
- For patients with actinic keratosis, ALA-daylight PDT is a recommended treatment option due to its effectiveness and lower pain scores compared to ALA-red light PDT.
- For other conditions, such as wound healing, reducing wrinkles, improving hair growth, and alleviating muscle soreness and joint pain, red light therapy may be considered as a complementary treatment, but its effectiveness is largely dependent on the specific application and condition being treated.
- It is essential to consult a healthcare provider before starting red light therapy, especially for those with photosensitivity or taking medications that increase light sensitivity.
From the Research
Effectiveness of Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) or Photobiomodulation (PBM)
- The use of red light in LLLT or PBM has been shown to be effective in reducing pain in various conditions, including neuropathies and complex regional pain syndrome-I 2.
- A study on the efficacy of LED red light therapy in the treatment of temporomandibular disorders found that it could be useful in improving patient's symptoms regarding pain, clicking, and number of tender muscles 3.
- Photobiomodulation therapy, including low-intensity LASER and LED, has been shown to reduce inflammation and swelling, promote healing, and reduce pain for an array of musculoskeletal conditions, including non-specific knee pain, osteoarthritis, and fibromyalgia 4.
Mechanisms of Action
- The mechanisms of photobiomodulation of pain involve the modulation of pain pathways and mechanisms, including the activation of transcription factors leading to improved cell survival, increased proliferation and migration, and new protein synthesis 2, 5.
- The primary chromophores for photobiomodulation have been identified as cytochrome c oxidase in mitochondria, and calcium ion channels, with secondary effects including increases in ATP and modulation of calcium levels 5.
Applications and Benefits
- Photobiomodulation therapy has been shown to be a non-invasive, safe, drug-free, and side-effect-free method for pain relief of both acute and chronic musculoskeletal conditions, as well as fibromyalgia 4.
- Red and near-infrared light-induced photobiomodulation therapy has been found to promote impaired cutaneous wound healing, reduce inflammation, and restore function 6.
- The anti-inflammatory effects of photobiomodulation have been shown to be effective in reducing markers of inflammation, including reactive nitrogen species and prostaglandins, in various animal models 5.