From the Guidelines
Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) or photobiomodulation (PBM) can be a helpful treatment for certain conditions, including low back pain, as it has been shown to moderately improve pain relief and function in patients with acute or subacute pain. The effectiveness of LLLT or PBM varies depending on the condition being treated and the individual patient. According to a study published in 2022 1, high-quality evidence exists that exercise therapy, which can be combined with LLLT or PBM, reduces pain and improves function immediately after treatment and that the improvements are sustained for at least 2–6 months.
Some of the key benefits of LLLT or PBM include:
- Moderately improving pain relief and function in patients with acute or subacute low back pain, as shown in a study published in 2017 1
- Reducing inflammation and improving skin appearance
- Potentially alleviating muscle soreness and joint pain
- Being a non-invasive and relatively safe treatment with minimal side effects
It's essential to note that while LLLT or PBM can be beneficial, it's not a cure-all treatment, and results may vary significantly between individuals. Before starting LLLT or PBM, it's crucial to consult with a healthcare provider, especially if you have photosensitivity or are taking medications that increase light sensitivity. Additionally, LLLT or PBM should be used in conjunction with other evidence-based treatments, such as exercise therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy, to achieve optimal results.
In terms of treatment protocols, typical devices include LED panels, handheld devices, or full-body systems, with treatments usually lasting 10-20 minutes several times weekly. For skin conditions, sessions 3-5 times weekly for 4-12 weeks may be needed, while pain management might require daily sessions initially. However, it's essential to follow the specific treatment protocol recommended by a healthcare provider, as individual needs may vary.
From the Research
Benefits of Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) or Photobiomodulation (PBM)
- LLLT or PBM has been shown to reduce inflammation and swelling, promote healing, and reduce pain for an array of musculoskeletal conditions 2
- The therapy offers 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 2
- LLLT has been used in pain management for years and is also known as cold laser therapy, which uses low-frequency continuous laser of typically 600 to 1000 nm wavelength for pain reduction and healing stimulation 3
- Many studies have demonstrated analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects provided by photobiomodulation in both experimental and clinical trials 3, 4
Mechanisms of LLLT or PBM
- The primary chromophores have been identified as cytochrome c oxidase in mitochondria, and calcium ion channels (possibly mediated by light absorption by opsins) 4
- Secondary effects of photon absorption include increases in ATP, a brief burst of reactive oxygen species, an increase in nitric oxide, and modulation of calcium levels 4
- Tertiary effects include activation of a wide range of transcription factors leading to improved cell survival, increased proliferation and migration, and new protein synthesis 4
Applications of LLLT or PBM
- LLLT or PBM can be used to treat various conditions, including non-specific knee pain, osteoarthritis, pain post-total hip arthroplasty, fibromyalgia, temporomandibular diseases, neck pain, and low back pain 2
- The therapy has been shown to reduce markers of M1 phenotype in activated macrophages and reduce inflammation in the brain, abdominal fat, wounds, lungs, spinal cord 4
- LLLT or PBM can also be used to treat seasonal affective disorder, with green light providing a treatment effect superior to that of red light 5
- Low-power light therapy has been shown to be effective in relieving pain and disability in degenerative osteoarthritis of the knee 6