Scientific Studies

In summary of the following, studies have been completed applying light therapy to many different ailments. While positive results are consistently reported, there is no consistent recommendation for dose intensity, duration, or spectrum. It’s also often the case that the studies are completed using small sample sizes and it is not clear how the samples used within the test are selected. As is the case for any type of medical condition and treatment, the treatments cited may not work for everyone and while some may have great success, the same treatment may not work for all even having the same symptoms. Regardless of the scientific studies, if the treatment is causing any type of discomfort, discontinue use and see a medical professional.

 Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this Website.

DOMS

This is a very detailed overview of therapy on DOMS (delayed onset muscle soreness) based on searching current literature. One of the key takeaways is: “The range in total energy (J) identified to produce the most positive effects was 56–315 J, regardless if PBM was applied as muscular pre-conditioning or after exercise.” [1]

 Wound healing

There has been a great deal of information published on wound healing, not least of which is the NASA sponsored work from the 2008 time period. 

The following is an abstract of a wound healing case study carried out on rats using controlled incisions, demonstrating the red spectrum was more effective that a higher ultraviolet spectrum. This used lower power inputs of 1 Joule / cm². [2]

 Acne

The following is a link for a reasonably comprehensive study of photobiomodulation on acne [3]

 Plantar Fasciitis

There are quite a few studies reference with respect to treating plantar fasciitis (PF), but I haven’t been able to find one with specific details as to dosing. Most studies seem to have been completed with 850-nm lasers. [4] I did try a lower power version of the device  on my own PF when training for a recent marathon and I still suffered greatly (no miracle), but was able to get in enough miles for a good result in the marathon (3 hours and 15 minutes).

 Tendonitis

A study treating tendinopathy in animals was completed using low power ultra violet spectrums here (3 J at 810 nm) demonstrating “significant superiority over commonly used anti-inflammatory pharmaceutical agents…” [5]

 Carpal tunnel

A study treating carpal tunnel is referenced below. It only demonstrated that higher laser dosages had a better efficacy. Higher was defined as 9 Joules and 12-30 Joules with intensities of 32 J/cm² and 225 J/cm² versus 1.8 J or 6 J/cm². The high intensity values indicate the laser is not diffusing it’s power, but is more of a ‘pinpoint’ application, while the standard LED systems are not capable of putting out much power. [6]

 TMJ Joint Pain

An abstract of a study citing that 5 J/min of ultra violet (808nm) light was effective at treating pain from TMJ. [7]

 Knee Osteoarthritis

Thorough study with control group that demonstrated 6 Joules of ultra violet (830nm) light was effective at reducing pain from osteoarthritis in the knee. [8]

[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5167494/

[2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28321647

[3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3438385/

[4] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29273892

[5] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29265910

[6] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16706688

[7] https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/08869634.2019.1599174

[8] https://celasers.com/knowledge-center/effect-of-low-level-laser-in-knee-osteoarthritis/