Scientific Studies Of Red Light Therapy

There are more than 5,000+ scientific studies that have assessed the health benefits of red light therapy. To make it easier for you, we have collected some of our favorite ones published by the US national library of Medicine for you to study below. After all, you should be absolutely certain that red light therapy can indeed heal your issues.

Please note:
  1. In scientific terms, red light therapy is often referred to as Photobiomodulation (PBM) or Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT). Lasers were the only viable light source for therapeutic purposes until just a few years ago. Most other light sources, like LEDs, couldn't produce enough power to achieve similar results. However, as great as lasers are, laser light burns the outer layer of the skin with prolonged exposure.
  2. Red light therapy is very complex, and to get meaningful results a scientific study usually looks at 1 specific hypothesis or criteria. This is why individual studies do not always provide definitive answers, but taken together they help us to grasp all the benefits of the technology.
  3. You might find that some scientific studies raise as many questions as they answer, and that's exactly why it is so important not to make up your mind by reading through one study, but to go through all studies for a holistic understanding.

Scientific Studies Of Red Light Therapy Related To Pain Relief

  • "Acute orthopedic conditions such as sprains, strains, post-surgical pain, a whiplash injury, muscular back pain, cervical or lumbar radiculopathy, tendinitis and chronic conditions such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, frozen shoulder, neck and back pain, epicondylitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, tendinopathy, fibromyalgia, plantar fasciitis, post tibial fracture surgery and chronic regional pain syndrome are amenable to LLLT. Dental conditions producing pain such as orthodontic procedures, dentine hypersensitivity, and third molar surgery respond well to treatment with LLLT. Neuropathic pain conditions can also be treated such as post herpetic neuralgia, trigeminal neuralgia, and diabetic neuropathy." National Library of Medicine, 2015
  • "PBMT can be indicated to temporary relief of minor muscle and joint pain, arthritis, and muscle spasm, relieving stiffness, promoting relaxation of muscle tissue, to temporarily increase local blood circulation where heat is indicated, symptomatic relief and management of chronic and intractable pain, adjunctive treatment for postsurgical, and post-trauma acute pain. There is evidence that PBMT has positive effects on decrease pain intensity in musculoskeletal conditions such as non-specific knee pain, osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, temporomandibular disorders, neck, shoulder and back pain, and also in management of pain after total hip replacements.39 The use of PBMT in the abovementioned musculoskeletal conditions have a direct impact on decreased use of pharmacologic agents, including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and opioids. The combination of good evidence and virtually no side effects make PBMT ideally suited to become an alternative for all future pain treatments. To date, no adverse effects have been demonstrated with the use of PBMT." National Library of Medicine, 2022
  • "The previous discussion has shown that LLLT is beneficial for pain relief and can accelerate the body’s ability to heal itself. LLLT has a long history and strong basic science evidence, which supports its use in pain management. It has few side effects and is well tolerated by the elderly." National Library of Medicine, 2015
  • RLT is an effective tool for pain management https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28987080/
  • RLT stimulates healing, relieves pain, and reduces inflammation https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5523874/
  • RLT was effective for sacroiliac pain https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3799023/

Scientific Studies Of Red Light Therapy Related To Back Pain

Scientific Studies Of Red Light Therapy Related To Spinal Cord Injury

Scientific Studies Of Red Light Therapy Related To Nerve Pain/ Neuropathy

Scientific Studies Of Red Light Therapy Related To Joint Pain

Scientific Studies Of Red Light Therapy Related To Arthritis

  • "Based on current research, the utilization of LLLT for pain management and osteoarthritic conditions may be a complementary strategy used in clinical practice to provide symptom management for patients suffering from osteoarthritis and chronic pain." National Library of Medicine, 2018
  • RLT is effective in relieving pain and disability in degenerative osteoarthritis of the knee: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1727843/
  • "It has been observed that PBMT, when used alone or in association with exercise programs, has positive effects on osteoarthritis reducing intensity of pain." National Library of Medicine, 2022
  • "Our results show that low-level laser therapy was more efficient in reducing pain and improving cartilage thickness through biochemical changes." National Library of Medicine, 2016
  • "LLLT [...] can reduce inflammation and pain in activated Achilles tendinitis. LLLT may therefore have potential in the management of diseases with an inflammatory component." National Library of Medicine, 2006
  • "The present study demonstrated that [...] LLLT was an effective form of treatment for chronic knee pain caused by knee osteoarthritis." National Library of Medicine, 2016
  • "In brief, the current study focuses on the fact that LLLT is effective in reducing pain in knee osteoarthritis." National Library of Medicine, 2014
  • "Test revealed that there was a significant reduction in VAS and pain intensity, an increase in isometric muscle strength and range of motion of the knee as well as increase in physical functional ability in three treatment groups." National Library of Medicine, 2016
  • "it was observed that LLLT treatments were effective in protecting and tissue cleansing joint structures, accelerating tissue repair, especially at lower doses." National Library of Medicine, 2020
  • "In patients with RA, relative to a separate control group, LLLT reduced pain by 70% relative to placebo and reduced morning stiffness by 27.5 min, and increased tip to palm flexibility by 1.3 cm." National Library of Medicine, 2000
  • "Pain, paravertebral muscle spasm, lordosis angle, the range of neck motion and function were observed to improve significantly" National Library of Medicine, 2001

Scientific Studies Of Red Light Therapy Related To Knee Pain

  • "Therefore, the results suggested that although standard care is effective in treating knee pain, the addition of PBMT enhances clinical outcomes such as intensity of pain and physical functioning." National Library of Medicine, 2022
  • "[...] the latest review and meta-analysis [18] strongly supports LLLT for knee OA and the out-of-date Guideline misleads health professionals." Springer, 2021

Scientific Studies Of Red Light Therapy Related To Neuropathy

  • National Library of Medicine: "So the treatment of DPN pain could be directed to improve microcirculation, enhance regeneration of nerve injury and reduce pain. In the present study, we used low level laser therapy to determine its effect on painful Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy (DPN). The results showed significant reduction in the pain" 
  • National Library Of Medicine: "LLLT promotes the healing and regeneration of damaged tissues, having both local effects on tissue function and also systemic effects carried throughout the body by the blood and acupuncture meridians." 
  • Science Direct: "This review shows that LLLT is very effective in the control of neuropathic pain" 
  • National Library of Medicine, 2022: "This NEUROLASER trial shows promising results concerning the prevention of CIPN with PBM in breast cancer patients. Furthermore, a better QoL was observed when treated with PBM."
  • "Red to near-infrared LEDs have been shown to promote mitochondrial oxidative metabolism. In this study, LED irradiation improved nerve regeneration and increased antioxidation levels in the chamber fluid. Therefore, we propose that antioxidation induced by LEDs may be conducive to nerve regeneration." Science Direct, 2010
  • "LLLT has positive effects on the control of analgesia for neuropathic pain" National Library of Medicine, 2016

Scientific Studies Of Red Light Therapy Related To Sciatica

  • "Compared to the control group, significant variations in regeneration were observed, including thicker nerve fibers, and more regular myelin layers in the treated group." National Library of Medicine, 2019

Scientific Studies Of Red Light Therapy Related To Neck Pain

  • "The authors concluded that pain is reduced immediately after treatment in acute neck pain and up to 22 weeks after the end of treatment in chronic neck pain." National Library of Medicine, 2022

Scientific Studies Of Red Light Therapy Related To Fibromyalgia

  • Researchgate, 2019: "Our results provided the most up-to-date and relevant evidence regarding the effects of LLLT in fibromyalgia. LLLT is an effective, safe, and well-tolerated treatment for fibromyalgia." 
  • National Library of Medicine, 2021: "There is evidence of positive results in treating patients with fibromyalgia with PBMT, including a decrease in pain between 6-8 points, number of tender points (from 14 to zero), and Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ) scores, besides to an increase in function."
  • National Library of Medicine, 2022: "PBMT is a noninvasive, well-tolerated treatment for fibromyalgia to relieve discomfort and decrease pain."
  • RLT is an effective, safe, and well-tolerated treatment for fibromyalgia: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31151332/

Scientific Studies Of Red Light Therapy Related To Menstrual Pain

  • "The results of this study indicate that the near-infrared ray LED belt was effective in reducing menstrual pain, menstrual pain duration compared to the use of analgesics [...]" National Library of Medicine, 2017

Scientific Studies Of Red Light Therapy Related To Spinal Cord Injuries

  • "These findings demonstrate that a simple yet inexpensive treatment regime of red light reduces the development of hypersensitivity along with sensorimotor improvements following spinal cord injury and may therefore offer new hope for a currently treatment-resistant pain condition." National Library of Medicine, 2016
  • "Results: LLL therapy was able to reduce inflammation and also attenuate neuronal damage after spinal cord damage. Conclusion: The present study illustrates that LLL therapy has positive effects on improving functional recovery and regulating the inflammatory function in the SCI." National Library of Medicine, 2020
  • "Red-light treatment significantly reduced the cumulative mechanical sensitivity and the hypersensitivity incidence following SCI. This effect was accompanied by significantly reduced neuronal cell death, reduced astrocyte activation, and reduced iNOS expression in IBA1+ cells at the level of the injury." National Library of Medicine, 2020

Scientific Studies Of Red Light Therapy Related To Osteoporosis

 

Scientific Studies Of Red Light Therapy Related To Inflammation

Scientific Studies Of Red Light Therapy Related To Lymphedema

  • "These results suggest that LLLT has anti-inflammatory and lymphangiogenetic effects for the management of lymphedema." Springer, 2015

Scientific Studies Of Red Light Therapy Related To Biomechanisms

  • "The main medical applications of LLLT are reducing pain and inflammation, augmenting tissue repair and promoting regeneration of different tissues and nerves, and preventing tissue damage in situations where it is likely to occur." National Library of Medicine, 2014
  • "These low doses of light have demonstrated the ability to heal skin, nerves, tendons, cartilage and bones." National Library of Medicine, 2015
  • "In general, positive results were found using both low-level laser therapy and light-emitting diode therapy or combination of both in a wavelength range from 655 to 950 nm. Most of positive results were observed [...] maximal power output of 200 mW per diode." National Library of Medicine, 2017
  • "PBMT found to have profound biological effects on tissue including increased cell proliferation, accelerating the healing process, promoting tissue regeneration, preventing cell death, anti-inflammatory activity and relief of pain." National Library of Medicine, 2022
  • RLT produces ATP more effectively https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8188418/
  • RLT increases blood circulation: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28342007/
  • RLT is very helpful in enhancing the proliferation (growth) rate of various cell lines https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21274733/
  • "Application of light cutaneously has peripheral and central effects to reduce pain. Peripheral mechanisms include modulation by pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines, immune cell recruitment and activation, and decreased expression of receptors involved in neuronal transmission. Central mechanisms involve reduction of inflammatory cytokines and receptors responsible for pain transmission." National Library of Medicine, 2021
  • "Together, these data indicate that photobiomodulation significantly accelerates tissue repair through its vascular effects with direct recruitment of pericytes to the injury site" National Library of Medicine, 2020
  • "The results indicated that LLLT accelerated collateral circulation and enhanced microcirculation" National Library of Medicine, 2005
  • "Laser therapy is a non-invasive method that contributes to pain relief and reduces inflammation, parallel to the enhanced healing and tissue repair processes." National Library of Medicine, 2020
  • "The study demonstrated an immediate increase in ATP production in vitro and an initial acceleration of callus formation in the fracture healing process, in the presence of NIR." National Library of Medicine, 2016

Scientific Studies Of Red Light Therapy Related To Wound Healing / Injuries

  • "The wavelengths ranging from 632.8 to 1000 nm remain as those that provide more satisfactory results in the wound healing process. [...] Low-level laser can be safely applied to accelerate the resolution of cutaneous wounds" National Library of Medicine, 2014
  • "Near-infrared (800-830 nm) was found to be the most effective and widely studied wavelength range followed by red (630-680 nm) and 904 nm superpulsed light exhibiting beneficial photobiomodulatory effects on impaired dermal wound healing." National Library of Medicine, 2017
  • "LED phototherapy significantly and safely reduced the RTP in dedicated university athletes over a wide range of injuries with no adverse events." National Library of medicine, 2016
  • "The results are encouraging as pulsed monochromatic light increased healing rate and shortened healing time. This will positively affect the quality of life in elderly patients with pressure ulcer." National Library of Medicine, 2001
  • "LLLT appears effective in the treatment of sutured and open wounds. Statistical heterogeneity indicates that the tensile strength development of sutured wounds is more dependent on laser power density compared to the contraction rate of open wounds." National Library of Medicine, 2018
  • "These results showed that LED phototherapy performs positive influence in full-thickness burns repair from the healing process modulated by cellular immune response." National Library of Medicine, 2018
  • "Taken together, these results suggest that LPL 660 nm and LED 850 nm appear reduced in the inflammatory response and oxidative stress parameters, thus decreasing dermal necrosis and increasing granulation tissue formation, in fact accelerating the repair of burn wounds." National Library of Medicine, 2016
  • "The LED therapy (640 nm) had an analgesic effect on the sternotomies of patients who underwent CABG, increasing their incision healing and preventing dehiscence." National Library of Medicine, 2014
  • "LLLT seems to have a beneficial effect on skin incisions in rats. As a result, it can be concluded that wound closure was significantly enhanced with lllt on diode laser incisions in rats." National Library of Medicine, 2009
  • "Photobiomodulation (PBM) is an efficient and safe therapeutic modality for post-burn hypertrophic scars in children, with no side effects, and should be considered a part of combination therapy for better results." National Library of Medicine, 2018
  • "A correlation between scar duration and improvement through LLLT could be found. No negative effects of LLLT were reported." National Library of Medicine, 2004
  • "Low-level red laser exposure contributes to the process of tissue repair of second-degree burns, but the intervention during proliferative phase is crucial in the final outcome of the repair process." National Library of Medicine, 2015
  • "Laser irradiation (both 3 and 4 J/cm(2)) resulted in reduction in the inflammatory process and improved collagen deposition, thereby ameliorating the healing of third-degree burns." National Library of Medicine, 2013
  • "Our results indicated that the treatment with a LED system was clearly effective in reducing the number of inflammatory cells and improving the healing process in an experimental model of third-degree burnings." National Library of Medicine, 2011
  • "This is the first time that these two techniques are combined for treatment of burn ulcer in diabetic patients. Using LLLT with STSG might be a promising treatment for burn victims especially diabetic patients." National Library of Medicine, 2016

Scientific Studies Of Red Light Therapy Related To Regeneration

  • RLT can increase muscle mass gained after training, and decrease inflammation and oxidative stress in muscle biopsies: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5167494/
  • RLT reduces the "return to play" recovery of athletes over a wide range of injuries https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4846838/
  • RLT is an excellent therapeutic resource for the treatment of skeletal muscle injuries https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25122099/
  • RLT application before exercise significantly improved lower-limb muscle strength in 24-hour, 48-hour, 96-hour, and 8-week follow-up groups: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34428975/
  • "In summary, our results demonstrated that preexercise PBMT as a stand-alone therapy was able to improve different functional aspects related to athletic performance and biochemical markers related to muscle damage and inflammatory process in high-level athletes. In addition, it is important to highlight that preexercise PBMT had an interesting antioxidant effect, being able to decrease exercise-induced oxidative stress" Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity, 2019
  • "Light-emitting diode therapy can be useful to reduce muscle damage, pain, and atrophy, as well as to increase muscle mass, recovery, and athletic performance in rehabilitation programs and sports medicine." National Library of Medicine, 2017
  • "The effects of near-infrared light-emitting diode (LED) therapy on pain control, blood flow enhancement and relaxation of muscle spasm (all aspects in the treatment of musculoskeletal injury) have attracted attention." National Library of Medicine, 2016
  • "LLLT and LEDT can improve muscle performance, reduce muscle fatigue during exercises and benefit the muscle repair." National Library of Medicine, 2012
  • "These results suggest that LLLT could be an effective therapeutic approach for promoting skeletal muscle regeneration while preventing tissue fibrosis after muscle injury." National Library of Medicine, 2013

Scientific Studies Of Red Light Therapy Related To Skin Rejuvenation, Hair Growth, Weight Loss


Scientific Studies Of Red Light Therapy Related To Pets


Scientific Studies Of Red Light Therapy Related To Oral Health


Scientific Studies Of Red Light Therapy Related To Other Health Issues


SHEDDING LIGHT ON PAIN: PAIN RELIEF THROUGH RED LIGHT THERAPY

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