Photobiomodulation · 650–850 nm
Is photobiomodulation therapy safe?
A significant and growing body of literature indicates that PBMT is safe and effective, and may even improve overall survival in cancer patients. Research continues to answer the open questions about its use in oncology.
About PBM
From the first Nobel Prize to MeSH
Photobiomodulation (PBM) describes the scientific basis of this photonic speciality, and photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) its therapeutic use.
Phototherapy won the first of many Nobel Prizes in this field in 1903. The first laser was built in 1960, and in 1967 it led to the first documented case of accelerated healing, in veterinary medicine. By the early 1970s laser therapy was recognised as a physical therapy in Eastern Europe and China.
Early on the field used many inconsistent names: biostimulation, cold or cool laser, low‑level laser therapy (LLLT), soft laser, low‑power laser therapy. The current consensus is to use PBM and PBMT.
In 2015, thanks to the efforts of Dr. Praveen Arany, PBMT was added to the U.S. National Library of Medicine MeSH database as an entry term under “laser therapy, low‑level”.
News & developments
Trials and notable results
Index
Studies by condition
Each link opens the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site. Know a solid study we’re missing? Send it to us.
Brain
Heart & circulation
Ulcers & wounds
Arthritis
Joints & fractures
Mouth & teeth
Body & beauty
Pain & performance
Other
Research database
The PBM database by Vladimir Heiskanen
Vladimir Heiskanen (Valtsu) maintains an extraordinary, freely available database of photobiomodulation research. At our last count it held:
“LLLT or PBMT is used to stimulate wound healing, bone fractures or tendon ruptures, spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and to reduce pain.”