Photobiomodulation (PBM)

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Comprehensive study overview 2023-2025

Introduction

Photobiomodulation (PBM), also known as low-level laser therapy (LLLT), is a non-invasive therapeutic method that uses light of specific wavelengths to stimulate biological processes in living tissue.
The primary mechanism is the absorption of photons by the mitochondrial photoacceptor Cytochrome c oxidase (CCO), which is the ATP synthesis modulates reactive oxygen species and triggers a cascade of cellular regeneration processes.

The therapeutically relevant „optical window“ is between 600 and 1,100 nm. Three clinically particularly important wavelengths are:

660 nm
Penetration depth 1-10 mm, power density 6-50 mW/cm²
Ideal for skin, wound healing and superficial tissue.

850 nm
Penetration depth up to 50 mm, power density 50-100 mW/cm²
Suitable for muscles, joints and deeper structures.

1,050-1,064 nm
Deep tissue penetration, power density 25-285 mW/cm² (transcranial)
Relevant for neurology, brain and ophthalmology.

The basic principle of dose determination follows the Arndt-Schulz curve (Hormesis):

• Too little light has no effect, the optimum dose stimulates
• Too much has an inhibitory to cell-damaging effect.

This biphasic relationship explains why correct power densities and energy densities are crucial for successful therapy.

Indications at a glance

The following table summarizes the parameters used in clinical studies (wavelength, power density, energy density, duration, frequency) for each treatment area.
Sources: Hamblin/Harvard (PMC8355782), WALT guidelines, clinical studies 2020-2025.

Indication	Wavelength	Power density	Energy density	Duration / session	frequency
Skin / Collagen	660 nm	6-50 mW/cm²	8-16 J/cm²	10-21 min	2-3× / week
wound healing	630-660 nm	10-50 mW/cm²	4-15 J/cm²	7-20 min	daily - 3× / week
Muscle regeneration	808-850 nm	50-100 mW/cm²	10-30 J/cm²	5-15 min	directly before/after sport
Chronic pain	630-905 nm	40-100 mW/cm²	4-10 J/cm²	10-20 min	3× / week, 6-12 weeks.
Fibromyalgia	630-1,100 nm (whole body)	variable	1-150 J/cm²	15-30 min	2-3× / week, 4-6 weeks.
Knee osteoarthritis	630-850 nm	40-80 mW/cm²	4-10 J/cm²	10-20 min	3× / week
Brain / Cognition	810-1,064 nm (transcranial)	25-285 mW/cm²	20-60 J/cm²	10-20 min	3× / week
AMD / Eye	590 + 660 + 850 nm	0.3-15 μW/cm² (retinal)	very low	3-10 min / session	3×/week to daily
Mucositis (oncology)	630-660 nm	10-25 mW/cm²	2-6 J/cm²	3-5 min / point	daily during therapy
Immune modulation / inflammation	650-950 nm	variable	1-10 J/cm²	5-15 min	3× / week

Power density = Irradiance (mW/cm²) at the tissue surface.
Energy density = fluence (J/cm²) per session.
AMD: Retinal irradiation values are significantly lower than skin surface values.
NoticeNo uniform international standard - values reflect consensus from meta-analyses and WALT recommendations.

Skin, wound healing & collagen (660 nm)

Red light at 660 nm is absorbed particularly efficiently by skin chromophores and activates collagen synthesis in fibroblasts via the upregulation of COL1A1 and COL3A1 gene expression as well as MMP-9 and NO release. Penetration depth: 1-10 mm (epidermis, dermis, hypodermis). The biphasic dose pattern is particularly pronounced in skin tissue: energy densities above 20 J/cm² can trigger oxidative stress and reverse collagen stimulation.

parameter

• Wavelength 660 nm (also 630-680 nm)
• Power density 6-50 mW/cm² (LED: 6-30; laser: 30-50)
• Energy density 8-16 J/cm² (optimum)
• Duration 10-21 min | 3× weekly
• At least 8 weeks for skin rejuvenation; 4 weeks for wound healing

Comprehensive reviews & mechanisms

From light to healing: Photobiomodulation therapy in medical disciplines
Journal of Translational Medicine (2025) Full text / PubMed

Comprehensive review combining photophysics, mitochondrial biology and clinical rehabilitation. PBM at 600-1,100 nm activates increased ATP synthesis and controlled ROS signaling via CCO, which activates transcription factors (NF-κB, AP-1, HIF-1α) and upregulates growth factors (TGF-β, VEGF, IGF-1). At the tissue level, fibroblast and keratinocyte proliferation, macrophage polarization and collagen synthesis are promoted. Most important dose recommendation for tissue with low mitochondrial content (skin, tendon): Power density < 100 mW/cm², energy density 4-10 J/cm² at the target tissue.

Unlocking the Power of Light on the Skin: A Comprehensive Review on Photobiomodulation
Int. J. Mol. Sci. (2024) Full text / PubMed

Narrative review of clinical studies (6 years) on PBM in dermatology. 630-950 nm was used most frequently. Optimal for skin rejuvenation: 630-660 nm, 6-50 mW/cm², 8-16 J/cm², 3×/week. Bikini biphasic effect: Best results with moderate-intermediate doses; overdosing (>20 J/cm² on skin surface) can inhibit collagen synthesis instead of promoting it.

Collagen synthesis & skin rejuvenation

Optimizing Low-Level Light Therapy for Skin Rejuvenation
SCIRP (2025) Full text / PubMed

RCT (split-face) with 830 nm + 633 nm LED. Parameters: 6.4 mW/cm², 8.05 J/cm², 21 minutes per session, 3×/week for 4 weeks. Significant wrinkle reduction and improved skin elasticity. Key finding: 3 weekly sessions were more effective than 2 - frequency strongly influenced result.

Regulation of Skin Collagen Metabolism using 660 nm LED
Journal of Investigative Dermatology (classic study) Full text / PubMed

parameter

• 660 nm, pulsed (sequential pulse mode LED)
• 11 meetings

Results

• +31% Type 1 procollagen
• -18% MMP-1 in tissue biopsies.
• >90% of the test subjects showed a reduction in wrinkle depth.
• The sequential pulse pattern (not continuous wave) was decisive for the photobiological effectiveness.

Clinical Studies Wound Healing (JAAD)

Photobiomodulation CME part II: Clinical applications in dermatology
Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology (2024) Full text / PubMed

Consensus of >20 experts (JAAD). Parameters for diabetic ulcers (evidence level IA): 630-670 nm, 10-50 mW/cm², 2-6 J/cm², daily application or 3×/week until wound closure. Meta-analysis of 12 RCTs: ulcer area -30.9%, -4.2 cm² compared to control. All wound healing phases (inflammatory, proliferative, remodeling) are positively influenced.

Effect of PBM Therapy (660 nm) on Wound Healing Infected by Staphylococcus aureus
Photobiomodule Photomed Laser Surg. (2020) Full text / PubMed

Animal study: 660 nm, 35 min/day, 7 days. Significantly smaller wounds (p < 0.01), more granulation tissue, highest collagen content (grade 3+). PCNA proliferation markers significantly increased. Note: Intensity deliberately kept low - for infected wounds it is particularly important not to exceed the dose (< 15 J/cm²).

Muscles, sport & rehabilitation (850 nm)

Near-infrared light at 850 nm penetrates up to 50 mm deep. According to a meta-analysis (Baroni et al., 2019), the optimum parameter for muscle applications is 810 nm, 100 mW/cm², 30 J/cm² - 15% strength gain was measured in trained athletes. If the doses are too high (>50 J/cm², >200 mW/cm²), the effects decrease. The study by Leal-Junior et al. (2011) determined the optimal dose for 810 nm to be 30 J total (not J/cm²) over 6 muscle points before training.

parameter

• Wavelength 808-850 nm
• Power density 50-100 mW/cm² (laser); 30-150 mW/cm² (LED panel)
• Energy density 10-30 J/cm² (athletes); 6-10 J/cm² (rehabilitation)
• Duration 5-15 min/muscle group
  Use directly before or after training
• 3-7×/week for intensive training; 2-3× for rehabilitation

Skeletal muscle regeneration

PBMT in skeletal muscle regeneration: comprehensive review
Photodiagnosis and Photodynamic Therapy (2025) Full text / PubMed

Key study (Baroni 2019): 810 nm, 100 mW/cm², 30 J/cm², 6 muscle points → 15% strength increase in athletes. IL-6 reduction by 40% with preventive PBM (5 J/cm² on rat tibialis). Warning: Parameters from animal studies (e.g. 5 J/cm²) not directly transferable to humans - human quadriceps require higher energy densities due to greater tissue depth.

PBM in human muscle tissue: an advantage in sports performance?
J. Biophotonics (PMC) (2016) Full text / PubMed

Systematic review of all RCTs (level 1b) and case-control studies (level 3b). Most effective parameters for biceps application: 810-850 nm, 50-100 mW/cm², 10-30 J/cm². Most effective parameters for quadriceps (larger muscle, deeper tissue): higher energies required, cluster applicators (5 diodes) preferred. PBM pre-training is at least equivalent, often superior to post-training application for strength values.

Meta-analyses of sports performance & muscle soreness

Effects of Photomodulation Therapy for DOMS: Systematic Review & Meta-Analysis
MDPI JFMK (2025) Full text / PubMed

14 studies, wavelengths 660-950 nm, 1-6 muscle points. Optimal for DOMS reduction: 830-850 nm, 50-100 mW/cm², 6-10 J/cm² per point, directly after training. Significant VAS pain reduction compared to placebo; positive effects on muscle strength retention.

Can pre-exercise PBM improve muscle endurance and promote recovery? Meta-analysis
Lasers in Medical Science (2024) Full text / PubMed

Creatine kinase reduced by 77.56 units (95%-KI: -112.67 to -42.44, p < 0.01). Most effective parameters: 810 nm, 200 mW total power, 30 J total energy to 6 quadriceps points. Biphasic finding: 50 J total was less effective than 30 J - clear example of Hormesis/Arndt-Schulz curve.

Pre-Exercise PBM (810 nm): Optimal Power Output for Muscle Recovery
Photomed Laser Surg (2017) Full text / PubMed

RCT with 28 soccer athletes. Compared 100, 200, 400 mW power per diode (5 diodes, 810 nm). Result: 100 mW/diode (500 mW total) was optimal. Higher power (200, 400 mW) showed no better or even worse results - classic example: more power density is not automatically better.

Effects of PBM, IPC and NMES on muscle recovery: Systematic review
Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies (2025) Full text / PubMed

19 RCTs, 672 participants. PBM pre-training reduced pain by -12.27 points (95%-KI -18.14 to -6.40; I² = 48%). PBM was the only method (vs. IPC and NMES) with significant benefit. Recommended parameters: 810-850 nm, 50-100 mW/cm², 6-10 J/cm².

Brain, cognition & neurology (810-1,064 nm)

Transcranial PBM has to overcome several biological barriers (scalp, skull bones, meninges, cerebrospinal fluid, cortex). Therefore, the required power densities are significantly higher than for superficial applications. A 2024 Systematic Review (97 studies, 2,133 sources) found: Studies typically use ~250 mW/cm² at the surface - of which only a fraction reaches the brain tissue. For cortical neurons: optimal ATP production at 25 mW/cm², 3 J/cm². Mitochondrial damage already occurred at 30 J/cm² (too high a dose = inhibitory).

parameter

• Wavelength 810 nm (cognition/Alzheimer's), 1,064 nm (deep penetration/TBI)
• Power density 25-285 mW/cm² at the scalp (target tissue: cortex receives a fraction of this)
• Energy density 20-60 J/cm² (surface); 3 J/cm² at the target tissue (neurons)
• Duration 10-20 min | 3×/week (12 weeks for Alzheimer's RCTs)
• At least 8-12 weeks for cognitive effects; acute effects from 1-2 weeks for TBI

Mechanisms & general effects

Photobiomodulation Therapy on Brain: Revolutionize Cognitive Dynamics
MDPI Cells (2024) Full text / PubMed

PBM activates cytochrome c oxidase in neuronal mitochondria, increases BDNF. 810 nm shows stronger CCO activation than 1,064 nm (CCO absorption peak at ~810 nm). 1,064 nm, on the other hand, influences Ca²⁺ channels more strongly. Clinical parameter consensus: 810 nm, 250 mW/cm² surface area, 20-60 J/cm², transcranial on prefrontal cortex and temporal lobe.

Brain PBM Narrative Review: Mechanisms, doses, future trends
PMC (Brain Photobiomodulation Review) (2018) Full text / PubMed

Key parameters: Cortical neurons (cultured): 25 mW/cm², optimal ATP production at 3 J/cm². Higher doses (10 J/cm²) stimulate less, 30 J/cm² leads to mitochondrial damage. For deeper brain regions (basal ganglia, brain stem in Parkinson's disease): Class 4 laser (10-15 W) recommended instead of Class 3 (<0.5 W) to bring sufficient fluence into the depths.

Alzheimer's & Dementia

Brain PBM: potential treatment in Alzheimer's & Parkinson's
PMC (2025) Full text / PubMed

Preclinical studies: 808-810 nm, pulsed (40 Hz), daily or 3×/week, 12 weeks. Showed reduction of amyloid beta, ox. Stress, neuroinflammation; better cognitive scores in animal model. Clinical study (Japan): pulsed 810 nm light (40 Hz), 3×/week, 12 weeks, result: significantly improved ADAS-Cog scores.

Transcranial PBM in Alzheimer's: RCT protocol (Japan)
Frontiers in Neurology (2024) Full text / PubMed

Fully characterized RCT parameters: 810 nm, pulsed 40 Hz, 250 mW/cm², 20 min/session, 3×/week, 12 weeks. EEG measurements showed improved alpha/beta/gamma rhythm. Primary endpoint ADAS-Cog (Alzheimer's Cognition Scale). Prospective sham-controlled study.

Transcranial PBM Improves Cognitive Function, PTSD & Post-Concussion Symptoms
Journal of Neurotrauma (2025) Full text / PubMed

RCT, 17 TBI patients. Parameters: 810 nm or 1,064 nm, 250 mW/cm², 20 J/cm², 10 min/session. Significant improvements in cognitive function, PTSD and post-concussion symptoms. Placebo-controlled.

TBI & detoxification (1,064 nm)

1064 nm PBM promotes TBI recovery via modulating neuroinflammation
Journal of Translational Medicine (2025) Full text / PubMed

Mouse model: 1,064 nm LED, 25 mW/cm², 12 min/day (= 18 J/cm²), 14 days. Significant recovery after TBI, alleviation of cognitive and emotional impairments. BDNF and VEGF significantly increased in the treatment area. Mechanism: Modulation of microglia polarization and neuroinflammation.

PBM & the Glymphatic System: Augmenting Brain Lymphatic Drainage
Int. J. Mol. Sci. (2022) Full text / PubMed

Animal studies: PBM (810 nm, 25-50 mW/cm²) improves meningeal lymph flow, promotes amyloid beta clearance via the glymphatic system. Therapeutic implication: Detoxification function of the brain - relevant for Alzheimer's prevention and general brain health.

Pain management

PBM has an analgesic effect via several mechanisms: reduction of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β), modulation of nociceptive C and Aδ fibers, increase in endorphin release and improvement of local microcirculation. For superficial pain points (tender points, trigger points): 630-660 nm is sufficient. For deeper musculoskeletal structures (joints, spine): 780-905 nm with higher power density.

parameter

• Wavelength 630-905 nm (depending on the depth of the pain point)
• Power density 40-100 mW/cm² (superficial: 40-60; deep: 60-100)
• Energy density 4-10 J/cm² per point (for fibromyalgia: up to 150 J/cm² whole body)
• Duration 10-20 min/session
• Frequency 3×/week, 6-12 weeks; fibromyalgia: 4-6 weeks intensive + follow-up

Comprehensive reviews

Effects of PBM on multiple health outcomes: Umbrella Review of RCTs
Systematic Reviews (Springer) (2025) Full text / PubMed

15 meta-analyses, >9,000 patients, 35 endpoints, 15 diseases. Strongest evidence for fibromyalgia, knee osteoarthritis disability and cognitive impairment. PBM protocols varied widely - no uniform standard exists, which makes comparability difficult. GRADE quality: 17% moderate, 57% low, 26% very low.

PBM in chronic pain: Systematic Review of RCTs
Frontiers in Integrative Neuroscience (2026) Full text / PubMed

14 RCTs, 6,611 articles screened. Strongest results for fibromyalgia and peripheral neuropathies: VAS reduction significant (p = 0.010), tender points significantly reduced (p < 0.0001). Recommended parameters for neuropathic pain: 660-830 nm, 40-80 mW/cm², 4-6 J/cm², 3× weekly.

Fibromyalgia

Effectiveness of PBMT in Fibromyalgia: Systematic Review (17 studies)
MDPI Applied Sciences (2025) Full text / PubMed

857 participants. Devices used: low-level laser, infrared LED, whole-body light beds (NovoTHOR). Whole-body PBM (630-1,100 nm, variable fluence 1-150 J/cm²) was at least equivalent to localized PBM. Mechanism: Modulation of oxidative stress, mitochondrial function and nociceptive signaling pathways. Recommendation: Whole-body approach preferred for widespread pain points.

Whole-body PBM on pain, QoL, kinesiophobia: triple-blinded RCT, 6 months follow-up
Frontiers in Neuroscience (2024) Full text / PubMed

42 patients, NovoTHOR full body bed (660 + 850 nm, proprietary power density). 12 treatment sessions. Significant pain reduction at T2 (after therapy), T3 (2-week follow-up) and T4/T5 (3 and 6 months). Whole-body PBM addresses systemic fibromyalgia pathology more effectively than selective application.

Knee osteoarthritis & tendinopathy

PBM for knee osteoarthritis: Systematic Review & Meta-Analysis (10 RCTs)
Physical Therapy (2024) Full text / PubMed

542 participants. Most effective parameters: 810-830 nm, 50-100 mW/cm², 4-10 J/cm² on knee joint space, 10-20 min, 3×/week. Moderate evidence for pain reduction and functional improvement. Note: Knee joint is deeper than skin surface - therefore 810-850 nm (deeper penetration) preferred over 660 nm.

Neuropathic pain

PBM in neuropathic pain: mechanisms, evidence & future directions
Frontiers in Photonics (2025) Full text / PubMed

660 nm activates different photoacceptors than 810-850 nm. For superficial neuropathy (e.g. post-herpetic neuralgia): 660 nm, 20-50 mW/cm², 4-6 J/cm². For deep neuropathy (e.g. diabetic polyneuropathy feet): 810-830 nm, 50-100 mW/cm², 6-10 J/cm². Mechanism: PBM induces neuroprotection via BDNF synthesis and neuroinflammation suppression.

Ophthalmology (AMD)

Special dosage rules apply for eye applications (especially AMD): The retinal irradiance (what actually reaches the retina) is drastically lower than the device power density. Devices such as the photobiomodulation glasses (LumiThera) emit light through the pupil - directly onto the macula. Therefore, as little as 0.3-15 μW/cm² retinal irradiance can be sufficient. Caution: Incorrect dosage can cause retinal damage. Only use approved ophthalmologic PBM devices!

parameter

• Wavelength 590 nm + 660 nm + 850 nm (multi-wavelength, e.g. LIGHTSITE III)
• Power density 0.3-15 μW/cm² (retinal); device ~600 μW/cm² surface area
• Very low energy density, meticulously calibrated
• Duration 3-10 min/session, 3× per week over 3-13 months
• Long-term use; check every 3 months

Age-related macular degeneration

LIGHTSITE III: PBM (590+660+850 nm) with dry AMD
RETINA Journal (2024) Full text / PubMed

100 patients, 10 US centers, 13 months. Device: LumiThera Valeda Light Delivery System. Wavelengths: 590 + 660 + 850 nm sequentially. Treatment: 3×/week for 3 months, then repeated treatment cycles. Result: +5.4 letters visual acuity (ETDRS) vs. sham, <1% new geographic atrophy vs. 9.8% in the sham arm - statistically highly significant.

PBM4AMD: Short-term efficacy in early/intermediate AMD
Eye (Nature) (2024) Full text / PubMed

38 participants, 12 weeks. Parameters: Multi-wavelength (similar to LIGHTSITE), 10 min/session, 3×/week. Visual acuity, contrast sensitivity and dark adaptation improved significantly. Safety: no thermal or structural side effects on the retina.

PBM use in ophthalmology: bench to bedside
Frontiers in Ophthalmology (2024) Full text / PubMed

Explains the complex parameter situation in ophthalmology: retinal irradiance is decisive, not device power. Various AMD studies with 630 nm already showed significant retinal improvements at 15 μW/cm². No side effects over 15 years with correct dosing - important: only use calibrated medical devices with eye-specific approvals.

Oncology & Mucositis

Oral mucositis is the most common acute side effect of chemotherapy/radiotherapy. PBM is applied intraorally to the oral mucosa as a preventive measure (before and during cancer therapy). According to MASCC/ISOO guidelines (2019), PBM is the only non-pharmacological intervention with a formal recommendation (Level A) for mucositis prevention in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. The wavelengths and dosages are the most standardized in this area.

parameter

• Wavelength 630-660 nm (intraoral); 650 + 980 nm (combined intra+extraoral)
• Power density 10-25 mW/cm² (MASCC/ISOO recommends InGaAlP lasers 10-25 mW)
• Energy density 2-6 J/cm² per mucosa point
• Duration 3-5 min/point
  Use daily or alternately during cancer therapy
• Frequency Daily during chemotherapy/radiotherapy; at least 5× per week

Guidelines

MASCC/ISOO Clinical Practice Guidelines for PBM & Oral Mucositis
Support Care Cancer (2019) Full text / PubMed

Formal recommendation (highest level of evidence): Wavelength 632-685 nm (He-Ne or InGaAlP), power 10-25 mW, energy density 2-4 J/cm² per application point, intraorally on diseased areas. Frequency: daily during chemo. Applies to: hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, head and neck chemoradiotherapy. No significant side effects after 15 years of follow-up.

Chemotherapy-induced mucositis

Preventive PBM for Chemo-Induced Oral Mucositis: Systematic Review of RCTs
MDPI Biomedicines (2025) Full text / PubMed

13 studies, 828 patients. Parameters used: 630-660 nm InGaAlP diode laser, 10-25 mW, 2-6 J/cm², intraoral daily. 211 vs. 128 patients developed mucositis (control vs. PBM). 85% of the studies had low risk of bias. Preventive PBM significantly superior to reactive treatment.

PBM preconditioning for oral mucositis: double-blind RCT
BMC Oral Health (2025) Full text / PubMed

45 patients, 3 groups. Group 2: intraoral 650 nm (4 J/cm²). Group 3: intraoral 650 nm + extraoral 980 nm. Both intervention groups showed significant prevention of mucositis and xerostomia. Result: Combination of red + infrared light (650 + 980 nm) maximally effective for total mouth coverage.

Head and neck cancer & radiotherapy

PBM for oral mucositis in head & neck cancer: Meta-Analysis of 14 RCTs
Head & Neck (Wiley) (2024) Full text / PubMed

869 patients. Parameter analysis: He-Ne and InGaAlP laser (630-660 nm), 10-25 mW, 2-6 J/cm², daily application during radiotherapy showed best results. Relative risk reduction for mucositis: RR = 0.49 (p = 0.04) from week 2. Pain reduction: WMD = -1.09 (p < 0.00001). Highly significant efficacy over 7 weeks of radiotherapy.

Immune system & inflammation

PBM influences the immune system in a context-dependent manner: In inflamed tissue it has an anti-inflammatory effect (reduces TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β; promotes M2 macrophage polarization), in healthy tissue it has a stimulating effect. The immunomodulatory effect has been demonstrated within the optical window (650-950 nm), with a dose corridor of 1-10 J/cm². Important: These doses are significantly lower than for muscle applications - the immune system reacts more sensitively.

parameter

• Wavelength 650-950 nm (broadest effective spectrum; 660 + 850 nm combination recommended)
• Power density 20-80 mW/cm²
• Energy density 1-10 J/cm² (immunomodulation)
  Higher doses can have an immunosuppressive effect
• Duration 5-15 min/session
• 3×/week; for acute inflammation daily in the first week

Immunomodulation

Immunomodulatory effects of PBM: comprehensive review
Lasers in Medical Science (2025) Full text / PubMed

Optimal parameters for immunomodulation: 650-950 nm, 20-80 mW/cm², 1-10 J/cm². PBM influences dendritic cells (migration, cytokine production), promotes macrophage M2 polarization and regulates T cell responses. Important finding: Just 1 J/cm² is sufficient for measurable immunological effects - well below the doses recommended for muscle/bone.

Efficacy of PBM therapy in treatment of pain and inflammation: Literature Review
PMC (2023) Full text / PubMed

PBM 600-1,070 nm, energy density 1-150 J/cm². Optimal for inflammation inhibition: 780-950 nm, 40-80 mW/cm², 4-10 J/cm², 3×/week. Whole-body PBM showed systemic immune effects: improved sleep quality, morning stiffness, muscle cramp reduction, psychological factors. Particularly relevant for chronic inflammatory systemic diseases (e.g. fibromyalgia, RA).

Review of light parameters and PBM efficacy (Hamblin, Harvard)
J. Biomed. Optics (PMC) (2021) Full text / PubMed

Basic work on parameter determination (Hamblin/Harvard). Central statement: No universal agreement on optimal parameters - power density < 100 mW/cm² and energy density 4-10 J/cm² at the target tissue are considered consensus for conservative recommendation. Biphasic dose response (Arndt-Schulz): cell stimulation between 0.5-10 J/cm², inhibition over ~30 J/cm². Tissues with a high mitochondrial content (muscle, nerve, heart, brain) require more energy than tissues with a low mitochondrial content (skin, tendon, cartilage).

Clinical recommendations

Photobiomodulation is the first non-invasive therapy modality with proven clinical efficacy in at least 7 different medical disciplines. The strength of the evidence varies: The most robust data is for oral mucositis (MASCC/ISOO guideline), wound healing (meta-analyses LoE I) and muscle regeneration in sports. The areas of brain/neurology and AMD are very promising, but are still being developed.

General dosage rules (consensus)

Absorbed dose
5-50 joules total per session (guide value: ~25 J)

Wavelength per target
660 nm for skin/surface
810-850 nm for muscles/joints/deep tissue
1,050-1,064 nm for brain

Power density per depth
Skin 6-50 mW/cm²
Muscles 50-100 mW/cm²
Brain (transcranial) 25-285 mW/cm²

Observe biphasics
Higher doses are not automatically better.
- Skin: max. 20 J/cm²
- Neurons: max. 10 J/cm² on the target tissue
- for muscles: max. 30-50 J/cm²

Combination devices - 660 + 850 nm offer broadest spectrum; require ~50% more treatment time

Treatment interval
Daily to 3×/week; break recommended every 1-2 days for cell recovery

Strength of evidence by area

Very strong (LoE I, WALT/MASCC guidelines)
- Mucositis in cancer
- Wound healing
- Collagen/skin

Strong (LoE I, meta-analyses)
- Muscle regeneration
- Fibromyalgia
- AMD

Moderate (LoE II, RCTs)
- Knee osteoarthritis
- neuropathic pain
- Cognition (transcranial)

Early (preclinical/pilot)
- Detoxification, lymphatic system
- Long-term cancer survival
- 1,064 nm deep brain structures

Contact with PBM users - doctors / clinics

Ophthalmology - Dry AMD (macular degeneration)

This is the most clinically developed and regulatory-safe area. The device Valeda (LumiThera) is CE-certified and has been approved in Europe since 2018; FDA-approved since November 2024.

Provider	Location	link
Macular Retina Center (Prof. Dr. Hakan Kaymak - one of the world's most experienced users, performs ~10 % of all PBM treatments worldwide)	Düsseldorf	ophthalmicsurgery.clinic
Ophthalmologist Witten (Dr. Riha) - one of the first practices in Germany	Witten / NRW	augenarzt-witten.de
Ophthalmologist Munich (Dr. Augsten)	Munich	augenarzt-muc.de
Ophthalmologists Gerl & Colleagues (Valeda program)	Munich	eyeclinic.com
Dr. Riha Ophthalmology	Vienna / AT	dr-riha.com
Ophthalmologists Bern (CH)	Berne / CH	augenaerzte-bern.ch
Bern Eye Clinic (Prof. Garweg)	Berne / CH	eye-clinic-bern.ch

Note: The costs are generally not covered by statutory health insurance (IGeL).
LumiThera offers a search engine for other Valeda centers on its website.

Oncology - Oral mucositis (consequence of chemotherapy/radiotherapy)

PBM for the prevention and treatment of oral mucosal inflammation is guideline-based (MASCC/ISOO) and is increasingly being integrated into oncology supportive care programs. A European clinical guideline was established for the first time in 2025/2026.

Provider	Notice	link
rj-laser.com - Dental laser therapy platform with clinical protocols for mucositis	Specialist portal DE/AT/CH	rj-laser.com
Cancer Information Service (KID)	Strongly recommends PBM as an option for mucositis in supportive therapy	krebsinformationsdienst.de

Specific clinics in Germany that routinely offer PBM for mucositis rarely publish this explicitly on patient websites. The treatment usually takes place as part of dental supportive care in large oncology centers (e.g. university hospitals).
It is advisable to contact the treating oncology center or maxillofacial surgeon.

Dermatology - skin, wound healing, acne, psoriasis

PBM using LED light therapy is established in many dermatology practices and aesthetic clinics.

Provider	Location	link
Dermatology Dr. Friedl - LED light therapy (Medisol®) for acne, vitiligo, psoriasis, skin ageing, white skin cancer (PDT)	Austria	dermatology-friedl.com

In addition, many aesthetic dermatology practices and laser centers in Germany use PBM (e.g. with Fotona systems). We recommend searching for „LED light therapy dermatology“ or „PBM dermatologist“ with a location.

Dentistry / maxillofacial surgery

PBM is widely used in dentistry, e.g. for temporomandibular joint pain (CMD), postoperative wound healing, implants and mucositis. Orthodontists use the OrthoPulse® device to accelerate tooth movement (self-application, approx. € 600).

Provider / Portal	Notice	link
ZWP Online - Overview of KFO-PBM	Specialist portal	zwp-online.info
Fotona laser systems (dealer/clinic search possible)	Dental and medical PBM, LightWalker	fotona.com

Neurology / Psychiatry - Alzheimer's, TBI, depression (early phase)

This area is still undergoing clinical trials. Regularly approved patient services in Germany are still rare; however, the first centers and studies do exist.

Provider / Portal	Notice	link
PBM-Photobiomodulation.eu - European information portal with practical overview	DACH region	pbm-photobiomodulation.eu
Neurofeedback Luxembourg - informs about neurological PBM applications	LU/DACH	neurofeedback-luxembourg.com

General search tools

• The manufacturer LumiThera offers on its website a Location search for Valeda practices: lumithera.com
• The portal pbm-photobiomodulation.eu lists European practices
• The World Association for Laser Therapy (WALT) offers a global therapist search

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Important note: Cost coverage by statutory health insurance funds is not yet regulated in Germany for most PBM indications (except for supportive oncology in some centers).
PBM is predominantly used as IGeL service billed privately.

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The document is based on peer-reviewed literature from PubMed, PMC, Frontiers, MDPI, Springer and Nature in the period from 2019 to 02.2026.
Shown Parameters are taken from clinical studies and WALT/MASCC recommendations.

All contents have been conscientiously researched and reflect the current (02.2026) published state of knowledge. It is for information purposes only and does not replace a professional medical consultation.

Linked studies provide the practitioner with further medical and scientific information.