Red light therapy / photobiomodulation (PBM)
Protocols · Light
Tier B
What this is
Well-supported for skin, hair, wound healing. Expanding body of evidence for MSK pain and tendon healing. Thyroid/Hashimoto's signal in Brazilian studies. Device quality varies widely.
Mechanism
Red/near-infrared light (600-1100 nm) absorbed by cytochrome c oxidase — increases ATP production; modulates ROS; anti-inflammatory
Dose & route
Red (630-660 nm) and NIR (810-850 nm); 3-20 min per area; daily or 3-5x/week
Citations
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5215870/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28748087/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7365470/
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This is an independent synthesis of published research by a non-clinician. Scores are opinions supported by citations, not prescriptions. See the full disclaimer and methodology for how this score was produced and what it does and doesn't mean.