Low level laser (light) therapy and photobiomodulation: The path forward

Michael R. Hamblin, Marcelo Victor Pires De Sousa, Praveen R. Arany, James D. Carroll, Donald Patthoff

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

14 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Low level laser (light) therapy (LLLT) also known as photobiomodulation (PBM) therapy has been practiced for almost fifty years, and hundreds of positive clinical trials and thousands of laboratory studies have been published. Despite these impressive accomplishments LLLT has still not reached the stage of acceptance by mainstream medicine. The reasons for this were discussed at a recent Optical Society of America (OSA) Incubator meeting in Washington DC in 2014. Uncertainty about mechanisms was highlighted, and this paper will describe the current thinking. To drive LLLT towards mainstream medicine, we need better guidelines with standardized protocols and consistent parameters. Studies should be published in higher impact scientific and medical journals. Companies should avoid false promises and deceptive marketing, and physicians should receive a clearly defined return on investment with insurance reimbursement.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationMechanisms for Low-Light Therapy X
EditorsMichael R. Hamblin, Praveen Arany, James D. Carroll
PublisherSPIE
ISBN (Electronic)9781628413991
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2015
Externally publishedYes
EventMechanisms for Low-Light Therapy X - San Francisco, United States
Duration: 7 Feb 20158 Feb 2015

Publication series

NameProgress in Biomedical Optics and Imaging - Proceedings of SPIE
Volume9309
ISSN (Print)1605-7422

Conference

ConferenceMechanisms for Low-Light Therapy X
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CitySan Francisco
Period7/02/158/02/15

Keywords

  • LLLT
  • TRP ion channels
  • low level laser (light) therapy
  • mechanism of action
  • mitochondria
  • new indications
  • new light sources
  • photobiomodulation

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials
  • Atomic and Molecular Physics, and Optics
  • Radiology, Nuclear Medicine and Imaging
  • Biomaterials

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