If you are dealing with joint pain, arthritis, tendon injuries, or chronic muscle pain, you may be searching for noninvasive options that do not rely on medications or surgery. Photobiomodulation, often called light therapy or laser therapy, has become an increasingly researched option for orthopedic pain management.

At a cellular level, photobiomodulation uses specific wavelengths of red and near infrared light to improve how your cells produce energy and regulate inflammation. This makes it particularly useful for musculoskeletal and orthopedic conditions [1][2].

 

How Photobiomodulation Works

Photobiomodulation delivers light into tissues using lasers or LED devices. The light is absorbed by mitochondria, which are responsible for producing ATP, the energy your cells need to function.

By improving mitochondrial efficiency, PBM can:

  • Reduce inflammatory signaling
  • Improve tissue oxygenation and circulation
  • Modulate pain pathways
  • Support recovery from injury and surgery [2][9]

 

Conditions That May Benefit from Photobiomodulation

Clinical research supports PBM for:

  • Knee osteoarthritis and other joint arthritis [3][4]
  • Neck and low back pain [5][6][7]
  • Muscle strains and overuse injuries
  • Post surgical recovery
  • Chronic musculoskeletal pain conditions [1][3]

PBM is often used alongside physical therapy for better outcomes [1][3].

 

Red Light and Near Infrared Light Therapy

Most orthopedic PBM treatments use:

  • Red light in the 630 to 660 nm range
  • Near infrared light in the 800 to 900 nm range

These wavelengths penetrate deeper tissues and help stimulate mitochondrial energy production while reducing inflammation [2][9].

 

Advanced Class 4 and MLS Laser Therapy

Class 4 lasers deliver higher energy levels and allow deeper penetration into joints and muscles. MLS laser therapy synchronizes two wavelengths, 808 nm continuous and 905 nm pulsed, to target inflammation, swelling, and cellular energy production simultaneously [10].

Studies show Class 4 and MLS laser therapy can improve pain and function in:

  • Knee and shoulder arthritis
  • Frozen shoulder
  • Neck and back pain
  • Myofascial pain syndromes [5][6][7][10]

 

Photobiomodulation and Orthobiologics

Research also supports combining PBM with orthobiologic treatments to optimize tissue recovery [11][12][13][14][15].

Mechanisms supported by research include:

  • Enhanced cellular metabolism and differentiation [11][12][16]
  • Improved bone and soft tissue repair signaling [13][14]
  • Support for tissue engineering strategies [15]

 

Is Photobiomodulation Safe?

Photobiomodulation is considered very safe when used appropriately. The most common side effect reported is mild temporary redness of the skin. Unlike ultraviolet light, red and near infrared light do not damage skin DNA [1][2].

 

Photobiomodulation in Orange County

For patients in Orange County seeking noninvasive orthopedic pain relief, photobiomodulation offers a science based option that can be integrated with physical therapy, orthobiologics, and comprehensive musculoskeletal care.

If you are exploring options for arthritis, joint pain, tendon injuries, or chronic musculoskeletal pain, ask your provider whether photobiomodulation or advanced Class 4 MLS laser therapy may be appropriate for you.

References
  1. Low-Intensity LASER and LED (Photobiomodulation Therapy) for Pain Control of the Most Common Musculoskeletal Conditions. DE Oliveira MF, Johnson DS, Demchak T, Tomazoni SS, Leal-Junior EC. European Journal of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine. 2022;58(2):282–289. doi:10.23736/S1973-9087.21.07236-1

  2. Review of Literature on Low-Level Laser Therapy Benefits for Nonpharmacological Pain Control in Chronic Pain and Osteoarthritis. Dima R, Tieppo Francio V, Towery C, Davani S. Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine. 2018;24(5):8–10

  3. Effectiveness of Photobiomodulation in Reducing Pain and Disability in Patients With Knee Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review With Meta-Analysis. Oliveira S, Andrade R, Valente C, et al. Physical Therapy. 2024;104(8):pzae073. doi:10.1093/ptj/pzae073

  4. Effect of Photobiomodulation (Low-Level Laser Therapy) in Patients With Knee Osteoarthritis: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Dos Santos Maciel T, Corrêa Lima Chamy N, Dos Santos Maciel M, Pasqual Marques A. Lasers in Medical Science. 2025;40(1):293. doi:10.1007/s10103-025-04542-4

  5. Quality Appraisal of Systematic Reviews on High-Intensity Laser Therapy for Musculoskeletal Pain Management: An Umbrella Review. de la Barra Ortiz HA, Arias Avila M, Liebano RE. Lasers in Medical Science. 2024;39(1):290. doi:10.1007/s10103-024-04241-6

  6. Effectiveness of High-Intensity Laser Therapy in the Treatment of Musculoskeletal Disorders: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Song HJ, Seo HJ, Lee Y, Kim SK. Medicine. 2018;97(51):e13126

  7. High-Intensity Laser Therapy for Musculoskeletal Disorders: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials. Arroyo-Fernández R, Aceituno-Gómez J, Serrano-Muñoz D, Avendaño-Coy J. Journal of Clinical Medicine. 2023;12(4):1479

  8. Effects of Photobiomodulation on Osteoarthritis From in Vivo and in Vitro Studies: A Narrative Review. Kunimatsu R, Nakatani A, Sakata S, Tanimoto K. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2025;26(18):8997

  9. The Effect of Red-to-Near-Infrared (R/Nir) Irradiation on Inflammatory Processes. Walski T, Dąbrowska K, Drohomirecka A, et al. International Journal of Radiation Biology. 2019;95(9):1326–1336

  10. A Systematic Review via Text Mining Approaches of Human and Veterinary Applications of Photobiomodulation: Focus on Multiwave Locked System Laser Therapy. Previti A, Pugliese M, Meggiolaro S, Passantino A. Lasers in Medical Science. 2025;40(1):321

  11. Tailoring Photobiomodulation to Enhance Tissue Regeneration. Selestin Raja I, Kim C, Oh N, et al. Biomaterials. 2024;309:122623

  12. Photobiomodulation for Stem Cell Modulation and Regenerative Medicine – WALT Position Paper 2025. Azarsina M, Arany P, Marques MM, et al. Journal of Dentistry. 2025;159:105832

  13. Photobiomodulation Therapy (PBMT) in Bone Repair: A Systematic Review. Escudero JSB, Perez MGB, de Oliveira Rosso MP, et al. Injury. 2019;50(11):1853–1867

  14. Bone Substitutes and Photobiomodulation in Bone Regeneration: A Systematic Review in Animal Experimental Studies. Magri AMP, Parisi JR, de Andrade ALM, Rennó ACM. Journal of Biomedical Materials Research Part A. 2021;109(9):1765–1775

  15. Application of Fibrin Associated With Photobiomodulation as a Promising Strategy to Improve Regeneration in Tissue Engineering: A Systematic Review. Reis CHB, Buchaim DV, Ortiz AC, et al. Polymers. 2022;14(15):315

  16. Photobiomodulation Promotes Osteogenic Differentiation of Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Increases P-Akt Levels in Vitro. Ma C, Ye Y, Shi X, et al. Scientific Reports. 2025;15(1):17844