Top Benefits of Photobiomodulation Therapy for Chronic Pain Relief

Chronic pain is one of the most common—and most frustrating—conditions people face. Whether it’s joint pain or muscle soreness, living with persistent pain can severely impact your quality of life.

Photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) offers a safe, non-invasive, and drug-free way to treat chronic pain at its source. This advanced laser-based treatment works at the cellular level to reduce pain, improve circulation, and accelerate recovery—all without the side effects of pain medications.

 

Here’s What You Really Need to Know

Photobiomodulation therapy helps relieve chronic pain by improving blood flow, stimulating the body’s natural repair processes, and impacting pain signaling pathways through the use of targeted light therapy. It offers a safe, non-invasive alternative to pain medications and is a research-supported option for pain associated with conditions like arthritis, back pain, and tendonitis.

Sources:

Roberts DB, Kruse RJ, Stoll SF. The effectiveness of therapeutic class IV (10 W) laser treatment for epicondylitis. Lasers Surg Med. 2013 Jul;45(5):311-7. doi: 10.1002/lsm.22140. Epub 2013 Jun 3. PMID: 23733499. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23733499/

Alayat MS, Atya AM, Ali MM, Shosha TM. Long-term effect of high-intensity laser therapy in the treatment of patients with chronic low back pain: a randomized blinded placebo-controlled trial. Lasers Med Sci. 2014 May;29(3):1065-73. doi: 10.1007/s10103-013-1472-5. Epub 2013 Nov 2. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24178907/

Song HJ, Seo HJ, Kim D. Effectiveness of high-intensity laser therapy in the management of patients with knee osteoarthritis: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. J Back Musculoskelet Rehabil. 2020;33(6):875-884. doi: 10.3233/BMR-191738. PMID: 32831189. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32831189/

 

How Photobiomodulation Therapy Targets Pain

PBMT uses therapeutic doses of light to penetrate deep into muscles, joints, and tissues. This light energy is absorbed by mitochondria in your cells, where it:

• Boosts ATP production for cellular energy
• Modulates Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS)
• Releases nitric oxide improving circulation
• Stimulates tissue repair pathways

This process doesn’t just reduce the sensation of pain—it promotes recovery and can lead to long-term pain relief.

 

Key Benefits of PBMT for Chronic Pain Sufferers

1. Drug-Free Relief

No opioids and no prescriptions. PBMT  may be used as an alternative to medication.

2. Non-Invasive & Comfortable

Treatment is completely non-invasive and pain-free. Most patients describe a warm, soothing sensation during therapy.

 

5. Helps Restore Mobility

By relieving pain, PBMT can help restore range of motion and daily function.

6. No Downtime

Patients can return to their regular activities after each session.

Common Chronic Pain Conditions Treated with PBMT

• Arthritis 
• Back pain 
• Neck and shoulder pain
• Tendonitis
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Plantar fasciitis
• TMJ (jaw pain)

Many of these conditions show significant improvement within just a few sessions.

Sources:

Roberts DB, Kruse RJ, Stoll SF. The effectiveness of therapeutic class IV (10 W) laser treatment for epicondylitis. Lasers Surg Med. 2013 Jul;45(5):311-7. doi: 10.1002/lsm.22140. Epub 2013 Jun 3. PMID: 23733499. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23733499/

Alayat MS, Atya AM, Ali MM, Shosha TM. Long-term effect of high-intensity laser therapy in the treatment of patients with chronic low back pain: a randomized blinded placebo-controlled trial. Lasers Med Sci. 2014 May;29(3):1065-73. doi: 10.1007/s10103-013-1472-5. Epub 2013 Nov 2. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24178907/

Song HJ, Seo HJ, Kim D. Effectiveness of high-intensity laser therapy in the management of patients with knee osteoarthritis: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. J Back Musculoskelet Rehabil. 2020;33(6):875-884. doi: 10.3233/BMR-191738. PMID: 32831189. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32831189/

Patient Success Story (Example)

““The medical staff has made this therapy device ‘one of our go to’ tools when treating sprains, strains, and other muscular skeletal conditions. The ease of application makes the whole treatment very efficient. I am confident in saying that the LiteCure laser helped us get our players back on the court faster. It also helped us keep injured players in action through some painful conditions.“

— Ed Lacerte, M.Ed., PT, SCS, L/ATC, CSC S
Former Head Athletic Trainer for the Boston Celtics

PBMT vs Traditional Pain Management

Treatment	Long-Term Relief	Non-Invasive
PBMT	✅ Sometimes	✅ Yes
Pain Medications	❌ Temporary	✅ Yes
Injections	❌ Short-lived	❌ No
Surgery	✅ Sometimes	❌ No

 

Why Choose LightForce® for Pain Management?

LightForce® lasers are trusted by thousands of providers across the country—from physical therapy clinics to professional sports teams. Our proprietary technology ensures:

• Precision dosing
• Custom treatment protocols
• Consistent, clinically backed results

Explore more about our photobiomodulation therapy for pain and why other healthcare providers trust LightForce to deliver results.

Sources:
Enovis (2023). Post-Market Clinical Follow-Up
Retrospective Study Report: LightForce® Therapy Lasers. Internal Enovis report. Unpublished.

 

Related Blog: Photobiomodulation for Sports Injuries: Faster Recovery, Less Pain

 

End Chronic Pain at the Source

If you’re ready to help patients take control of their chronic pain, photobiomodulation therapy from LightForce® is your next step.
👉 Schedule a demonstration with your local territory manager today..