What Conditions Can Photobiomodulation Treat? A Full List

Photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) has become one of the most versatile and impactful non-invasive treatment options for a wide range of conditions. By using targeted red and near-infrared light, PBMT helps reduce pain at the cellular level—without drugs or surgery.

If you’re wondering what PBMT is capable of treating, this post outlines its most common and clinically supported applications.

 

Here’s What You Really Need to Know

Photobiomodulation therapy with LightForce® lasers treats a wide range of conditions, including acute and chronic pain, arthritis, and soft tissue injuries. It works by complementing the body’s natural cellular repair processes through targeted near-infrared light.

How PBMT Works Across the Body

The power of PBMT lies in its ability to impact biochemical pathways in the cells.  By delivering light energy deep into tissues, it:

• Stimulates ATP production
• Modulates reactive oxygen species
• Improves temporary circulation and oxygenation
• Activates cellular growth and repair pathways

These biological effects make PBMT effective across multiple musculoskeletal conditions

Conditions Treated with PBM

🦴 Pain Associated with Musculoskeletal & Joint Conditions

• • Arthritis
  • Tendinitis / Tendinopathy
  • Sprains and strains
  • Plantar fasciitis
  • TMJ (jaw joint pain)

• Neck

• Lower Back

• Tennis elbow

• Frozen shoulder

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/

PBMT vs Traditional Treatments

Condition	PBMT	Medication	Surgery
Arthritis	✅ Yes	⚠️ Temporary relief	❌ Invasive
Rotator Cuff Injuries	✅ Supportive	⚠️ May reduce pain	❌ Often required
Hamstring Strains	✅ Yes	⚠️ Symptom-focused	❌ Rarely needed
Tendinitis / Tendinopathy	✅ Yes	⚠️ Temporary relief	❌ Typically avoided
Sprains and Strains	✅ Yes	⚠️ Short-term use	❌ Not typical
Plantar Fasciitis	✅ Targeted	⚠️ Pain relief only	❌ Reserved for severe
TMJ (Jaw Joint Pain)	✅ Yes	⚠️ Limited effectiveness	❌ Complex and invasive
Neck Discomfort	✅ Yes	⚠️ Masking symptoms	❌ Risk of complications
Lower Back Issues	✅ Yes	⚠️ Temporary relief	❌ Major recovery time
Tennis Elbow	✅ Yes	⚠️ May reduce pain	❌ Rarely required
Frozen Shoulder	✅ Supportive	⚠️ Limited benefit	❌ Invasive and delayed

Clinical Validation and FDA Cleared Indications

LightForce® PBMT systems are:

• Indicated for pain reduction and the temporary increase in circulation
• Supported by over 4,000 peer-reviewed studies
• Used in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, sports teams, and clinics
• Safe, non-pharmacological, and non-invasive

 

LightForce®: A Leader in PBMT Applications

Whether you’re treating a chronic condition or recovering from an injury, LightForce® lasers help provide consistent, high-powered therapeutic results that traditional red light or LED devices cannot match.

Explore the full scope of our photobiomodulation therapy options and learn why LightForce® is trusted by professionals worldwide.

 

Related Blog: Is Photobiomodulation Therapy Safe? Risks, Side Effects & Research

 

Discover the Full Potential of High-Intensity Laser Therapy

If your patients suffer from any of the conditions above, there’s a safe, drug-free path to relief.

Schedule a LightForce® demonstration today and see the impact of laser therapy on your patient outcomes.