Is Photobiomodulation Therapy Safe? Risks, Side Effects & Research

When it comes to medical treatments, safety is always the first concern—and rightfully so. If you’re considering photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) for pain relief , you might be wondering: Is this therapy safe?

The short answer is yes. PBMT is a safe, non-invasive treatment that has been used for decades. There are several devices that deliver PBMT that are  FDA-cleared for pain relief, and there are few known side effects.

 

Here’s What You Really Need to Know

Photobiomodulation therapy is safe, non-invasive, and drug-free. It uses specific wavelengths of red and near-infrared light to stimulate the body at the cellular level. PBMT is backed by over 4,000 clinical studies.

 

What Makes PBMT Safe?

Unlike medications or surgery, PBMT:

• Does not break the skin
• Does not involve chemicals
• Does not require down time

What the FDA and Clinical Research Say

Photobiomodulation therapy is:

• Indicated for temporary relief of minor muscle and joint pain and stiffness, minor arthritis pain, or muscle spasm, the temporary increase in local blood circulation, and the temporary relaxation of muscle.
• Endorsed by clinical bodies such as WALT (World Association for Laser Therapy)
• Supported by more than 4,000 peer-reviewed publications

PBMT has been used in:

• Physical therapy
• Chiropractic
• Sports medicine
• Podiatry
• Orthopedics

And is widely accepted as a safe adjunct or alternative to more invasive interventions.

 

Possible Side Effects of PBMT

In some cases, patients may experience mild, short-term effects, such as:

• Redness
• Temporary increase in symptoms 
• Skin warmth or tingling in the treated area
• Soreness or discomfort

 

Who Should Be Cautious?

While PBMT is safe for most people, certain precautions apply:

• Pregnant individuals – Avoid direct treatment over the abdomen
• Patients with active cancer – Avoid treating around tumors 
• Light-sensitive conditions – Use with caution under professional supervision
• Photosensitive medication users – Inform your provider before treatment

LightForce® providers are trained to identify these contraindications and adjust protocols accordingly.

PBMT vs Common Alternatives

Treatment	Invasive?	Side Effects	Recovery Needed
PBMT	❌ No	✅ Minimal	❌ None
Pain Medications	❌ No	⚠️ Yes (GI, liver, addiction)	❌ None
Corticosteroid Injections	✅ Yes	⚠️ Yes (tissue breakdown)	⚠️ Limited
Surgery	✅ Yes	⚠️ High risk	✅ Yes (weeks-months)

Photobiomodulation offers a low-risk treatment option for helping address pain.

Why LightForce® PBMT Is Safe

LightForce® therapy lasers are engineered for:

• Customizable power output
• Precision targeting
• Built-in safety protocols
• Continuous provider feedback during treatment

We work closely with healthcare providers to ensure dosing accuracy, treatment consistency, and patient safety every time.

 

Related Blog: Photobiomodulation for Joint Pain: How It Helps Knees, Hips, and More

 

The Smart Way to Treat with LightForce® Laser Therapy

If you’re looking to provide your patients with a safe alternative to medication or surgery, LightForce® photobiomodulation therapy is a research-supported, non-invasive choice.

Schedule a demonstration today