Photobiomodulation isn’t theory — it’s backed by decades of peer-reviewed clinical research. Explore the studies behind every MedWave application.
Select a clinical application below to explore the peer-reviewed studies that underpin each MedWave treatment protocol. All studies are sourced from published journals — not MedWave-funded research.
Filter by clinical application to find the research most relevant to your practice.
Shows how 635nm light stimulates collagen production and fibroblast activity, improving elasticity and reducing wrinkles.
Read the study →Controlled trials showed significant intradermal collagen density increases, with up to 75% of participants showing visible improvement in skin texture and fine lines.
Read the study →Documented a 36% wrinkle reduction using LED phototherapy. Demonstrates measurable improvements in skin tone, texture, and fine lines.
Read the study →Highlights the benefits of 810nm light in enhancing skin restoration through cellular repair mechanisms.
Read the study →Discusses the effectiveness of red light in reducing fine lines, age spots, and improving overall skin texture using combination 633, 830, and 1072nm LED wavelengths.
Read the study →Examines how 635nm light therapy boosts collagen and elastin production for improved skin architecture.
Read the study →Explores the cellular mechanisms by which red light photons interact with skin cells to drive photobiomodulation responses.
Read the study →Review of photobiomodulation’s role in stimulating skin healing and restoring dermal integrity through fibroblast activation and collagen synthesis.
Read the study →Discusses the effectiveness of 635nm light in reducing acne by targeting sebaceous glands and reducing inflammation.
Read the study →Explores how light therapy reduces acne severity and improves overall skin health through photodynamic mechanisms.
Read the study →Discusses the benefits of 635nm light in stimulating hair follicles and promoting new growth. A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials.
Read the study →Reviews studies demonstrating how 810nm light supports hair growth and helps prevent hair loss.
Read the study →Discusses the benefits of 635nm light in reducing stretch mark appearance through collagen production stimulation.
Read the study →Explores how light therapy aids in stretch mark reduction through tissue remodelling and collagen synthesis.
Read the study →Mobilised triglycerides are released as glycerol and free fatty acids, carried in circulation to organs where they undergo beta-oxidation — converted to cellular energy and metabolic water. Fat is oxidised, not flushed.
Download PDF →Randomised controlled trial demonstrating a 3.51-inch average combined reduction. The foundational study for 635nm body contouring efficacy (P<0.001).
Read the study →Histological and immunohistochemical analysis of LED photobiomodulation therapy’s effects on subcutaneous fatty tissue in obese individuals.
Read the study →Examines the effects of photobiomodulation therapy on body composition and fat reduction outcomes in clinical settings.
Read the study →Investigates the clinical efficacy of red light therapy as a non-invasive approach to body contouring and fat reduction.
Read the study →Recent study on LED photobiomodulation’s effectiveness in stimulating adipose tissue mitochondria and reducing fat deposits.
Read the study →Study examining the synergistic effects of combining photobiomodulation with whole body vibration for enhanced fat reduction outcomes.
Read the study →Explores how LED-based PBM therapy stimulates mitochondrial function within adipose tissue to drive fat mobilisation.
Read the study →A randomised, controlled study confirming the effectiveness of low-level laser therapy as a non-invasive approach for body contouring.
Read the study →Systematic review of 11 RCTs. Five studies demonstrated positive PBM effects on chronic pain; two reported marked inflammation improvements. Six studies scored “excellent” on PEDro scale. Significant reductions in IL-6, TNF-alpha, PGE2 (p<0.001).
Read the study →Umbrella review of 15 meta-analyses covering 9,000+ patients across 35 health endpoints. PBM appeared beneficial for fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis-related disability, and burning mouth syndrome pain.
Read the study →Landmark review establishing PBM’s anti-inflammatory mechanisms: NF-kB modulation, M1-to-M2 macrophage phenotype shift, reduced oxidative stress. “Almost complete lack of reported adverse effects.”
Read the study →Network meta-analysis of 13 RCTs with 673 participants. LLLT was superior to sham for pain relief (SMD = 0.96). The 904–905nm wavelength ranked highest.
Read the study →50-participant RCT with 52-week follow-up. LLLT significantly reduced analgesic/NSAID consumption and improved sit-to-stand performance at week 52.
Read the study →Meta-analysis of 18 RCTs with 793 participants. Highlights the importance of appropriate dosing parameters in PBM for rheumatological conditions.
Read the study →Meta-analysis of 7 RCTs with 394 patients. VAS pain scores were significantly lower in the LLLT group (WMD = -13.57mm; 95% CI -17.42 to -9.72).
Read the study →RCT of 60 office workers. PBM was significantly superior to conventional physiotherapy for chronic non-specific neck pain (P<0.001).
Read the study →Systematic review of 14 studies. All studies demonstrated LLLT effectiveness for neuropathic pain analgesia. Infrared laser powers above 70mW showed superior effectiveness.
Read the study →19 T2DM patients. VAS pain decreased from 6.47 to 1.21 (p<0.001); neuropathy scores dropped from 5.52 to 2.71 (p<0.001).
Read the study →Systematic review and meta-analysis of 4 trials with 119 participants. Pain improvement favouring laser (MD = -2.55).
Read the study →RCT of 80 participants. Twice-weekly exercise + PBM showed superior VISA-A outcomes with a moderate effect size of 0.7.
Read the study →Meta-analysis of 9 RCTs with 325 patients. LLLT significantly outperformed placebo: pain (SMD 1.18), fatigue (SMD 1.4), depression (SMD 1.46). “LLLT is an effective, safe, and well-tolerated treatment for fibromyalgia.”
Read the study →Describes how 635nm light reduces inflammation through cellular response modulation compared with existing COX inhibitors.
Read the study →Highlights clinical studies demonstrating the effectiveness of 810nm light therapy in reducing inflammation.
Read the study →Comprehensive review of anti-inflammatory mechanisms including NF-kB modulation, macrophage phenotype shift, and oxidative stress reduction.
Read the study →Comprehensive review of 218 articles establishing PBM as a “potent, noninvasive photoceutical approach.” Wavelengths from 405–1,000nm and doses from 0.1–10 J/cm² provide therapeutic benefits across chronic wounds.
Read the study →Updated narrative review confirming PBM accelerates wound closure through fibroblast activation, collagen deposition, angiogenesis, and anti-inflammatory effects.
Read the study →PBM at 660nm down-regulated TNF-alpha in diabetic patients with pressure ulcers. 12 days of treatment showed up to 50% improvement in granulation tissue.
Read the study →Identifies optimal wavelengths in the 600nm and 800nm spectrum ranges for diabetic foot ulcer treatment. PBM accelerates healing through fibroblast proliferation and collagen deposition.
Read the study →Evaluated LED therapy at 470nm, 540nm, and 635nm on diabetic mice. Red and green light positively stimulated wound healing; blue light was ineffective.
Read the study →PBM accelerates burn wound healing through activation of endogenous latent TGF-β1. Improved healing with elevated TGF-β signalling and reduced inflammation.
Read the study →Systematic review of 38 preclinical studies. PBM favoured wound contraction (mean difference = −11.47) and increased angiogenesis at doses between 11–20 J/cm².
Read the study →PBM at 660nm enhanced cell viability and proliferation. Cell migration increased almost 3.5-fold within 24 hours post-irradiation.
Read the study →Demonstrates that PBM promotes angiogenesis and vascular proliferation, supporting enhanced oxygen and nutrient delivery to healing tissue.
Read the study →PBM at 660nm led to higher mobilisation of Type-2 pericytes, providing a novel mechanism by which PBM supports wound healing and vascular stability.
Read the study →Review establishing the clinical evidence base for PBM in wound management across wound types.
Read the study →Updated narrative review covering mechanisms and clinical evidence for PBM in wound healing applications.
Read the study →Evaluates wavelength-specific effects of PBM on diabetic wound healing outcomes.
Read the study →Comprehensive study on PBM’s role in diabetic wound healing through multiple cellular pathways.
Read the study →Preclinical systematic review and meta-analysis of PBM’s effects on burn wound healing outcomes.
Read the study →Demonstrates accelerated burn wound healing through activation of endogenous latent TGF-β1.
Read the study →Proof-of-concept trial using transcranial, intranasal, neck and abdominal PBM in 12 Parkinson’s patients. Improvements sustained in a five-year follow-up study.
Read the study →Double-blind, randomised, sham-controlled feasibility trial with 40 patients. Transcranial PBM helmet (635nm + 810nm) applied 24 min/day, 6 days/week for 12 weeks.
Read the study →Comprehensive review of PBM’s neuroprotective mechanisms across Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and other neurodegenerative conditions.
Read the study →11 chronic mild TBI subjects received 18 sessions. Significant increase in executive functioning and decrease in PTSD-related symptoms.
Read the study →Comprehensive review: increased mitochondrial function, improved blood flow, reduced swelling, increased antioxidants, decreased inflammation, and protection against apoptosis.
Read the study →PBM inhibited neuronal apoptosis by regulating mitochondrial energy metabolism and attenuating neuroinflammation in APP/PS1 mouse model.
Read the study →PBM at 660nm induced pain relief, recovered structural nerve aspects, and regulated mitochondrial homeostasis in peripheral nerves.
Read the study →PBM applied to dorsal root ganglion reduced hyperalgesia and decreased inflammatory markers through MAPK pathway modulation.
Read the study →Comprehensive review: PBM enhances cerebral blood flow, reduces inflammation, inhibits apoptosis, and promotes neurogenesis for depression treatment.
Read the study →Systematic review of 11 RCTs. PBM is an effective treatment for depression through non-invasive neuromodulation.
Read the study →PBM stimulated the removal of fluid and toxic waste-products from the brain, supporting the glymphatic system’s role in sleep quality.
Read the study →Review of PBM’s effects on cognitive function through cytochrome c oxidase activation, enhanced ATP synthesis, and calcium ion channel modulation.
Read the study →Mini-review exploring PBM’s potential for autism spectrum disorder through modulation of neural inflammation and mitochondrial function.
Read the study →Narrative review covering the evidence base for transcranial photobiomodulation across neurological conditions.
Read the study →Updated review of photobiomodulation’s role in treating depressive disorders.
Read the study →Explores photobiomodulation as an effective therapeutic option for autism spectrum disorder.
Read the study →Systematic review of PBM combination therapies across neurological conditions.
Read the study →Research on how PBM modulates mitochondrial energy metabolism to ameliorate neurological damage.
Read the study →Systematic review of 46 clinical trials with 1,045 participants. PBM increased muscle mass gains, decreased inflammation and oxidative stress. Applying PBM 40–60 minutes before matches prevented significant muscle damage.
Read the study →RCT with 12 elite male rugby athletes. Multi-wavelength PBM significantly improved average sprint time and fatigue index. Blood lactate levels significantly reduced (p≤0.05).
Read the study →Study on the effects of infrared low-level laser therapy before intense progressive running tests in high-level soccer players.
Read the study →Practical review of photobiomodulation applications in sport performance from the NSCA Coach journal.
Read the study →Research examining how PBM provides measurable advantages in sports performance through enhanced muscle tissue function.
Read the study →Systematic review and meta-analysis of PBM therapy for improvement of muscular performance and reduction of muscular fatigue in healthy people.
Read the study →Recent study on photobiomodulation’s effects on diabetes management and metabolic outcomes.
Read the study →Study showing how 635nm light can improve wound healing in diabetic foot ulcers and support overall metabolic health.
Read the study →Research exploring how 810nm light therapy helps in reducing oxidative stress associated with hypertension and metabolic syndrome.
Read the study →Study demonstrating improvement of insulin sensitivity through photobiomodulation therapy.
Read the study →Whole body vibration increases oxygen consumption by approximately 22% and energy expenditure by approximately 20%. Supports the MedWave + Hypervibe treatment synergy protocol.
Read the study →Landmark paper proposing the mechanisms by which PBM works: light is absorbed by mitochondria, boosting ATP production. Photons interact with Cytochrome C Oxidase, displacing inhibitory nitric oxide and restoring the electron transport chain.
Read the study →Comprehensive review of PBM mechanisms and clinical applications across multiple disciplines.
Read the study →Establishes the oncologic safety profile of PBM for aesthetic applications. Confirms an excellent safety profile with no evidence of increased cancer risk.
Read the study →Umbrella review of 15 meta-analyses covering 9,000+ patients across 35 health endpoints. The broadest overview of PBM’s clinical evidence base.
Read the study →The definitive review of PBM’s anti-inflammatory mechanisms. Documents NF-kB modulation, macrophage phenotype shift, and oxidative stress reduction with “almost complete lack of reported adverse effects.”
Read the study →Documentaries, clinical deep dives, and expert discussions exploring photobiomodulation across multiple applications.
MedWave Documentary — exploring the science behind PBM and its role in longevity and metabolic health.
MedWave Documentary — how photobiomodulation is changing non-invasive pain management and sports recovery.
MedWave Documentary — the story of light-based therapy and its impact on clinical wellness.
Minimising risks and enhancing the benefits of GLP-1 agonists with photobiomodulation.
How photobiomodulation supports metabolic weight loss at the cellular level.
A practical walkthrough of the MedWave treatment protocol.
Smart Talk — practitioner discussion on integrating PBM into clinical practice.
Smart Talk — practitioner insights on PBM outcomes and clinical integration.
PBM’s role in cognitive support, neuroprotection, and neurological recovery.
How PBM supports sleep quality and shows promise for neurodegenerative conditions.
How red and near-infrared light supports muscle regeneration and counteracts atrophy.
The science behind using PBM as a non-invasive approach to tendon pain and repair.
How PBM promotes faster healing and recovery after exercise and injury.
How PBM helps modulate arthritis-related pain and inflammation.
Research behind how specific wavelengths of light combat inflammation and fluid buildup.
The science behind how PBM supports accelerated burn wound recovery.
Dr. Margot discusses the effects of low-level laser therapy in autism spectrum disorder.
Wound care specialist shares how she integrates MedWave into her treatment protocols.
A practical look at outcomes from integrating MedWave into wound care practice.
A complete walkthrough of the MedWave system and how practices are integrating PBM.
Dr Katie Balgeman shares how MedWave helped her lymphedema and lipedema patients.
Dr Eric Hartman shares how he integrated MedWave into his chiropractic practice.
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