Mitochondria — the cellular powerhouse behind photobiomodulation therapy
Science & Research

Research for Your Practice.

Find the peer-reviewed studies most relevant to your discipline. Curated by clinical application and organised by profession.

6
Professional disciplines
90+
Studies curated below
1,000+
Peer-reviewed PBM studies

Select your profession below to see the research most relevant to your clinical applications. All studies are sourced from published journals — not MedWave-funded research.

Browse by Profession.

Filter by your discipline to find the studies that matter most to your practice.

Research relevant to beauty salons, day spas, and aesthetic clinics — covering skin rejuvenation, body contouring, fat loss, hair growth, and anti-aging applications.

15 studies

Effects of Red and Infrared Light on Skin Aging

635nm light stimulates collagen production and fibroblast activity, improving elasticity and reducing wrinkles.

Read the study →

Efficacy of Red and Near-Infrared Light in Patient Satisfaction & Collagen Density

Controlled trials showed significant intradermal collagen density increases, with up to 75% of participants showing visible improvement.

Read the study →

LED Phototherapy for Skin Rejuvenation

Documented a 36% wrinkle reduction using LED phototherapy. Measurable improvements in skin tone, texture, and fine lines.

Read the study →

Low-Level Laser Therapy as a Non-Invasive Approach for Body Contouring

Foundational RCT demonstrating a 3.51-inch average combined reduction using 635nm body contouring (P<0.001).

Read the study →

What Happens to Fat After Photobiomodulation?

PBM stimulates mitochondria in fat cells to convert stored fat into free fatty acids released into circulation for metabolism. Fat is oxidised, not flushed.

Download PDF →

Red Light Therapy for Non-Invasive Fat Reduction

Investigates the clinical efficacy of red light therapy as a non-invasive approach to body contouring and fat reduction.

Read the study →

PBM and Fat Loss with Vibration Plate

Examines synergistic effects of combining photobiomodulation with whole body vibration for enhanced fat reduction outcomes.

Read the study →

Red Light Therapy for Hair Growth: Systematic Review & Meta-Analysis

Benefits of 635nm light in stimulating hair follicles and promoting new growth across randomised controlled trials.

Read the study →

810nm Light Therapy for Hair Regeneration

Reviews studies demonstrating how 810nm light supports hair growth and helps prevent hair loss.

Read the study →

635nm Light Therapy for Acne

Effectiveness of 635nm light in reducing acne by targeting sebaceous glands and reducing inflammation.

Read the study →

Reducing Stretch Marks with 635nm Light

Benefits of 635nm light in reducing stretch mark appearance through collagen production stimulation.

Read the study →

Collagen Production with Light Therapy

Examines how 635nm light therapy boosts collagen and elastin production for improved skin architecture.

Read the study →

Red-Light Photons on Skin Cells & the Mechanism of PBM (Herrera, 2024)

Explores the cellular mechanisms by which red light photons interact with skin cells to drive photobiomodulation responses.

Read the study →

Oncologic Safety of PBM for Aesthetic Rejuvenation

Establishes the oncologic safety profile of PBM for aesthetic applications. Confirms excellent safety with no evidence of increased cancer risk.

Read the study →

Metabolic Effects of Whole-Body Vibration

Whole body vibration increases oxygen consumption by ~22% and energy expenditure by ~20%. Supports MedWave + Hypervibe synergy protocol.

Read the study →

Research for GPs, integrative medicine practitioners, and clinical providers — covering pain management, wound care, neurological health, metabolic conditions, and the underlying science of PBM.

18 studies

Proposed Mechanisms of PBM (de Freitas & Hamblin, 2016)

Landmark paper: light is absorbed by mitochondria, boosting ATP production. Photons interact with Cytochrome C Oxidase, displacing inhibitory nitric oxide.

Read the study →

Mechanisms & Applications of Anti-Inflammatory Effects of PBM (Hamblin, 2017)

NF-kB modulation, M1-to-M2 macrophage phenotype shift, reduced oxidative stress. “Almost complete lack of reported adverse effects.”

Read the study →

Effects of PBM on Multiple Health Outcomes: Umbrella Review

15 meta-analyses covering 9,000+ patients across 35 health endpoints. PBM beneficial for fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis, and burning mouth syndrome.

Read the study →

PBM Studies on Diabetic Wound Healing

PBM at 660nm down-regulated TNF-alpha in diabetic patients. 12 days treatment showed up to 50% improvement in granulation tissue.

Read the study →

PBM Systematic Review of Diabetic Foot Ulcers

Optimal wavelengths in 600nm and 800nm spectrum ranges for diabetic foot ulcer treatment. PBM accelerates healing through fibroblast proliferation.

Read the study →

PBM Therapy for Wound Care: A Potent, Noninvasive Approach

Review of 218 articles. Wavelengths 405–1,000nm at 0.1–10 J/cm² provide therapeutic benefits across chronic wounds.

Read the study →

Improvements in Parkinson’s Disease Using PBM

Proof-of-concept trial with 12 Parkinson’s patients. Transcranial PBM showed improvements sustained in a five-year follow-up.

Read the study →

Transcranial PBM Device for Parkinson’s: Feasibility Trial

Double-blind sham-controlled trial with 40 patients. PBM helmet (635nm + 810nm) applied 24 min/day for 12 weeks.

Read the study →

Photobiomodulation for TBI and Stroke

Increased mitochondrial function, improved blood flow, reduced swelling, increased antioxidants, and protection against apoptosis.

Read the study →

PBM and Diabetes (Perrier, 2024)

Recent study on photobiomodulation’s effects on diabetes management and metabolic outcomes.

Read the study →

Improvement of Insulin Sensitivity with Light Therapy

Demonstrates improvement of insulin sensitivity through photobiomodulation therapy.

Read the study →

PBM Improves Depression Symptoms: Systematic Review

11 RCTs. PBM is effective for depression through non-invasive neuromodulation.

Read the study →

Photobiomodulation: Shining a Light on Depression

PBM enhances cerebral blood flow, reduces inflammation, inhibits apoptosis, and promotes neurogenesis.

Read the study →

LLLT for Painful Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy

19 T2DM patients. VAS pain decreased from 6.47 to 1.21 (p<0.001); neuropathy scores dropped from 5.52 to 2.71.

Read the study →

Lights on for Autism: Exploring PBM as a Therapeutic Option

Mini-review exploring PBM’s potential for autism spectrum disorder through neural inflammation and mitochondrial modulation.

Read the study →

Lights at Night: Does PBM Improve Sleep?

PBM stimulated removal of fluid and toxic waste from the brain, supporting the glymphatic system’s role in sleep.

Read the study →

810nm Light for Reducing Oxidative Stress

Research on how 810nm light therapy helps reduce oxidative stress associated with hypertension and metabolic syndrome.

Read the study →

Oncologic Safety of PBM (Glass, 2023)

Establishes the oncologic safety profile of PBM. Excellent safety with no evidence of increased cancer risk.

Read the study →

Research for physiotherapists, chiropractors, and rehabilitation specialists — covering musculoskeletal pain, arthritis, tendinopathy, fibromyalgia, neuropathic pain, and post-surgical recovery.

16 studies

Efficacy of PBM in Pain and Inflammation: Literature Review

Systematic review of 11 RCTs. Five demonstrated positive effects on chronic pain; six scored “excellent” on PEDro scale.

Read the study →

Optimal Wavelength for Knee OA: Network Meta-Analysis

13 RCTs, 673 participants. LLLT superior to sham for pain relief (SMD = 0.96).

Read the study →

LLLT + Strength Training in Knee OA: 52-Week RCT

50 participants. LLLT significantly reduced analgesic consumption and improved sit-to-stand at 52 weeks.

Read the study →

LLLT in Rheumatoid Arthritis: Meta-Analysis

18 RCTs, 793 participants. Highlights importance of appropriate dosing parameters in PBM for rheumatological conditions.

Read the study →

LLLT for Chronic Low Back Pain: Meta-Analysis

7 RCTs, 394 patients. VAS pain significantly lower in LLLT group (WMD = -13.57mm).

Read the study →

PBM vs. Ultrasound for Chronic Neck Pain: RCT

60 office workers. PBM significantly superior to physiotherapy (P<0.001).

Read the study →

PBM for Achilles Tendinopathy: Meta-Analysis

4 trials, 119 participants. Pain improvement favouring laser (MD = -2.55).

Read the study →

PBM + Eccentric Exercise for Achilles Tendinopathy: RCT

80 participants. Twice-weekly exercise + PBM showed superior outcomes with effect size of 0.7.

Read the study →

LLLT for Fibromyalgia: Systematic Review & Meta-Analysis

9 RCTs, 325 patients. LLLT significantly outperformed placebo: pain (SMD 1.18), fatigue (SMD 1.4), depression (SMD 1.46).

Read the study →

LLLT to Control Neuropathic Pain: Systematic Review

14 studies. All demonstrated effectiveness for neuropathic pain analgesia. Infrared above 70mW showed superior results.

Read the study →

LLLT for Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy

19 patients. VAS pain decreased from 6.47 to 1.21 (p<0.001).

Read the study →

Anti-Inflammatory Mechanism of 635nm LED Irradiation vs. COX Inhibitors

635nm light reduces inflammation through cellular response modulation comparable to existing COX inhibitors.

Read the study →

Anti-Inflammatory Mechanism of LLLT for Clinical Use in Physiotherapy

Explores the biological mechanisms behind inflammation relief using PBM and its relevance for clinical physiotherapy.

Read the study →

Infrared 810nm LLLT in Rat Achilles Tendinitis

Demonstrates positive effects of 810nm light on tendon healing as a consistent alternative to drugs.

Read the study →

The Dose That Works: LLLT Treatment of Tendinopathy

Establishes dosing parameters for effective PBM treatment of tendinopathy conditions.

Read the study →

Post-Surgical Healing with PBM

810nm light aids faster recovery after surgery with reduced pain and enhanced tissue repair.

Read the study →

Research for gym owners, sports coaches, and fitness professionals — covering pre-workout performance, muscle recovery, DOMS, injury prevention, and athletic performance enhancement.

12 studies

PBM in Human Muscle Tissue: Sports Performance Review

46 clinical trials, 1,045 participants. PBM increased muscle mass gains, decreased inflammation. Applying 40–60 min before matches prevented significant muscle damage.

Read the study →

PBM for Elite Rugby Players: Double-Blind RCT

12 elite athletes. Multi-wavelength PBM significantly improved sprint time and fatigue index. Blood lactate reduced (p≤0.05).

Read the study →

PBM for Muscular Performance & Fatigue Reduction: Systematic Review

Systematic review and meta-analysis of PBM therapy for improvement of muscular performance and reduction of fatigue in healthy people.

Read the study →

Pre-Exercise Infrared LLLT in High-Level Soccer Players

Effects of infrared low-level laser therapy before intense progressive running tests in high-level soccer players.

Read the study →

Red Light Therapy for Strength and Endurance

Examines how 635nm light therapy improves muscle readiness and performance outcomes.

Read the study →

Enhancing Aerobic Exercise Performance with Light Therapy

Impact of 810nm light on improving VO2 max and delaying fatigue during aerobic exercise.

Read the study →

PBM and Injury Prevention: Systematic Review

Comparison of PBM and Pilates training in rehabilitation and injury prevention.

Read the study →

Boosting Cellular Energy with Red Light Therapy

810nm light boosts mitochondrial function and ATP production for enhanced energy output.

Read the study →

Improving Circulation with Light Therapy

810nm light enhances blood flow to muscles, supporting performance and recovery.

Read the study →

Low-Level Laser Therapy Accelerates Collateral Circulation

635nm light improves microcirculation, aiding performance and recovery.

Read the study →

Alleviating Muscle Soreness with Red Light

PBM reduces post-exercise muscle soreness (DOMS) through anti-inflammatory and cellular repair mechanisms.

Read the study →

Metabolic Effects of Whole-Body Vibration

Whole body vibration increases oxygen consumption by ~22% and energy expenditure by ~20%.

Read the study →

Research for wound care nurses, podiatrists, and tissue repair specialists — covering chronic wounds, diabetic ulcers, burns, tissue repair, and fibroblast activation.

12 studies

PBM Therapy for Wound Care: A Potent, Noninvasive Approach

Review of 218 articles. Wavelengths 405–1,000nm at 0.1–10 J/cm² across chronic wounds.

Read the study →

PBM for Wound Healing: Narrative Review (2025)

PBM accelerates wound closure through fibroblast activation, collagen deposition, angiogenesis, and anti-inflammatory effects.

Read the study →

Diabetic Wound Healing: Inflammatory Pathway Insights

PBM at 660nm down-regulated TNF-alpha. 12 days showed up to 50% improvement in granulation tissue.

Read the study →

PBM Systematic Review of Diabetic Foot Ulcers

Optimal wavelengths in 600nm and 800nm spectrum for diabetic foot ulcers.

Read the study →

Wavelength-Dependent Effects of PBM in Diabetic Wounds

Red and green light positively stimulated healing; blue light was ineffective. Wavelength selection is critical.

Read the study →

Accelerated Burn Wound Healing with PBM

PBM accelerates burns through activation of endogenous latent TGF-β1 with reduced inflammation.

Read the study →

PBM in Burn Wound Healing: Systematic Review & Meta-Analysis

38 preclinical studies. PBM favoured wound contraction and increased angiogenesis at 11–20 J/cm².

Read the study →

PBM at 660nm Stimulates Wound Healing via Ras/MAPK Pathway

Cell migration increased almost 3.5-fold within 24 hours. Enhanced bFGF and Ras/MAPK activation.

Read the study →

PBM Effects on Angiogenesis in Burn Wound Model

PBM promotes angiogenesis and vascular proliferation, supporting oxygen and nutrient delivery to healing tissue.

Read the study →

PBM Drives Pericyte Mobilisation Towards Skin Regeneration

PBM at 660nm led to higher Type-2 pericyte mobilisation, supporting vascular stability and tissue regeneration.

Read the study →

Mechanisms of Anti-Inflammatory Effects of PBM (Hamblin)

NF-kB modulation, macrophage phenotype shift, and oxidative stress reduction with “almost complete lack of adverse effects.”

Read the study →

LLLT for Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy

19 patients. VAS pain decreased from 6.47 to 1.21 (p<0.001). Relevant for wound-associated neuropathic pain.

Read the study →

A broad overview of the science behind photobiomodulation for wellness business owners — covering the core mechanisms, safety, metabolic health, stress reduction, cognitive function, and the business case for clinical-grade PBM.

12 studies

Proposed Mechanisms of PBM (de Freitas & Hamblin, 2016)

The foundational paper on how PBM works: light absorbed by mitochondria boosts ATP production through Cytochrome C Oxidase.

Read the study →

Effects of PBM on Multiple Health Outcomes: Umbrella Review

15 meta-analyses, 9,000+ patients, 35 health endpoints. The broadest overview of PBM’s clinical evidence base.

Read the study →

Low-Level Laser Therapy for Body Contouring (Jackson et al.)

The foundational body contouring study: 3.51-inch average combined reduction (P<0.001).

Read the study →

Oncologic Safety of PBM for Aesthetic Rejuvenation

Confirms excellent safety profile with no evidence of increased cancer risk. Key for client confidence.

Read the study →

LLLT for Fibromyalgia: Systematic Review

“LLLT is an effective, safe, and well-tolerated treatment for fibromyalgia.” Demonstrates multi-market potential.

Read the study →

PBM and Diabetes (Perrier, 2024)

PBM’s effects on diabetes management. Demonstrates the metabolic health market opportunity.

Read the study →

Stress Reduction with Light Therapy

Calming effects of light therapy on stress and anxiety — a key selling point for wellness clients.

Read the study →

Improving Mental Focus with Light Therapy

810nm light enhances mental clarity and cognitive function — appealing to high-performance wellness clients.

Read the study →

PBM Therapy on Brain: Pioneering Cognitive Dynamics

Shows promise for cognitive enhancement in healthy individuals — not just clinical populations.

Read the study →

Metabolic Effects of Whole-Body Vibration

~22% increased oxygen consumption, ~20% increased energy expenditure. Supports the MedWave + Hypervibe synergy pitch.

Read the study →

What Happens to Fat After Photobiomodulation?

Fat is mobilised and burned as energy, not flushed. Key talking point for client education.

Download PDF →

Light Buckets and Laser Beams: Mechanisms of PBM (Whelan & Gonzalez-Lima)

Comprehensive review of PBM mechanisms and clinical applications — the best single overview for business owners.

Read the study →

Watch & Learn.

Documentaries, clinical deep dives, and expert discussions exploring photobiomodulation across multiple applications.

Red Light Therapy for Longevity & Weight Loss

MedWave Documentary — exploring the science behind PBM and its role in longevity and metabolic health.

Red Light Therapy for Sports Recovery & Pain Relief

MedWave Documentary — how photobiomodulation is changing non-invasive pain management and sports recovery.

Light is Life

MedWave Documentary — the story of light-based therapy and its impact on clinical wellness.

Smart Talk: GLP-1’s, Fat Loss & PBM

Minimising risks and enhancing the benefits of GLP-1 agonists with photobiomodulation.

PBM for Metabolic Weight Loss

How photobiomodulation supports metabolic weight loss at the cellular level.

MedWave Step-by-Step Protocol

A practical walkthrough of the MedWave treatment protocol.

Practitioner Roundtable with Dr Coertzen

Smart Talk — practitioner discussion on integrating PBM into clinical practice.

Practitioner Roundtable with Tania Vos

Smart Talk — practitioner insights on PBM outcomes and clinical integration.

Neurological Health & Photobiomodulation

PBM’s role in cognitive support, neuroprotection, and neurological recovery.

PBM for Sleep & Neurodegenerative Diseases

How PBM supports sleep quality and shows promise for neurodegenerative conditions.

PBM for Muscle Regeneration & Atrophy

How red and near-infrared light supports muscle regeneration and counteracts atrophy.

PBM for Tendinopathy

The science behind using PBM as a non-invasive approach to tendon pain and repair.

PBM for Sports & Muscle Recovery

How PBM promotes faster healing and recovery after exercise and injury.

PBM Therapy for Arthritis

How PBM helps modulate arthritis-related pain and inflammation.

PBM for Inflammation & Edema

Research behind how specific wavelengths of light combat inflammation and fluid buildup.

PBM for Burn Wound Healing

The science behind how PBM supports accelerated burn wound recovery.

Practitioner Q&A: LLLT in Autism

Dr. Margot discusses the effects of low-level laser therapy in autism spectrum disorder.

Sr. René Black: Wound Care with MedWave

Wound care specialist shares how she integrates MedWave into her treatment protocols.

Does MedWave Get Good Results for Wounds?

A practical look at outcomes from integrating MedWave into wound care practice.

The MedWave System Walkthrough

A complete walkthrough of the MedWave system and how practices are integrating PBM.

MedWave for Lymphedema & Lipedema

Dr Katie Balgeman shares how MedWave helped her lymphedema and lipedema patients.

Chiropractor Adds $3K+ Monthly with MedWave

Dr Eric Hartman shares how he integrated MedWave into his chiropractic practice.

Ready to See the Science in Action?

Book a free, no-obligation experience and see how clinical-grade photobiomodulation can transform your practice.

Book a Free Experience

Let’s Explore How MedWave Fits Your Practice

Fill in a few details and our team will be in touch to arrange a personalised consultation.

Contact Form Demo

Global Disclaimer:
Product claims, device classifications, approved indications, and permitted marketing statements vary by country and are governed exclusively by the regulatory framework of the jurisdiction in which a product is purchased and used. Nothing on this website constitutes medical advice, and MedWave products should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care.

If you are located outside of South Africa, please disregard any medical device claims or therapeutic indications on this website. Your use of MedWave products is subject to the laws and regulations of your country of residence.
MedWave RSA PTY LTD
Unit 4 MedWave,
Blaaukrans Office Park
Blaaukrans street
Jeffreys Bay
Eastern Cape
6330
South Africa
Company number: 2024/700802/07

MedWave Group LLC
Registered company address: 1309 Coffeen Avenue, Sheridan, Wyoming, 82801
MedWave devices are not classified as medical devices and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any medical condition. Results may vary from person to person. The information provided on this website is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a licensed healthcare provider regarding any medical concerns or before starting any new treatment or wellness program.
Fill in the form below & we will get back to you
Contact Form Demo


Fill in the form below & we will get back to you

60 days trial