Low level laser (light) therapy and photobiomodulation: the path forward

Michael R. Hamblin; Marcelo Victor Pires de Sousa; Praveen R. Arany; James D. Carroll; Donald Patthoff D.D.S.

doi:10.1117/12.2084049

5 March 2015 Low level laser (light) therapy and photobiomodulation: the path forward

Michael R. Hamblin, Marcelo Victor Pires de Sousa, Praveen R. Arany, James D. Carroll, Donald Patthoff D.D.S.

Proceedings Volume 9309, Mechanisms for Low-Light Therapy X; 930902 (2015) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2084049
Event: SPIE BiOS, 2015, San Francisco, California, United States

Abstract

Low level laser (light) therapy (LLLT) also known as photobiomodulation (PBM) therapy has been practiced for almost fifty years, and hundreds of positive clinical trials and thousands of laboratory studies have been published. Despite these impressive accomplishments LLLT has still not reached the stage of acceptance by mainstream medicine. The reasons for this were discussed at a recent Optical Society of America (OSA) Incubator meeting in Washington DC in 2014. Uncertainty about mechanisms was highlighted, and this paper will describe the current thinking. To drive LLLT towards mainstream medicine, we need better guidelines with standardized protocols and consistent parameters. Studies should be published in higher impact scientific and medical journals. Companies should avoid false promises and deceptive marketing, and physicians should receive a clearly defined return on investment with insurance reimbursement.

Citation Download Citation

Michael R. Hamblin, Marcelo Victor Pires de Sousa, Praveen R. Arany, James D. Carroll, and Donald Patthoff D.D.S. "Low level laser (light) therapy and photobiomodulation: the path forward", Proc. SPIE 9309, Mechanisms for Low-Light Therapy X, 930902 (5 March 2015); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2084049

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