The Science Behind Red Light Therapy

Photobiomodulation (PBM), commonly known as red light therapy, has been extensively researched for its ability to reduce pain, accelerate healing, and enhance cellular function. Used in fields ranging from oncology and sports medicine to veterinary care and space research, PBM is a non-invasive therapy that supports the body’s natural healing processes. Studies have shown its benefits in reducing inflammation, improving circulation, supporting neurological health, and even assisting with wound healing and tissue regeneration.

Below, you’ll find a selection of research articles and studies demonstrating the effectiveness of PBM, along with insights into why our LightMD system offers superior technology for achieving these benefits.

Key Studies on Photobiomodulation (PBM) Therapy

General Research on PBM or Red Light Therapy

NASA Research: LED Therapy for Healing in Space and on Earth

• Summary: NASA has extensively studied LED-based photobiomodulation for wound healing in astronauts and its applications on Earth.

• Key Findings: PBM enhances tissue repair, reduces muscle atrophy, and supports overall cellular function in microgravity environments.

•Relevance: NASA’s research validates the scientific credibility of red light therapy and its potential in advanced medical treatments.

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NASA Spinoff: The Evolution of Medical Light Therapy

• Summary: This article highlights how NASA’s LED light therapy technology has transitioned from space applications to clinical use for pain relief and wound healing.

• Key Findings: PBM has been successfully implemented in hospitals, military medicine, and rehabilitation centers.

• Relevance: Reinforces the real-world impact of red light therapy, proving its effectiveness beyond experimental research.

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 NASA Research on the Medical Uses of Light

• Summary: This NASA report details how near-infrared light therapy is being used to treat muscle injuries, chronic pain, and neurological conditions.

• Key Findings: PBM improves circulation, reduces inflammation, and accelerates recovery in various medical conditions.

•Relevance: NASA’s research validates the scientific credibility of red light therapy and its potential in advanced medical treatments.

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MD Anderson Cancer Center: What Is Red Light Therapy?

• Summary: This article from MD Anderson Cancer Center explores how red light therapy is being studied for reducing cancer treatment side effects, such as oral mucositis from chemotherapy and radiation.

• Key Findings: PBM shows promise in reducing pain and inflammation, improving wound healing, and supporting tissue regeneration.

• Relevance: Demonstrates how red light therapy is being recognized by top medical institutions for clinical applications beyond general wellness

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NIH Study: The Mechanisms of Photobiomodulation Therapy (2018)

• Summary: This National Institutes of Health (NIH) study provides an in-depth look at how PBM affects mitochondrial function, ATP production, and cellular metabolism.

• Key Findings: Red and near-infrared light therapy stimulates cellular energy production, reduces oxidative stress, and promotes tissue repair.

• Relevance: Reinforces the biological mechanisms behind PBM, explaining why it’s effective for a variety of medical and wellness applications.

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Joint Pain & Chronic Conditions

Clinical Evidence: PBM After Knee Surgery


• Summary: This randomized clinical trial evaluated the effects of photobiomodulation (PBM) after total knee replacement surgery. The study used the same medical-grade light therapy device we use in our sessions. Patients received either standard post-op care or standard care plus PBM over five days.

• Key Findings: The PBM group showed significantly less swelling by day 6 and walked farther during a 2-minute mobility test than the control group.

•Relevance: These results suggest PBM may support faster recovery and improved mobility following orthopedic surgery—highlighting its potential for reducing inflammation and enhancing healing outcomes.

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Clinical Evidence: PBM + Exercise for Knee Osteoarthritis (Joint Pain)


• Summary: Summary: A 2022 randomized study compared exercise alone versus exercise with low‑level laser therapy in people with knee osteoarthritis.

• Key Findings:  Adding laser reduced joint pain and stiffness more than exercise alone. Participants had better mobility and faster improvement.

•Relevance: These results suggest PBM may support faster recovery and improved mobility if you’re recovering from knee injury or an arthritis flare-up.

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Clinical Evidence: Light Helps Ligament Healing Post-Injury


• Summary: A 2014 animal study on rats looked at how red light affects injured ligaments.

• Key Findings:  Light treatment sped healing and improved tissue structure. Treated ligaments had less scarring and breakdown.

•Relevance: Shows potential for faster recovery from sprains or torn ligaments—common in active populations.

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Clinical Evidence: Light Therapy Preserves Knee Function after ACL Surgery


• Summary: In 2022, researchers tested red light treatment in rats after ACL surgery to prevent post-op muscle and joint stiffness.

• Key Findings:  Light therapy reduced inflammation and tissue damage, while maintaining muscle strength and joint flexibility.

•Relevance: Suggests PBM can support recovery after knee surgery by keeping muscles stronger and reducing stiffness.

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Clinical Evidence: Light Therapy Reduces Inflammation in Joints

• Summary: This 2024 study analyzed how PBM affects the joint lining and acute inflammation.

• Key Findings: PBM decreased inflammation in animals, and upregulated the iNOS gene expression compared to control.

• Relevance: Demonstrates that PBM may ease joint inflammation and support cartilage health in arthritis or injury.

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Red Light Therapy for Chronic Pain & Other Conditions

Clinical Evidence: Near-Infrared Light Supports Nerve Regeneration

• Summary: A study on peripheral nerve injury showed that near-infrared LED therapy improved mitochondrial activity and antioxidant response in damaged nerves.

• Key Findings: Light therapy enhanced nerve repair and functional recovery in animal models by increasing cellular energy and reducing oxidative stress.

• Relevance: Demonstrates how red light therapy may aid recovery from nerve injuries or post-surgical healing.

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Clinical Evidence: Red Light Therapy Protects Neurons and Boosts ATP

• Summary: This NIH-backed study found that pretreatment with near-infrared light preserved ATP production and reduced neuron death after toxic insult.

• Key Findings: Red light protected brain cells by enhancing mitochondrial function and cellular resilience.

• Relevance: Supports the use of red light therapy for cognitive fatigue, neurological stress, or recovery from brain inflammation.

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Red Light Therapy for Dogs

American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA): Effects of PBM in Veterinary Medicine

• Summary: This study reviews the use of photobiomodulation in animal health, particularly for treating arthritis, wound healing, and post-surgical recovery in dogs.

• Key Findings: PBM significantly improves mobility, reduces pain, and accelerates recovery in veterinary applications.

• Relevance: Demonstrates how pets can benefit from red light therapy, making it a valuable treatment for owners seeking natural pain relief for their dogs.

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Why This Matters

From NASA’s pioneering research to clinical applications in oncology, sports medicine, and veterinary care, photobiomodulation is a scientifically backed, non-invasive therapy that enhances healing and wellness. Our LightMD system takes these proven benefits even further with cutting-edge technology designed for deeper, more effective treatments.

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Austin Red Light Therapy is appointment only. We schedule sessions out of Atomic Athlete gym in East Austin. We also offer mobile service and have partners around Austin, so let us know if Atomic Athlete doesn’t work for you.

Please contact us any time by phone, email, or text to ask questions or set up an appointment. You can also book appointments directly by clicking the Book Now button throughout the site.

The staff at Austin Red Light Therapy are not licensed medical professionals. We do not diagnose, treat, cure, prescribe for, or prevent any illness or disease. Our services are not intended to replace medical care. We strongly encourage all clients to seek and continue care from licensed healthcare providers for any health concerns.