Aliquot #86: A Fair Examination of Red Light Therapy

Photobiomodulation (PBM) involves using light therapy, such as red light, laser, or infrared therapy, to stimulate, heal, regenerate, and protect the body. Factors such as wavelength, power, skin color, and lighting device influence the light's penetration into body tissues.

In this Aliquot, we explore the complex landscape of PBM science, discussing its potential effects and the varying quality of evidence for its applications. Topics include hair regrowth in androgenic alopecia, pain reduction in rheumatoid arthritis with notable results but occasional study design concerns and conflicts of interest, muscle endurance, post-exercise muscle recovery, wound healing, and skin wrinkling. We investigate whether these effects are genuinely supported by research and examine the challenges faced in this field.