What Is Photobiomodulation?
What is photobiomodulation?
Quick answer: Photobiomodulation (PBM), also called low level light therapy, is the scientific term for studying how cells and tissues respond to low levels of red and near infrared light. It is the research field that sits behind red light devices. This page explains the term only. It does not describe any outcome for any device.
How researchers describe it
Researchers propose that light at red and near infrared wavelengths is absorbed by light sensitive molecules inside cells, including a protein in the mitochondria called cytochrome c oxidase. This is a proposed mechanism, and the research is still developing. Studies differ a lot in the light source, wavelength, output, session length and design they use, so one study does not tell you what a different device will do.
Other names you may see
Photobiomodulation is sometimes called low level laser therapy (LLLT), low level light therapy, red light therapy (RLT) or cold laser therapy. The names overlap, and they can refer to different devices and settings.
Reading the research
We explain how we read and cite studies in the Research Library, and how we write our guides on the Editorial Standards page. This page is general information. It is not medical advice, it does not diagnose anything and it is not a substitute for talking with a qualified healthcare professional.