SHAH ALAM – From skincare clinics to sports recovery centres, photobiomodulation (PBM) therapy is gaining attention as a light-based treatment that claims to support healing and recovery.
But behind the growing interest lies a simple question: how does shining specific wavelengths of light on the body actually work?
R3 Wellness Centre founder and head doctor Datuk Dr Alice Prethima Michael said PBM therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses specific wavelengths of red and near-infrared light to stimulate biological processes within the body at a cellular level.
She said unlike high-intensity lasers that generate heat to cut or damage tissue, PBM works through non-thermal photochemical reactions that influence cellular function and recovery.
How does PBM therapy work?
Unlike surgical lasers that produce heat to cut or damage tissue, PBM uses low-level light stimulation to trigger photochemical reactions within cells.
Dr Alice said the therapy mainly targets mitochondria, which produce energy for cells.
She explained that the light energy helps stimulate the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), allowing cells to function, repair and recover more effectively.
She said through this process, PBM may help support tissue repair, improve circulation and regulate inflammation.
Although the terms are often used interchangeably, Dr Alice said PBM therapy and red light therapy are not exactly the same.
She said while red light therapy is a broader term commonly used for consumer wellness products, PBM refers to a more clinically structured approach involving controlled treatment parameters such as wavelength, dosage, light intensity and duration.
“One key distinction is that PBM therapy is typically grounded in evidence-based protocols, using specific wavelengths of red and near-infrared light to stimulate biological processes at a cellular level.
“In contrast, the term 'red light therapy' is commonly used across a wide spectrum of products and applications, ranging from medical-grade rehabilitation systems to consumer wellness devices and aesthetic light-emitting diode (LED) masks,” she said.
She added that while many red light therapies may utilise similar wavelengths, PBM is generally regarded as the more clinically defined and scientifically structured application of light-based treatment
She said PBM therapy has been studied in several healthcare areas, particularly those involving pain, inflammation and recovery.
According to her, the therapy is commonly explored for:
- Musculoskeletal pain such as joint, muscle, neck, shoulder and back pain
- Sports injuries and muscle recovery
- Wound healing and post-surgical recovery
- Skin repair and collagen stimulation
- Some fatigue, sleep and neurological-related conditions
She said PBM is often used as a supportive therapy alongside other treatments, including physiotherapy, rather than as a replacement for medical care.
She added that PBM is commonly used for individuals experiencing pain, mobility limitations or those undergoing rehabilitation.
It is also used among athletes and people with physically demanding lifestyles to support muscle recovery and performance, she said.
In wellness settings, she said PBM has also been explored as part of healthy ageing approaches due to its potential role in supporting cellular function and recovery.
Is PBM therapy safe?
Dr Alice said PBM therapy is generally considered safe when conducted using regulated medical devices and proper clinical protocols.
“PBM therapy is generally considered safe when delivered using regulated medical devices and appropriate clinical protocols,” she said.
She said most reported side effects are mild and temporary, such as slight redness, warmth or skin irritation at the treatment area.
She said while some patients may notice improvements after the first session, it usually works best through a series of treatments rather than a single session.
She added that the duration of effects depends on factors such as the individual’s condition and treatment plan.
Despite growing interest, Dr Alice cautioned against viewing PBM as a universal cure.
She said while research supports its use for certain conditions, some claims surrounding the therapy remain unsupported.
“PBM therapy is backed by clinical research for certain conditions, but extreme claims, such as PBM therapy’s ability to restore dead hair follicles, heal structural injuries or cure autoimmune diseases still lack validation,” she said.
She added that patients should seek treatment from qualified providers using approved medical devices to ensure safety and effectiveness.