Treatment Protocols
31 evidence-based protocols for red light therapy. Based on WALT guidelines and published clinical research.
Pain Management (10 protocols)
Knee Osteoarthritis (WALT Standard)
strongThe World Association for Photobiomodulation Therapy (WALT) protocol for knee osteoarthritis uses near-infrared wavelengths applied to specific points...
Chronic Neck Pain (WALT Standard)
strongWALT protocol for chronic neck pain targets the cervical paraspinal muscles, trigger points, and facet joints. Near-infrared wavelengths penetrate thr...
Tendinopathy (General Protocol)
strongThis protocol applies to various tendinopathies including Achilles tendinopathy, lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow), rotator cuff tendinopathy, and ...
Chronic Low Back Pain
moderateProtocol for chronic non-specific low back pain using NIR wavelengths applied to paraspinal muscles, facet joints, and trigger points of the lumbar re...
Shoulder Pain / Rotator Cuff
moderateProtocol for shoulder pain including rotator cuff tendinopathy, frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis), and subacromial bursitis. NIR light is applied ...
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
moderateProtocol for carpal tunnel syndrome applying NIR light to the carpal tunnel area, median nerve pathway, and associated flexor retinaculum. Treatment t...
Fibromyalgia Pain Management
moderateProtocol for managing fibromyalgia symptoms using a combination of targeted tender point treatment and full-body PBM. The multi-modal approach address...
TMJ Disorder Treatment
moderateProtocol for TMJ disorder treating the temporomandibular joint, masseter muscle, and lateral pterygoid area. NIR wavelengths penetrate to the joint st...
Hand/Finger Joint Arthritis
moderateProtocol for treating osteoarthritis in the small joints of the hands and fingers. Due to the superficial nature of hand joints, both red and NIR wave...
Plantar Fasciitis
moderateProtocol for plantar fasciitis targeting the calcaneal insertion, mid-plantar fascia, and surrounding tissue. NIR wavelengths penetrate through the th...
Skin Health (7 protocols)
Skin Rejuvenation / Anti-Aging
strongProtocol for facial skin rejuvenation targeting fine lines, wrinkles, skin texture, and overall complexion. Red wavelengths (630-660nm) stimulate coll...
Acne Treatment Protocol
moderateProtocol for inflammatory acne using blue light (415nm) for antimicrobial action against P. acnes bacteria combined with red light (633/660nm) for ant...
Psoriasis Management
emergingProtocol for managing psoriasis plaques using red and near-infrared wavelengths. PBM can reduce the hyperproliferative and inflammatory components of ...
Collagen Production Boost
strongIntensive protocol specifically targeting collagen synthesis in the dermal layer. Higher session frequency and longer treatment courses maximize fibro...
Scar Reduction Protocol
moderateProtocol for reducing the appearance and texture of scars, including hypertrophic scars and early keloids. Combining red and NIR wavelengths addresses...
Rosacea Management
emergingProtocol for managing rosacea symptoms using lower-dose red and NIR wavelengths. PBM can reduce the inflammatory component of rosacea, improve skin ba...
Stretch Mark Reduction
emergingProtocol for improving the appearance of stretch marks (striae) using red light to stimulate collagen remodeling in the affected dermal tissue. More e...
Hair Growth (1 protocols)
Performance & Recovery (2 protocols)
Post-Exercise Muscle Recovery
strongProtocol for accelerating recovery from exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD) and delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS). Applied to major muscle groups...
Pre-Exercise Performance Enhancement
moderateProtocol for enhancing athletic performance by pre-conditioning muscles with PBM before exercise. Treatment 5-30 minutes before activity can increase ...
General Wellness (3 protocols)
Sleep & Circadian Health
emergingProtocol using red light exposure in the evening to support melatonin production and circadian rhythm regulation. Red light at 630-660nm does not supp...
Thyroid Function Support
emergingProtocol for supporting thyroid function in Hashimoto's thyroiditis and subclinical hypothyroidism. PBM applied directly to the thyroid gland has show...
Lymphedema Management
moderateProtocol for managing lymphedema, particularly post-mastectomy upper extremity lymphedema. PBM is applied along the lymphatic drainage pathways to enh...
Wound Healing (3 protocols)
Acute Wound Healing
strongProtocol for accelerating acute wound healing using red wavelengths (630-660nm). Applied to surgical incisions, lacerations, burns, and other acute wo...
Diabetic Ulcer Protocol
moderateProtocol for diabetic foot ulcers combining red and NIR wavelengths to promote healing in compromised tissue. The dual-wavelength approach addresses b...
Bone Fracture Healing
emergingProtocol for supporting bone fracture healing using NIR wavelengths to penetrate to the fracture site. PBM may accelerate callus formation and bone re...
Neurological (3 protocols)
Peripheral Neuropathy
moderateProtocol for peripheral neuropathy, particularly diabetic neuropathy, using NIR wavelengths to improve nerve function and reduce neuropathic pain in t...
Traumatic Brain Injury / Concussion
emergingTranscranial PBM protocol for post-concussion syndrome and chronic TBI symptoms. NIR light at 810nm has the best penetration through the skull to reac...
Depression (Transcranial PBM)
emergingTranscranial PBM targeting the prefrontal cortex for treatment of depression. NIR light is applied to the forehead to reach the dorsolateral prefronta...
Oral Health (2 protocols)
Oral Mucositis Prevention
strongProtocol for preventing and treating oral mucositis in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy. This is one of the strongest evid...
Dental Implant Healing
moderateProtocol for accelerating osseointegration and soft tissue healing after dental implant placement. PBM promotes both bone integration around the impla...