Frequently Asked Questions about PBMT
The questions we're asked most often
What exactly is Photobiomodulation Therapy (PBMT)?
Photobiomodulation Therapy (PBMT) is a non-invasive treatment that uses light to stimulate the body's natural repair processes. It may help relieve pain, reduce inflammation and support tissue healing.
How is it different from the "red light therapy" I see online?
"Red light therapy" and LLLT (Low Level Laser Therapy) are older terms that are still widely used interchangeably, particularly in the consumer market. PBMT is the official term adopted in 2015 by the World Association for Photobiomodulation Therapy (WALT) to standardise the scientific terminology.
The name itself is less important than the technical specifications. A quality device should state, at a minimum, the wavelength (nm), the type of light source (laser or LED), the optical power (mW), and the recommended treatment time.
Is there genuine scientific evidence behind this therapy?
Yes. There is a substantial body of scientific evidence, with thousands of studies published in peer-reviewed journals over several decades. However, the evidence is not equally strong for every application. Some uses, such as the prevention and treatment of oral mucositis, are supported by strong evidence, while others are still being investigated.
See the Applications section to explore the current level of evidence for each use.
Is PBMT recognised by the FDA or European regulatory authorities?
The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has authorised numerous PBMT devices for specific indications, including the temporary relief of joint pain and the treatment of oral mucositis. In Spain and across Europe, many devices carry the CE mark, indicating that they meet the relevant safety, health and performance requirements.
It's important to understand that the FDA authorises devices for specific indications, not PBMT as a therapy in general. This is an important distinction to keep in mind when assessing marketing claims.
What is a PBMT session like? Does it hurt?
No, it doesn't hurt. Most people don't feel anything at all during the session. Some people describe a gentle, pleasant feeling of warmth in the treated area, caused by a small increase in blood flow.
The light device is placed close to, or in gentle contact with, the skin. A session usually lasts between 5 and 20 minutes, depending on the area being treated. There is no recovery period, so you can return to your normal activities straight away.
How many sessions will I need?
It depends on your condition and your individual response to treatment. PBMT is a cumulative process rather than a one-off treatment. A typical treatment plan includes 2–3 sessions per week during the first few weeks, followed by less frequent maintenance sessions.
For acute problems—such as a tooth extraction or a sports injury—the treatment may be short and intensive. Chronic conditions may require a longer-term approach. Your clinician will always design a personalised treatment plan following your initial assessment.
When will I start to notice results?
Some people notice an improvement after the first few sessions, particularly for acute pain or following surgery. For chronic conditions, changes usually become noticeable after 3–4 weeks of consistent treatment.
Results vary depending on the nature and duration of the condition, as well as each person's individual response. Setting realistic expectations with your healthcare professional from the outset is an important part of an honest, evidence-based approach.
Is PBMT safe? Does it have any side effects?
PBMT has an excellent safety profile when provided by a qualified healthcare professional. It is non-invasive and is not associated with the side effects of many medications.
A very small number of people may experience mild, temporary reactions, such as slight redness or temporary sensitivity. These usually resolve on their own within a few days. If you experience intense heat or pain at any point during treatment, let your healthcare professional know straight away.
Are there any situations where PBMT should not be used?
Yes. PBMT should not be applied over the abdomen during pregnancy. Treatment over active malignant tumours, the thyroid, and treatments involving the eyes should only be carried out under specialist medical supervision.
PBMT is also used with caution in people with photosensitivity, those taking medications that increase skin sensitivity, and those with a pacemaker or implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD). Before starting treatment, your healthcare professional will review your full medical history to determine whether PBMT is appropriate for you.
Can I combine PBMT with my usual medical treatment?
In most cases, yes. In fact, PBMT is commonly used alongside other treatments, including physiotherapy, surgery and orthodontic treatment. Always let your healthcare professional know about any medications you are taking and any other treatments you are currently receiving.
Is PBMT safe for children and teenagers?
Yes. PBMT can be used in children and teenagers when clinically appropriate and provided by a qualified healthcare professional. Treatment is tailored to the patient's age and individual needs, and for anyone under the age of 18, consent must be obtained from a parent or legal guardian.
Are the results permanent?
It depends on the condition being treated. For acute problems—such as a tooth extraction, a wound or post-operative recovery—the benefits may be long-lasting once the underlying problem has resolved. For chronic conditions, PBMT can help manage symptoms and provide significant improvement, but ongoing maintenance sessions may be needed to sustain the benefits over the long term.
Why can PBMT be used for so many different conditions?
Because it acts on a universal cellular mechanism: the mitochondria. Mitochondria are responsible for producing the energy (ATP) that every cell in the body needs to function and repair itself. When cells are under stress—due to inflammation, injury or disease—the mitochondria produce less energy.
PBMT helps stimulate ATP production, allowing cells to function more efficiently regardless of the tissue involved, whether muscle, oral tissue or nerve tissue. That's why the same underlying principle can be applied across such a wide range of conditions.
This doesn't mean PBMT "treats everything". Rather, it targets a common cellular process involved in many different diseases and injuries.
Can I expect the same results as those shown in the testimonials?
The testimonials on this website describe real individual cases. However, results vary depending on many factors, including the specific condition being treated, how long it has been present, each person's individual biological response, and how closely the treatment protocol is followed.
What we can promise is that any treatment recommendations will be based on the best available scientific evidence, and that Dr Nicola Vilaplana will always be honest about what PBMT can—and cannot—achieve in your particular circumstances.
Can I use a PBMT device at home?
Yes. A wide range of PBMT devices are available for home use, from small handheld devices designed for localised treatment to larger panels that treat broader areas of the body. They can be a good option for maintaining the results achieved in clinic and for managing some mild or occasional symptoms.
Home devices are generally less powerful than clinical equipment. While they can be very useful in the right circumstances, they should not replace professional assessment or treatment for a diagnosed medical condition or a complex health problem.
How do I choose a reliable home-use device?
A quality device should state the wavelength (nm), the type of light source (laser or LED), the optical power (mW), and the recommended treatment time. Check that it carries the CE mark (in Europe), look for independent reviews, and choose manufacturers that support their devices with clinical research.
The best option is to consult a PBMT specialist before purchasing a device. They can recommend the type of device most suitable for your needs and guide you on how to use it safely.
Is a home device as effective as treatment in a clinic?
Generally, no. Home devices do not usually achieve the same level of effectiveness as clinical treatment. Professional devices are more powerful and versatile, while the diagnosis and personalised protocol provided by a healthcare professional also make a real difference.
However, the two approaches are complementary. Clinical treatment is the main approach for addressing an underlying problem, while a home device is an excellent tool for maintaining results and supporting ongoing care.
Where can I find a healthcare professional who uses PBMT?
PBMT is used across different healthcare fields, including dentistry, physiotherapy, sports medicine, rehabilitation and dermatology. If you are looking for this type of treatment, speak with a healthcare professional in the area related to your condition and ask whether they use PBMT. If they do not offer it, they may be able to advise you or refer you to another professional.
If you are having difficulty finding a practitioner, a university or scientific society related to laser therapy or photobiomodulation may be able to guide you towards centres with experience in this field.
If your query is DENTAL and you are based in MADRID, Clínica Dental del Rey offers PBMT treatments for dental and orofacial applications.
You can book an appointment at clinicadelrey.es
How do I know if I am a suitable candidate for PBMT?
The best way to find out is through an in-person assessment. In general terms, PBMT is suitable for most people.
There are few but important contraindications, which your healthcare professional will review during your first appointment.