References

Reference List

  1. Hamblin, M.R. (2017). Proposed Mechanisms of Photobiomodulation or Low-Level Light Therapy. IEEE Journal of Selected Topics in Quantum Electronics, 22(3), 7000417. https://www.mimhtraining.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/hamblin-mechanisms-of-PBM.pdf

  2. Cotler, H.B., Chow, R.T., Hamblin, M.R., & Carroll, J. (2015). The Use of Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) For Musculoskeletal Pain. MOJ Orthopedics & Rheumatology, 2(5), 00068. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4743666/

  3. Hamblin, M.R. (2020). Photobiomodulation — Underlying Mechanism and Clinical Applications. Journal of Clinical Medicine, 9(6), 1681. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7356229/

  4. Stausholm, M.B., et al. (2025). Low-level laser therapy in osteoarthritic pain: A narrative review with meta-analysis. Osteoarthritis and Cartilage Open. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12510187/

  5. Gur, G., et al. (2023). Comparison between Low-Level and High-Intensity Laser Therapy in Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis. Life, 13(7), 1510. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10381799/

  6. Oliveira, A., et al. (2025). Effects of photobiomodulation on multiple health outcomes: An umbrella review of meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials. Systematic Reviews. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12326686/

  7. Ferreira, T., et al. (2026). Photobiomodulation in chronic pain: A systematic review of randomized clinical trials. Frontiers in Integrative Neuroscience. https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/integrative-neuroscience/articles/10.3389/fnint.2026.1717372/full

  8. Alshami, A.M., et al. (2021). Efficacy of class IV laser in the management of musculoskeletal pain: A systematic review. Physiotherapy Quarterly, 29(2). https://physioquart.awf.wroc.pl/Efficacy-of-class-IV-laser-in-the-management-of-musculoskeletal-pain-r-na-systematic,131065,0,2.html

  9. Lam, F.C.C., et al. (2021). Effects of Low-Level Laser Therapy on Muscular Performance and Soreness Recovery in Athletes: A Systematic Review. Sports Health, 13(5), 489–496. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9460079/

  10. Ordahan, B., & Karahan, A.Y. (2017). Role of low-level laser therapy added to stretching exercises in patients with plantar fasciitis. Lasers in Medical Science, 32(2), 245–252. Referenced via: https://www.lightforcemedical.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Ordahan-2018-Effect-of-HILT-vs-LLLT-in-plantar-fasciitis-RCT.pdf

  11. Alkahtani, R.S., et al. (2023). Efficacy of Low-level Laser Versus High-intensity Laser Therapy in the Management of Adhesive Capsulitis: A Randomized Clinical Trial. Saudi Journal of Medicine & Medical Sciences. https://www.chattanoogarehab.com/us/blog/efficacy-of-low-level-laser-versus-high-intensity-laser-therapy-in-the-management-of-adhesive-capsulitis-a-randomized-clinical-trial/

  12. Mussttaf, R.A., Jenkins, D.F.L., & Jha, A.N. (2018). Review of light parameters and photobiomodulation efficacy. Journal of Biomedical Optics, 24(3). https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8355782/

  13. Mahendran, G., et al. (2026). Effect of class IV LASER therapy along with Low-dye kinesio-taping on plantar fasciitis. Lasers in Medical Science. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12816124/

  14. American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery (ASLMS). (2025). Photobiomodulation. https://www.aslms.org/for-the-public/treatments-using-lasers-and-energy-based-devices/photobiomodulation

  15. LightForce Therapy Lasers. (2024). Photobiomodulation — How Does Laser Therapy Work? https://lightforcemedical.com/photobiomodulation-therapy-pbm/

  16. LightForce Therapy Lasers. (2024). Laser Therapy Medical Treatment — Class IV. https://lightforcemedical.com/laser-therapy/

  17. Illinois Chiropractic Society. (2006). Laser Safety for Clinical Applications. https://ilchiro.org/laser-safety-for-clinical-applications/

  18. Class 4 Lasers. (2026). Class IV Laser Therapy Research, Clinical Studies and Education. https://class4lasers.com/2026/03/30/class-iv-laser-therapy-science-clinical-studies-and-education/

  19. Southeast Chiropractic. (2026). 9 Rules for Using Class 4 Laser Therapy to Treat Nerve Pain Safely. https://www.southeastchiro.com/blog/9-rules-for-using-class-4-laser-therapy-to-treat-nerve-pain-safely

  20. Karlekar, A., et al. (2015). Assessment of feasibility and efficacy of Class IV laser therapy for postoperative pain relief in off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery patients. Annals of Cardiac Anaesthesia. Cited in: https://class4lasers.com/2026/03/30/class-iv-laser-therapy-science-clinical-studies-and-education/

 

This document is intended for health professional educational purposes and reflects the published scientific literature available as of June 2026. It does not constitute medical advice or a substitute for individualized clinical judgment. All treatments should be performed by trained, qualified practitioners following applicable safety protocols.

© Valerie Krossin Inc — All Rights Reserved

Valerie Krossin

As a nurse and educator with over 16 years of experience in the field of photobiomodulation (PBM), I have witnessed firsthand the transformative impact of this innovative therapy on pain, healing and sports recovery and performance enhancement. As the Educational Director and Senior Account Manager for industry leaders ASPEN Laser and TheraLight, I have been instrumental in forming strategic alliances with health professionals, businesses, individuals and professional and collegiate teams.

PBM harnesses the power of specific wavelengths of light, particularly in the red and near-infrared spectrum, to stimulate cellular processes such as ATP production, enhance mitochondrial function, reduce inflammation, promote tissue repair, and modulate biological responses like gene expression and ion channel activity. These benefits make near-infrared light a versatile tool in PBM, with applications ranging from athlete recovery and performance improvement and pain management to potential treatments for complex neurological conditions.

My unique perspective, combining over two decades of nursing experience with expertise in cutting-edge PBM technology, has allowed me to bridge the gap between clinical practice and sports medicine. This is evident in my recent work, including an abstract accepted by the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery (ASLMS) for E-Poster Presentation on Transcranial PBM for treating neurodegenerative diseases.

As the field of PBM continues to evolve, I remain committed to advancing its science and application in sports medicine. We are opening new frontiers in athletic performance and recovery, providing athletes with safe, effective, and non-invasive methods to optimize their potential.

https://www.photobiomodulation.expert
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