Reviews
Vol. 33 No. 1 (2026)
Human body photobiomodulation: history and future perspectives
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All claims expressed in this article are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of their affiliated organizations, or those of the publisher, the editors and the reviewers. Any product that may be evaluated in this article or claim that may be made by its manufacturer is not guaranteed or endorsed by the publisher.
Published: 16 April 2026
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Photobiomodulation (PBM), previously named Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT), has ancient origins, with Hippocrates considered the first physician who recommended exposing ulcers and wounds to sunlight for accelerating the healing process. Subsequently, at the end of the 18th century, Joseph Priestley started his photochemical research, later continued by Antoine de Lavoisier, who constructed the basis of modern photobiology. In 1960, Theodore Maiman constructed the first laser device emitting a coherent, collimated, and monochromatic (red) beam, and Endre Mester, a few years later, discovered the possibility of using the coherent light at low power to increase the wound healing process. After him, Tiina Karu suggested that PBM activate cytochrome-c-oxidase, the unit IV in the mitochondrial electron transport chain, thus increasing the enzyme activity, oxygen consumption, and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production by the inhibitory nitric oxide photodissociation. Moreover, a decrease in prostaglandin E2 concentrations and an increase in the production of endogenous opioids, such as endorphins, were demonstrated, along with the inhibition of pain transmission signals through effects on nociceptors, ultimately resulting in pain control. Hamblin underlined that PBM is more effective in reducing pain associated with C-fibers than A-delta fibers, supporting the hypothesis that it may preferentially target specific nerve pathways involved in pain transmission. The aim of this work was to focus on the state of the art of PBM, from the present to future possible applications.
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Human body photobiomodulation: history and future perspectives. (2026). Laser Therapy, 33(1). https://doi.org/10.4081/ltj.2026.438
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