Photobiomodulation (red light therapy) is backed by a large and growing body of independent, peer-reviewed research. Below is a plain list of studies — sourced directly from published journals, not written or funded by me — so you can read the original research for yourself. Click any title to go straight to the source.
MedWave's work sits in four clinical areas, and the studies below span all of them: Pain & Inflammation · Aesthetics & Fat Loss · Wound Care & Tissue Repair · Neurological Health. Several of the newest entries bear directly on women's health — skin and collagen, metabolic rate in women, and sleep. A study appearing here means it was published and peer-reviewed — not that it describes the treatment you would receive, or predicts your result.
Light in the 630–810nm band — the range the Neuro-100S works in — acting on fibroblasts, keratinocytes and the endothelial cells lining small blood vessels. Links this to collagen synthesis, fibroblast proliferation, growth-factor upregulation and new blood supply. Forum Dermatologicum 2026;12:e05026036
A single photobiomodulation exposure raised resting energy expenditure — the body using energy more efficiently — without changing which fuel it burned. The authors put it forward as a promising non-invasive adjunct for metabolic health in women, alongside diet and movement rather than instead of them. De Nardi M, Allemano S, Buratti M, et al. Nutrients 2025;17:3357
A large review of multiple meta-analyses covering thousands of patients across many health conditions treated with light therapy.
A comprehensive review of the science behind light therapy and its applications across multiple fields of medicine.
An animal study showing photobiomodulation reduced markers of neuroinflammation linked to Alzheimer's disease.
A review synthesising decades of research to identify the best light wavelengths for wound healing.
A review of how light therapy may influence brain blood flow and inflammation relevant to depression.
A review of how red and infrared light are used across dermatology, including for visible signs of skin ageing.
A review of light therapy's role in diabetes management, including its relevance to insulin sensitivity.
A comparison of laser wavelengths for knee osteoarthritis pain, finding certain wavelengths performed best.
A systematic review looking at photobiomodulation combined with other therapies across several neurological conditions.
A review of how light therapy influences inflammation pathways involved in diabetic wound healing.
A review of how light therapy may support memory and cognitive function through cellular energy pathways.
A comprehensive review of light therapy across diabetes complications, including neuropathy, wound healing, and blood sugar control.
A practitioner-focused overview of how light therapy is used for athletic recovery and performance.
A meta-analysis of clinical trials concluding photobiomodulation shows meaningful promise as a depression treatment.
A randomised trial measuring abdominal fat reduction after a course of red and infrared light sessions.
A detailed look at how red light physically interacts with skin cells to trigger its therapeutic effects.
A sham-controlled feasibility trial testing a wearable red and near-infrared light helmet for Parkinson's motor symptoms.
A comprehensive review of how light therapy may help manage arthritis-related pain and inflammation.
A meta-analysis reviewing light therapy's effect on pain and function in rheumatoid arthritis patients.
A literature review evaluating how well light therapy performs for chronic pain and inflammation across multiple trials.
A review exploring whether light therapy can support the brain's natural waste-clearance processes tied to sleep quality.
A safety review finding no evidence linking light therapy to increased cancer risk in aesthetic applications.
A lab study showing red light nearly quadrupled the rate of cell migration involved in diabetic wound repair.
A study examining light therapy's effects on body composition and fat reduction outcomes.
A study testing a combination LED face mask for facial rejuvenation over a six-week period.
A study showing light therapy encouraged new blood vessel growth to support burn wound healing.
A review of how red and near-infrared light may support brain health in conditions like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
An animal study comparing red, green, and blue light for wound healing, finding red light most effective.
A review exploring how near-infrared light may help address oxidative stress linked to hypertension.
An animal study finding photobiomodulation reduced pain sensitivity linked to diabetic nerve damage.
A tissue-level study examining how light therapy affects fat cells beneath the skin.
A year-long trial finding light therapy added to strength training reduced pain medication use in knee osteoarthritis.
A review considering photobiomodulation as a potential supportive therapy for autism spectrum disorder.
A study finding light therapy sped up burn wound healing by activating a key tissue-repair growth factor.
A five-year follow-up study finding sustained improvement in Parkinson's motor symptoms after a course of photobiomodulation.
A trial comparing light therapy to standard ultrasound treatment for chronic neck pain in office workers.
A review identifying the wavelength ranges most effective for treating diabetic foot ulcers.
A review of nearly 40 preclinical studies finding light therapy improved burn wound healing and blood vessel growth.
A meta-analysis finding light therapy helped ease pain from Achilles tendon injuries.
A study identifying a new cellular mechanism by which light therapy supports skin regeneration and vascular repair.
A prospective study using red light therapy to support healing of diabetic foot ulcers.
A study examining pre-exercise light therapy's effect on performance in high-level soccer players.
A review finding light therapy outperformed placebo for fibromyalgia pain, fatigue, and mood symptoms.
A large review of over 200 studies establishing light therapy as an effective option across many wound types.
A meta-analysis of randomised trials finding light therapy improved hair density in pattern hair loss.
A review of treatment approaches for stretch marks, including light-based options.
A study measuring how whole-body vibration affects oxygen consumption and energy expenditure during exercise.
An animal study showing light therapy eased pain and helped restore nerve structure in a diabetes model.
A meta-analysis reviewing light therapy's ability to improve muscle performance and reduce exercise-related fatigue.
A review of how light therapy may support brain recovery after injury by improving blood flow and reducing inflammation.
A broad review covering the evidence base for light therapy applied to the brain across neurological conditions.
A landmark review explaining the biological mechanisms behind light therapy's anti-inflammatory effects.
A review of how specific light wavelengths influence collagen-related skin remodelling.
A review of studies finding low-level laser therapy effective for nerve-related pain.
A trial finding light therapy before matches improved sprint times and reduced fatigue in elite rugby players.
A review of how light therapy applied before or after exercise affects muscle performance and recovery.
A review covering LED light therapy for acne scarring and sun-damaged skin.
A landmark paper explaining how light is absorbed by cell mitochondria to boost cellular energy production.
A meta-analysis finding light therapy significantly reduced pain scores in chronic lower back pain.
A study finding notable pain reduction in diabetic nerve pain patients following light therapy.
A trial finding light therapy combined with targeted exercise improved outcomes for Achilles tendon pain.
A small trial finding improved executive function in patients with chronic mild traumatic brain injury after LED therapy.
A review of how near-infrared light may help support hair regrowth and slow hair loss.
A controlled trial finding light therapy improved skin texture, fine lines, and measurable collagen density.
A controlled study confirming light therapy's effectiveness for non-invasive body contouring.
A study combining light therapy with vibration therapy for treating localized fat and cellulite.
A widely cited review covering light therapy's role in skin healing, acne, hair regrowth, and rejuvenation.
A review of how light-based treatments work to reduce acne severity.
The foundational randomised trial behind 635nm light therapy for body contouring, showing a significant average reduction in measurements.
A study comparing red light's anti-inflammatory action to conventional anti-inflammatory medication in cell tissue.
A trial testing LED light settings on facial skin, measuring changes in wrinkle depth and skin texture.