• How LED Light Therapy Can Support the Body’s Natural Healing Processes

    LED light therapy, also known as photobiomodulation, is a method used to support the body’s natural healing. By exposing the skin to light at specific wavelengths, the mitochondria – the cell’s “powerhouse” – are stimulated, which can help increase the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). ATP is the form of energy that drives many of the body’s cellular functions, and improved energy availability can facilitate the cells’ recovery process.

    According to research, certain wavelengths within the red and near-infrared light spectrum are particularly beneficial and effective in stimulating these biological processes. Studies show that light in the range of approximately 630–660 nanometers (red light) and 810–850 nanometers (near-infrared light) often produces favorable results when it comes to influencing cellular energy production and supporting tissue recovery. These wavelengths are effectively absorbed by cytochrome c oxidase in the mitochondria – an enzyme that plays a central role in the cell’s energy metabolism.

    Research has also shown that light within these wavelengths can influence several biological mechanisms important for healing. There are indications that LED light therapy may help to:

    • Support cellular repair processes by improving energy production.
    • Promote blood circulation and stimulate the formation of new capillaries, helping deliver more oxygen and nutrients to the tissue.
    • Support lymphatic function, which can facilitate the removal of fluid and waste products from affected areas.
    • Reduce temporary pain and irritation by influencing nerve activity and the release of natural substances such as endorphins and serotonin.
    • Contribute to balanced collagen production, which can support smoother tissue healing.

    LED light therapy is used both in veterinary care and for humans to support recovery and overall well-being. Although results may vary depending on the individual, type of injury, and treatment approach, a growing body of research suggests that light at specific wavelengths can have positive effects on the body’s natural processes for repair and regeneration.

About LED

  • LED light and cellular energy production

    LED light therapy is widely used in rehabilitation and wellness settings to support the body’s natural cellular energy processes. Research has identified connections between specific wavelengths of light and the way mitochondria work with ATP production—the energy source cells rely on for their normal functions. Many users find the therapy to be a valuable complement when aiming to promote cellular recovery.

  • In relation to injuries and acute situations

    When tissues experience injury or stress, LED light therapy is often applied early in the process to support the cells’ natural response. Studies indicate that light therapy can influence the biochemical processes activated immediately following an injury, which is why it is used in both human and veterinary fields during acute and subacute phases.

  • Cellular recovery and tissue balance

    LED light is frequently included in research exploring how cells recover and how the body rebuilds tissue. The method is often used to encourage a well-balanced healing process by supporting the cells' ability to return to normal function. Research has also noted associations with how cells contribute to the formation of new blood vessels, nerve tissue, and other structural cell types.

  • Inflammation, swelling, and the lymphatic system

    Although inflammation is a natural part of healing, it can temporarily limit cellular performance. Research has examined how LED light interacts with tissue undergoing inflammation and how it may support the movement of both fluid and proteins via the lymphatic system. Some studies describe increased lymphatic activity and changes in vessel diameter—findings that are applied in sports, veterinary medicine, and wellness contexts to help manage swelling and tissue stress.

  • Immune system and systemic effects

    Near-infrared light has been widely studied and has, in several research settings, been linked to the activity of the immune system. While the underlying mechanisms are still under investigation, there are reports of broader, systemic responses following localized treatment. This is one reason LED light therapy is used both on specific areas such as wounds and more generally during periods of strain or recovery.

  • Circulation and oxygen delivery

    LED light is often associated with improved circulation in the treated area, a topic frequently highlighted in tissue-healing research. Certain wavelengths have been linked to the ability of blood vessels to dilate, potentially supporting the delivery of oxygen and nutrients during recovery. This makes the therapy widely used in both sports applications and rehabilitation.

  • Nerve tissue and sensory experience of pain

    In pain-related research, LED light therapy has been studied in connection with nerve sensitivity and increased irritability in affected tissues. Findings describe associations between light therapy and the body’s own neurotransmitters, including endorphins and serotonin, which many users regard as contributing to the calming and relieving sensation experienced during treatment.

  • Collagen and tissue structure

    Collagen is a central component of tissue repair, and LED light therapy is frequently used in settings where balanced collagen production is desired. Studies have explored how certain wavelengths may influence the cells’ collagen-related activity, which is relevant in both tissue restoration and recovery of areas exposed to strain or injury.

  • NASA's research on LEDs

    Those who were the first to research LED-based light treatment were NASA and the company Quantum Devices in the USA. They conducted research into which wavelengths in the sun were most important for plants to survive in space (where sunlight did not exist) and discovered during the study that the wavelengths that were beneficial to plants also had a beneficial effect on the human body and healing. These studies were carried out with the HEALS technology, which was in the products Warp 75 and Warp 10, a product that we at PharmaLight introduced to the European market in 2008. You can find some of these studies under Research. Development has since progressed and in recent years a lot of research (more than 250 studies) has been carried out in LED-LLLT (low level light therapy) with LED-based light sources. There has also been research comparing the effect of LED-based light therapy and laser-based light therapy showing that they have the same effect in the tissue
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  • Who can use PharmaLights Photizo Vetcare?

    Everyone can use PharmaLights Photizo® Vetcare. LED light therapy is a non-invasive treatment and has no known side effects, which makes it a great addition to regular veterinary care and rehab. LED light therapy has a non-coherent light where the wavelengths are spread over a larger area and there is no risk of overstimulation or damage. The treatment still goes deep and is very effective on both superficial wounds and deeper muscle problems.

  • What is the difference between Laser and LED?

    Laser and LED have much more in common than what separates them. PharmaLight works both with superpulsed laser and pure LED instruments that emit both red and infrared light and this is how you can describe the differences.

    Both light sources can be monochrome (specific wavelength and specific energy content).

    The laser light is made up of coherent light, which means its light beams are parallel and wave peaks and troughs are in phase. The energy is delivered to a small point in the tissue.

    The same wavelength and strength of the light can today also be LED-based and non-coherent (still monochrome). The light then breaks through the noise and is spread over a larger area. Because a larger area shares the energy, the tissue will not heat up as much as if you had an equivalent laser-based light source. Research has shown that you don't want too much heat in the tissue in connection with light treatment, as this makes healing work worse due to the local fever that is created in the tissue.

    Longer ago it was believed that only lasers had the healing and beneficial effects at the cellular level in the body and most of the research further back was done with laser-based light sources. In recent years, much research has been done on LED-based light sources (more than 250 studies) - including studies comparing the effect of specific wavelengths of red and infrared light from laser-based light sources compared to LED-based light sources. Those studies have concluded that the effects of the treatment are the same at the same specific wavelengths and output in amount of energy.

    PharmaLights Photizo Vetcare - our bestseller - emits red light at a wavelength of 633 nm & infrared light at a wavelength of 850 nm - two of the wavelengths that, according to research, are the most effective and most proven. With an output power of 1300 mW and a treatment surface of 4.7 cm2, the treatment becomes powerful and effective but in a safe way without the risk of overstimulation or damage. This is thanks to the characteristics of the LED light and that this is delivered to the cells in a natural and incoherent way with light spread instead of all the energy coming in a small point. Those who were the first to research LED-based light treatment were NASA and the company Quantum Devices in the USA. They conducted research on which wavelengths in the sun were most important for plants to survive in space (where sunlight was not present) and discovered during the study that the wavelengths that were beneficial to plants also beneficially affected the human body and healing. These studies were carried out with the HEALS technology, which was in the products Warp 75 and Warp 10, a product that we at PharmaLight introduced to the European market in 2008. You can find some of these studies under the Research tab. Development has since progressed and in recent years a lot of research has been carried out in LED-LLLT (low level light therapy) with LED-based light sources.

    PharmaLight's Photizo units are a newer, more powerful technology with LEDs that have a very long life, up to 50,000 operating hours, which makes the product very affordable considering how many years it can be used. The built-in battery can lose power after a few years, just like all other batteries, but this can then be replaced and the device can be used for several more years.