Photobiomodulation (Laser Therapy) for Soft Tissue Injury and Autoimmune Pain

The Power of Light

Understand how Photobiomodulation (Laser therapy) Supports Soft Tissue Healing and Its Role in Autoimmune Pain Syndromes.

At FootHouse Podiatry & Biomechanics, we invest only in technologies that are clinically justified, evidence-based, and outcome-focused. One such technology is photobiomodulation (PBM), also known as medical laser therapy.

Our clinic in Cheriton, Kent offers two of the most advanced PBM systems available:

• MLS / ASA MPHI 5 Class IV Laser

• Omega Low-Level Photobiomodulation System

  
  

Together, these systems allow us to deliver precise, tailored laser treatment for a wide range of soft tissue injuries, musculoskeletal pain, and rehabilitation needs.

However, PBM is not a cure-all. It has clear strengths, defined limitations, and a specific role—particularly when used in patients with autoimmune inflammatory pain syndromes such as Fibromyalgia and Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR).

This article explains where laser therapy excels, where expectations should be realistic, and how we use PBM responsibly in clinical practice.

What Is Photobiomodulation (PBM)?

Photobiomodulation is a non-invasive medical laser therapy that uses specific wavelengths of red and near-infrared light to stimulate cellular repair and reduce pain and inflammation.

At a cellular level, PBM interacts with mitochondrial chromophores, particularly cytochrome c oxidase, leading to:

• Increased ATP (cellular energy) production

• Improved cellular repair and regeneration

• Modulation of inflammatory pathways

• Reduced oxidative stress

  
  

Key Features of PBM

• Non-thermal (does not burn tissue)

• Non-invasive

• Drug-free

• Safe for repeated use

• Supported by growing clinical evidence in sports medicine and rehabilitation

  
  

PBM was first explored by NASA and European researchers for wound healing and tissue repair, and it has since become a well-established tool in musculoskeletal and podiatric care.

Benefits of Photobiomodulation for Soft Tissue Injury

PBM is particularly effective for localised mechanical and soft tissue conditions, where tissue healing and inflammation modulation are key goals.

1. Faster Tissue Repair

Laser therapy increases mitochondrial activity, accelerating:

• Collagen synthesis

• Fibroblast activity

• Angiogenesis (new blood vessel formation)

• Cellular regeneration

This makes PBM highly effective for:

• Tendon injuries

• Plantar fasciitis

• Muscle strains

• Ligament sprains

• Post-surgical recovery

  
  

2. Reduced Pain and Inflammation

PBM helps regulate inflammatory mediators and reduces swelling and pain without reliance on medication.

3. Improved Function and Mobility

By reducing pain and supporting healing, laser therapy helps patients return to activity sooner and with greater confidence.

4. Safe for Repeated Use

Unlike long-term NSAIDs or steroid injections, PBM can be used regularly without systemic side effects.

Where Laser Therapy Works Best: Local Mechanical Conditions

Photobiomodulation is most effective when the problem is local, mechanical, and tissue-based, including:

• Overuse injuries

• Tendinopathy

• Fasciopathy

• Myofascial trigger points

• Joint capsule irritation

• Bursitis

In these cases, PBM directly supports the biological processes required for healing.

Laser Therapy and Autoimmune Inflammatory Pain- Helpful, but Not a Cure

Autoimmune conditions such as Fibromyalgia and Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) differ fundamentally from local soft tissue injuries.

They involve:

• Systemic immune dysregulation

• Widespread inflammatory cytokine activity

• Altered central pain processing

Photobiomodulation cannot reverse or suppress these systemic disease processes. However, it can still play a valuable supportive role.

PBM for Fibromyalgia: What It Can Help With

Fibromyalgia is characterized by:

• Widespread pain

• Muscle tenderness

• Fatigue

• Sleep disturbance

• Central sensitisation

  
  

What Laser Therapy Can Do

PBM does not cure Fibromyalgia, but it may help with:

• Local muscle pain- Laser therapy can reduce sensitivity in myofascial trigger points and improve local circulation.

• Stiffness and mobility- PBM may ease soft tissue tension, particularly in the feet, calves, hips, and lower limbs.

• Sleep-related muscle tightness- Neuromodulatory effects may help reduce nocturnal muscle guarding.

  
  

Limitations

PBM does not address central nervous system dysregulation and should be viewed as an adjunct therapy, not a primary treatment.

PBM for Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR): Uses and Limitations

PMR is a systemic inflammatory disease that requires medical management, most commonly corticosteroids.

What Laser Therapy Cannot Do

PBM cannot:

• Reduce systemic inflammation

• Replace steroid therapy

• Modify the underlying autoimmune disease

Where PBM May Help:

• Secondary soft tissue pain caused by compensatory muscle tension

• Local bursitis or tendon irritation from altered movement patterns

• Functional mobility, by improving comfort during movement

  
  

Important Consideration

Steroid therapy may blunt some tissue-healing responses, as it suppresses inflammatory pathways that PBM also modulates. Pain relief is still achievable, but healing responses may be slower.

When Photobiomodulation Is Appropriate — and When It Isn’t

PBM Is Recommended For:

• Tendon and ligament injuries

• Plantar fasciitis

• Muscle strains

• Local bursitis

• Myofascial pain

• Post-operative recovery

• Chronic soft tissue overload

  
  

PBM May Help (as an adjunct) With:

• Fibromyalgia (local pain relief)

• PMR (secondary soft tissue issues)

  
  

PBM Is Not a Treatment For:

• Systemic autoimmune inflammation

• Central sensitisation disorders

• Replacing steroid therapy in PMR

• Treating the underlying cause of Fibromyalgia

  
  

Why Choose FootHouse for Laser Therapy?

We use two complementary laser systems, allowing treatment to be tailored precisely to each patient.

MLS / ASA MPHI 5 Class IV Laser

• Deep tissue penetration

• High-power delivery

• Ideal for tendons, fascia, and joint capsules

Omega Low-Level PBM System

• Gentle, broad-area treatment

• Ideal for myofascial pain and chronic sensitivity

• Well suited for patients who prefer a softer approach

This dual-system approach allows us to match treatment intensity to your condition, sensitivity, and rehabilitation goals.

Final Word

Photobiomodulation is one of the most exciting and evidence-supported tools in modern musculoskeletal care. Its greatest strength lies in local soft tissue injury, where it can accelerate healing and reduce pain effectively.

For autoimmune inflammatory conditions such as Fibromyalgia and Polymyalgia Rheumatica, laser therapy is not a cure—but it can form a valuable part of a wider, well-managed care plan, improving comfort, movement, and quality of life.