Softlaser therapy – comprehensive guide to home laser treatment
The softlaser device does not cut, does not burn, and does not cause pain – instead it can support tissue regeneration. Its name (that is, the terms "soft laser" or "low-level laser therapy") refers to a low-energy, gentle laser beam. In scientific circles the method is called photobiomodulation – it already has several decades of history.
The first research began in the 1960s, when Hungarian physician-researcher Endre Mester accidentally discovered that low-energy laser light can positively influence tissue regeneration. Since then, thousands of scientific studies have examined the method's effects, and softlaser therapy is now used worldwide in modern medicine.1
What is soft laser and why is it different from what you knew?
If you hear "laser", you probably think of the destructive beams from movies or the cutting tools used in surgery. Soft laser, however, is completely different.
This device does not cut or burn – it emits low-energy light that acts at the cellular level. Soft laser therapy – scientifically known as photobiomodulation (PBM) – can support cell function using light energy.
Expert medical opinion
"Softlaser therapy is one of the most promising areas of home medical care. Through photobiomodulation, cellular energy production can be supported, which may positively influence regenerative processes. The method is backed by decades of research."
— Dr. Zsolt ZátrokHow laser therapy works
Light energy penetrates the tissues where the cells' mitochondria – the cell "powerhouses" – absorb it. This process can:
- Support cellular metabolism
- Contribute to increased ATP production
- Positively influence microcirculation
- Help reduce inflammatory processes
- Support collagen production and wound healing
All this painlessly, with minimal side effects.2
The secret of laser effect: wavelength, power and dosing
Three main factors determine the result of a softlaser treatment:
The wavelength determines how deep the light can penetrate tissues. There is a so-called "biological window" or "therapeutic window" roughly between 600 and 1100 nanometers.
| Wavelength | Penetration | Application | Devices |
|---|---|---|---|
| 660 nm (red) | 1-2 cm | Skin issues, superficial wounds, scars | Personal Laser L200, Safe Laser 150 |
| 808 nm (infrared) | 3-4 cm | Muscles, joints, deeper structures | B-Cure Classic, Personal Laser L400 |
| 980-1064 nm (deep IR) | 4-5+ cm | Deep joints, spine | PhysioLaser 6.0, 12.0 (professional) |
Power determines how much energy the laser delivers per unit of time.
- Softlaser devices typically operate at milliwatt (mW) power levels
- This is sufficient to stimulate cells without causing tissue damage
- Home devices: 50-500 mW
- Professional devices: 500-12000 mW
Dosing is the amount of energy delivered per unit area, measured in J/cm² (joules per square centimeter).
| Treatment goal | Recommended dose |
|---|---|
| Superficial wound healing, skin issues | 1-4 J/cm² |
| Joint, muscle problems | 4-10 J/cm² |
| Deep tissue treatment | 8-12 J/cm² |
Laser classes and safety
Lasers are classified into safety classes according to international standards:
| Class | Characteristics | Devices |
|---|---|---|
| Class 1 | Safest, can be used without protective eyewear | B-Cure, Safe Laser |
| Class 3B | More effective, protective eyewear required | Personal Laser L400, Energy Laser |
| Class 4 | Professional, only to be used by trained personnel | PhysioLaser series |
⚠️ Important: Class 3B devices are more effective for deep tissue treatment but require increased caution.
How can softlaser help? – Application areas
Softlaser therapy is widely applicable. Overview: Softlaser therapy at home – Treating conditions »
🦴 Musculoskeletal complaints
🩹 Dermatological applications
🧠 Neurological applications
✨ Special applications
Before you start treatment – Contraindications
For safe use it is important to know the contraindications. If any of the conditions below apply to you, consult your treating physician.
🚫 When NOT to use softlaser?
- Over malignant tumor area – on or in the immediate vicinity of the area to be treated
- During pregnancy – avoid the abdominal and lumbar area (as a precaution)
- Over the thyroid gland – do not direct the beam directly at the thyroid
- Active infection – in case of severe bacterial or viral infection
- After corticosteroid injection – wait a few weeks before treating the injected area
- Photosensitive conditions – if you have light sensitivity, medical consultation is required
👓 Eye protection: For Class 3B devices (Personal Laser, Energy Laser) protective eyewear is mandatory! Never look directly into the laser beam.
Possible side effects
Softlaser therapy is generally well tolerated, but the following may occur:
- Mild, temporary redness of the treated area
- Temporary increase in pain after initial sessions (may indicate activation of healing processes)
- Rarely: mild headache with transcranial application
If you experience persistent or unusual symptoms, stop the treatment and consult your physician.
Treatment techniques
📍 Point treatment
Place the applicator head on a specific point and hold it there for the prescribed time. Ideal for clearly defined small areas (tendon insertion points, acupuncture points, small painful spots).
↔️ Scanning treatment
Move the applicator head slowly and evenly over the treatment area. Ideal for treating larger areas (muscle tension, diffuse pain).
Tip: In many cases a combination of the two techniques yields the best results.
How to choose a softlaser device?
Consider the following when choosing:
- Treatment goal – superficial or deep tissue problems?
- Wavelength – 660 nm for skin, 808 nm for deeper structures
- Laser class – Class 1 is safer, Class 3B is more effective
- Ease of use – preset programs, automatic timers
If you are uncertain, ask our experts for help choosing a device.
More information: LED vs diode laser – what to watch for when buying »
Softlaser as the fourth therapeutic pillar
Home medical devices – including the softlaser – do not replace medical treatment, but complement it.
1
Medication
2
Injections, infusions
3
Institutional physiotherapy
4
Home physiotherapy
The possibility of regular home treatment is especially important in chronic conditions where long-term, consistent therapy is key to success.
📋 Summary – Quick overview
What is this article? A comprehensive guide to softlaser (LLLT/photobiomodulation) therapy, from basics to practical application.
Who is it for? For anyone considering home softlaser treatment to support chronic pain, musculoskeletal complaints, wound healing problems or other conditions.
Main message: Softlaser therapy is scientifically researched and is a safe complementary treatment – but it does not replace medical care.
- Musculoskeletal complaints (arthritis, heel pain, spine problems)
- Wound healing (ulcers, scars, surgical wounds)
- Neurological problems (neuropathy, trigeminal neuralgia)
- Special applications (tinnitus, nail fungus)
Frequently asked questions
The effect of softlaser accumulates gradually with treatments. Generally changes begin after 10-14 days of regular treatment. Achieving full effect often requires a 4–6 week treatment cycle.
No. Softlaser treatment is painless; most of the time you feel nothing during the session. Occasionally a slight warming sensation may occur, which is completely normal.
Yes, softlaser can complement drug therapy. However, after corticosteroid injection wait a few weeks before treating that area. If you take photosensitizing medication, consult your physician.
📚 Scientific sources
- Son Y et al. (2025). Effects of photobiomodulation on multiple health outcomes: an umbrella review of randomized clinical trials. Sci Rep. PMC12326686
- Glass GE (2023). Photobiomodulation: A Systematic Review of the Oncologic Safety of Low-Level Light Therapy. Aesthet Surg J. PMC10309024
- Zein R, Selting W, Hamblin MR (2018). Review of light parameters and photobiomodulation efficacy. J Biomed Opt. PMC8355782
- Lawrence J, Sorra K (2024). Photobiomodulation as Medicine: LLLT for acute tissue injury. J Funct Morphol Kinesiol. PMC11503318
- Lauxen AC et al. (2024). Photobiomodulation in carpal tunnel syndrome. Lasers Med Sci. PMID: 39776290
Further scientific review: Literature review of softlaser therapy »
⚠️ Medical warning: The information in this article is for informational purposes only. Home therapeutic devices are intended to complement medical treatment and do not replace specialist care. In case of complaints consult your physician. Before starting treatment read the device's user manual.
