Softlaser Therapy at Home – Effective Treatment of Conditions in Your Own Home
If you've long been dealing with pain, slow wound healing or chronic complaints, you've probably tried many methods: medicines, injections, physiotherapy — each has its place. But what if, in addition to these, you want to do something for yourself at home, on your own schedule?
Softlaser therapy — scientifically called photobiomodulation — makes exactly that possible. It does not replace medical treatment but complements it: it gives you another tool to actively participate in your own recovery.
In this article I show which conditions and complaints home softlaser therapy can support, and help you navigate the different application areas.
Why treat yourself at home?
Chronic complaints — whether joint pain, nerve damage or skin problems — don't disappear after one or two treatments. They require regular, consistent therapy, which most people simply cannot achieve with multiple weekly clinic visits.
The home softlaser device solves exactly this problem:
- You can treat yourself when it suits you – morning, evening, weekends
- No travel, no waiting, no appointment booking
- After a one-time investment the device allows an unlimited number of treatments
- Regular treatment is the key to results – and at home this is much easier to implement
Scientific research also supports the effectiveness of home photobiomodulation. A 2019 systematic review found that home PBM devices enable safe and effective treatment for a number of conditions that require frequent application.1
Musculoskeletal complaints – where the softlaser helps most
Musculoskeletal problems are one of the strongest areas for home softlaser therapy. Light energy penetrates deep into tissues, supporting reduction of inflammation and regeneration — all painlessly.
Joint problems
Joint pain and degeneration make life difficult for millions. Softlaser therapy can support:
- Knee osteoarthritis – the most common complaint where regular treatment can favorably influence pain
- Arthritis (joint inflammation) – may help reduce inflammatory processes
A meta-analysis of 11 clinical trials showed that properly dosed softlaser treatment significantly reduced chronic joint pain — on average by 29.8 mm on the VAS scale.2
Tendon problems and soft-tissue injuries
Tendons and surrounding tissues respond very well to softlaser therapy:
- Tendinitis – tennis elbow, golfer's elbow, Achilles tendon problems
- Heel pain – heel spurs, plantar fasciitis
A 2022 systematic review and meta-analysis found that softlaser therapy significantly reduced pain and functional limitations in lower extremity tendon problems and plantar fasciitis.3
Spine problems
Back and neck pain can also be treated effectively at home:
- Herniated disc, low back pain – infrared light penetrating deep tissues may support regeneration
A systematic review on neck pain showed that infrared-wavelength (780–1064 nm) softlaser treatment produced positive results in the majority of cases studied.4
Neurological complaints – supporting nerve regeneration
Nerve damage and nerve-origin pain are particularly difficult to treat with traditional methods. Softlaser therapy also offers promising possibilities here.
Facial nerve problems
- Facial nerve palsy (Bell's palsy) – supporting nerve regeneration
- Trigeminal neuralgia – relief for one of the most painful neurological conditions
Peripheral nerve problems
- Carpal tunnel syndrome – supporting treatment of wrist nerve compression
- Peripheral neuropathy – reduction of numbness, sensory disturbance, burning pain
A 2024 study showed that home softlaser treatment (with the B-Cure device) significantly improved temporomandibular joint pain — the treatment group showed on average a 34-point reduction on the pain scale.5
Dermatological applications – from surface to deep tissues
Softlaser therapy originally started to support wound healing — and this remains one of its strongest application areas today.
Wound healing and regeneration
- Leg ulcers – supporting regeneration of hard-to-heal wounds
- Scars, keloids – softening and fading scar tissue
Inflammatory skin problems
- Herpes – easing symptoms and supporting faster healing
- Acne – reducing inflammation
- Psoriasis – supporting symptom relief
Special applications
Softlaser therapy can also be applied in some special areas:
- Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) – supporting blood supply of the inner ear
- Nail fungus – specialized, targeted treatment
How to choose a device for home treatment?
Device selection depends on the problem to be treated and the expected safety level:
| Device type | Laser class | Characteristic | Ideal application |
|---|---|---|---|
| B-Cure Classic | Class 1 | Safest, no protective goggles required | Beginners, surface problems |
| B-Cure Pro | Class 1 | Higher output, still safe | Chronic complaints, deeper treatment |
| Personal-Laser L200 | Class 3B | 660 nm red light, protective goggles required | Skin problems, surface wounds |
| Personal-Laser L400 | Class 3B | 808 nm infrared, deeper penetration | Joints, muscles, tendons |
| Energy-Laser L500 Pro | Class 3B | Medium power | Versatile, general use |
| Energy-Laser L800 Pro | Class 3B | Higher power | More intensive treatments, larger areas |
| Energy-Laser L2000 Pro | Class 3B | Top category for home use | Deep tissues, spine, large joints |
Important: Class 3B devices are more effective but require wearing protective goggles. If you are unsure, ask our experts for help choosing.
Before you start treatment
For safe use, learn about contraindications. Detailed information is available in the softlaser therapy contraindications article.
When NOT to use the softlaser?
- On or immediately adjacent to malignant tumor areas
- During pregnancy on the abdomen or lower back
- Directed straight at the thyroid gland
- In the presence of an active, severe infection
- If you have an implanted pacemaker (consultation required)
Possible side effects
Softlaser therapy is generally well tolerated. Rarely, you may experience:
- Mild, transient redness of the treated area
- Temporary worsening of symptoms after initial treatments (this can be a sign of the healing process)
If you experience persistent or unusual symptoms, consult your physician.
Summary – Quick overview
What is this article? A comprehensive guide to the application areas of home softlaser therapy — an overview by conditions and complaints.
Who is it for? Anyone considering home softlaser treatment to support chronic pain, musculoskeletal complaints, nerve problems or dermatological conditions.
Main message: Home softlaser therapy is a scientifically researched, safe complementary treatment that enables regular application — which is key to success in chronic conditions. It does not replace medical care but complements it.
Main application areas:
- Musculoskeletal complaints (joints, tendons, spine)
- Neurological problems (nerve pain, palsies)
- Dermatological conditions (wounds, scars, inflammations)
- Special applications (tinnitus, nail fungus)
Scientific sources
- Gavish L, Houreld NN (2019). Therapeutic Efficacy of Home-Use Photobiomodulation Devices: A Systematic Literature Review. PubMed: 31050938
- Bjordal JM et al. (2003). A systematic review of low level laser therapy with location-specific doses for pain from chronic joint disorders. PubMed: 12775206
- Stausholm MB et al. (2022). Efficacy of low-level laser therapy in patients with lower extremity tendinopathy or plantar fasciitis: systematic review and meta-analysis. PubMed: 36171024
- Chow RT et al. (2005). Systematic review of the literature of low-level laser therapy in the management of neck pain. PubMed: 15954117
- Giannelli M et al. (2019). Evaluation of the efficacy of a new low-level laser therapy home protocol in the treatment of temporomandibular joint disorder-related pain. PubMed: 30999823
- González-Muñoz A et al. (2023). Efficacy of Photobiomodulation Therapy in the Treatment of Pain and Inflammation: A Literature Review. PubMed: 37046865
- De Marchi T et al. (2022). Low-intensity LASER and LED (photobiomodulation therapy) for pain control of the most common musculoskeletal conditions. PubMed: 34913330
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. Consult your physician in case of complaints. Read the device user manual before starting treatment.
