Photobiomodulation (PBM), more widely known as red light therapy, has surged in popularity across South Africa. Treatment options are widely available in clinical practices, sporting facilities and wellness centres, with no shortage of hype being built on social media. Amidst this surge in popularity medical professionals are urging the public to trade commercial hype for scientific integrity.
Industry analysts consistently identify photobiomodulation as one of the fastest-growing wellness and recovery categories globally and sessions are no longer confined to specialist rooms. Red light therapy is now offered in sports facilities, hotel spas, dedicated studios, physiotherapy and pain clinics, beauty chains, and as home devices.
While the technology offers significant therapeutic potential, experts caution that an under-regulated market risks confusing consumers with exaggerated claims or uncalibrated hardware.
Unlike surgical lasers or heat lamps, PBM is a strictly non-thermal, non-invasive therapy. It stimulates cellular energy by interacting directly with mitochondria via light sensitive targets in the electron transport chain. However, as clinical adoption accelerates, medical advisors stress the importance of respecting biological nuance over “one-size-fits-all” marketing.
Dr Margo de Kooker is a medical doctor and physiologist, research associate, and the chief medical officer for the South African photobiomodulation company MedWave, a SAHPRA-registered medical device establishment. De Kooker says that every person who steps under a light panel has a unique metabolic capacity, health status, and mitochondrial profile.
“There is no single ‘miracle protocol’ that cures every ailment. We are in a vital translational phase where basic laboratory science in PBM is needing to be thoughtfully translated into clinical practice. Health professionals must apply sound clinical judgment. They should ask the right diagnostic questions and respond to clinical and client feedback rather than treating PBM as a point-and-shoot shortcut,” she says.
Peer-reviewed research and systematic reviews in photobiomodulation are currently consolidating around four primary clinical areas, says Dr de Kooker.
Wound care and skin regeneration
“Wound care and skin regeneration is the historical foundation of PBM since the 1960s, focused on accelerating cellular repair for non-healing wounds, improving post-surgical recovery, and enhancing skin health,” she explains.
Pain and inflammation management
Dr De Kooker explains that in emerging systematic reviews PBM has been shown to modulate inflammatory pathways to relieve the symptoms and improve clinical outcomes in acute and chronic musculoskeletal conditions.
Metabolic health
“This is an area that looks at supporting cellular energy regulation, insulin sensitivity, and metabolic health,” she explains.
Neurological Health
This is a fast-moving research frontier focusing on brain bioenergetics and neuro-inflammatory support.
At the leading edge of LED array-based PBM technology in South Africa, MedWave develops and supplies red and near-infrared photobiomodulation panels to clinics, gyms and wellness practices.
CEO Davide Duranti says “at the formation of MedWave we have dedicated ourselves to seeking opportunities to initiate clinical research with our devices. It must be said, that although the MedWave technology is highly effective, we consider our technology as an adjunct to a holistic treatment plan. This is the reason we have multiple clinicians on staff, because building technology is about patient results and embracing deep clinical understanding.”
For the last two years in South Africa, MedWave has focused intensely on delivering in-depth science, clinical support and professional development events, running approximately 20-30 major events in the last 15 months, both online and in person, for healthcare providers seeking innovative solutions to persistent clinical challenges.
Duranti says that while practitioners might think that all photobiomodulation is compliant and primed to deliver the same results, this is not the case. The most concerning element to look out for is compliance, he says.
Three critical reasons compliance matters in red light therapy
- Devices manufactured to recognised quality standards are more likely to deliver consistent long-term value.
- Accurate wavelengths, power density and manufacturing controls help support treatment consistency.
- Regulatory compliance helps ensure safety, reliability and protects practitioners and consumer protection.
“Compliance should never be an afterthought. It’s the foundation of everything we do. There must be an unrelenting commitment high-quality red light therapy solutions that meet rigorous standards for safety, performance, and trust,” he says.
Duranti adds that as photobiomodulation becomes more widely adopted in South Africa, it is critical for the market to weigh price with quality because in this industry, “cheap” often comes at a high cost.
