Photobiomodulation (Low Level Light Therapy)

• What Parents Should Know About This Gentle, Science-Backed Therapy for Children

At The OT Zone, we understand the dedication it takes to help your child thrive, especially when they face challenges like speech delays, sensory sensitivities, sleep disruptions, or frequent illnesses. You’ve likely explored a range of therapies and lifestyle changes and may still be searching for something that truly supports your child’s comfort and development.

That’s where Photobiomodulation Therapy (PBMT), also known as Low Level Light Therapy (LLLT), offers a promising addition. PBMT uses safe, targeted wavelengths of red and near-infrared light to gently stimulate cellular activity, helping the body heal, regulate, and function more effectively.

Unlike many therapies that require active participation, PBMT is non-invasive, painless, and often calming. Many children relax during sessions, and some even nap through them (Leisman et al., 2022).

Why PBMT Is Especially Beneficial for Children  

PBMT goes beyond symptom management, it supports the root systems of healing and regulation. By enhancing cellular energy and supporting brain and nervous system function, PBMT may help children:

• Respond more effectively to speech, feeding, and occupational therapy  
• Experience calmer moods and deeper sleep  
• Reduce sensory overload or sensory-seeking behaviors  
• Recover more quickly from common illnesses  

This guide will walk you through how PBMT works, its safety profile, the types of light used, its impact on brain function, and how you can access it for your child at The OT Zone.

Is PBMT Safe for Kids?

Yes, when administered by trained professionals, PBMT is safe and well-tolerated. Unlike UV light, which can damage skin, PBMT uses non-ionizing red and near-infrared light that does not harm tissue or DNA (Yan et al., 2025).

Clinical studies show:

• Children with autism who received transcranial PBMT showed behavioral and neurological improvements with no moderate or severe side effects (Leisman et al., 2022; 2025).  
• PBMT for spastic cerebral palsy reduced muscle spasticity and improved control, with no adverse effects (Lins et al., 2024).  
• Red light therapy for childhood myopia safely slowed eye growth over 12 months (Wang et al., 2024).  

Because PBMT doesn’t involve medication or invasive procedures, many parents appreciate its gentle, complementary nature.

How PBMT Works

PBMT stimulates the mitochondria, your child’s cellular powerhouses. When exposed to red and near-infrared light, mitochondria produce more ATP (adenosine triphosphate), the energy that fuels healing, regulation, and growth.

This boost in cellular energy supports:

•  Faster recovery from illness or injury  
•  Improved brain regulation and function  
•  Enhanced immune response  
•  Greater resilience to stress and overstimulation  

For growing children, these benefits can lead to clearer speech, calmer behavior, and better sleep (Leisman et al., 2012).

Types of Light Used

Different wavelengths serve different purposes:

 Light Type                  | Wavelength Range  | Benefits                                                               

-------------------- |-------------------|---------------------------------------------------

Red Light                       600–700 nm              Surface-level support: skin, jaw, oral tissues 

Near-Infrared Light     800–1000 nm            Deeper tissue support: brain, muscles, nerves 

Many devices combine both for comprehensive support.

PBMT and Brain Function

PBMT’s impact on the developing brain is one of its most exciting applications. For children with ADHD, speech delays, or sensory processing differences, PBMT may:

•  Increase blood flow and oxygen to key brain regions  
•  Enhance neuroplasticity for learning and skill development  
•  Reduce neural inflammation for better communication between brain cells  
•  Support balanced brain wave activity for improved focus and calm  

Children with autism who received PBMT showed improved EEG activity and reduced symptom severity (Leisman et al., 2025).

What Research Says About PBMT Benefits

• Nervous System Regulation: Calms overactive neural networks, helping with transitions and emotional regulation  
• Speech & Language: Enhances oxygenation and energy in speech-related brain areas, complementing therapy  
• Sensory Processing: Reduces overstimulation and improves attention  
• Immune Support: Anti-inflammatory effects help children recover faster from common illnesses  
• Sleep: Supports melatonin production and circadian rhythm regulation  
• Muscle Tone & Spasticity: Reduces spasticity in children with cerebral palsy  
• Myopia Control: Slows progression of nearsightedness with safe, non-invasive red light therapy  

What a PBMT Session Looks Like at The OT Zone

Parents are often surprised by how easy and child-friendly PBMT sessions are:

• Duration: 5–20 minutes  
• Application: Light device placed near the target area (e.g., head, jaw)  
• Experience: Gentle warmth or no sensation; children often relax or nap  
• Frequency: Typically multiple sessions per week, then tapering to maintenance  

Even children who are sensitive to clinical environments usually tolerate PBMT well.

How to Get Started

Here’s how to explore PBMT for your child:

1. Consult a Qualified Provider: At the OT Zone, our team is trained in pediatric PBMT and integrates it with occupational therapy objectives.
2. Get a Personalized Plan: We’ll assess your child’s needs and recommend a tailored schedule.
3. Combine Therapies: PBMT works best alongside other therapies, enhancing outcomes and comfort.
4. Stay Consistent: Improvements build over time. Many families notice better sleep or mood within weeks. 

What to Expect

Gradual Progress - Small but meaningful changes often come first—better sleep, mood, or therapy engagement  

Individual Responses - Every child is unique; some respond quickly, others need more time  

Complementary Role - PBMT enhances. not replaces, traditional therapies  

Final Thoughts

Photobiomodulation is a safe, research-supported way to help children heal, regulate, and thrive. By targeting cellular energy and nervous system function, PBMT supports the foundations of growth and learning.

Whether your child is working on speech, sensory integration, or emotional regulation, PBMT may be the gentle boost that helps their progress feel smoother and more lasting.

Ready to explore PBMT at The OT Zone? Let’s talk about how light therapy can support your child’s journey.