Concussions are an unfortunate reality in contact sports—from rugby league and AFL to boxing, hockey, and martial arts. While most athletes are told to “rest and wait it out”, many players and parents feel frustrated by lingering symptoms like headaches, brain fog, poor sleep, and sensitivity to light.
It’s understandable. You felt fine structurally—no fracture, no bleed—yet something clearly isn’t right. Increasingly, research is finding that neuroinflammation and reduced cellular energy play a major role in prolonged concussion recovery.
This is where laser therapy, more formally known as transcranial photobiomodulation (tPBM), is gaining attention.
What is transcranial photobiomodulation?
Transcranial photobiomodulation uses low-level laser or LED light applied to the scalp to gently penetrate the skull and influence brain tissue—without heat, pain, or stimulation.
Unlike medications that try to suppress symptoms, tPBM works at a cellular level, supporting the brain’s own recovery processes.
The light energy has been shown to:
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Reduce neuroinflammation
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Improve cerebral blood flow
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Support mitochondrial function (ATP production)
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Help regulate oxidative stress
All of these processes are commonly disrupted after a concussion.
Updated research: what the science says (2025)
Recent peer-reviewed research indexed on PubMed (2025) highlights that transcranial photobiomodulation may assist recovery following mild traumatic brain injury, including sports-related concussion.
The latest findings suggest tPBM may help by:
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Modulating inflammatory pathways in the brain
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Supporting neuronal metabolism after injury
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Improving symptom resolution when used as part of a supervised recovery plan
Importantly, these effects are biological and measurable, not placebo-driven—making this approach increasingly relevant for athletes who want evidence-based options.
Why contact sport athletes are looking beyond medication
Painkillers and anti-inflammatories may mask symptoms, but they don’t directly support brain healing. Many athletes, parents, and clinicians are now questioning whether symptom suppression alone is enough.
Laser therapy appeals because it is:
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Non-invasive and drug-free
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Gentle enough for repeated use
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Focused on recovery, not just symptom control
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Compatible with rest, physiotherapy, and medical oversight
For athletes eager to return safely—not quickly—this matters.
What does a laser therapy session feel like?
One of the most reassuring aspects is how subtle it is.
Most people report:
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No pain or heat
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A calm or relaxing sensation
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Sessions lasting only minutes
This makes it suitable even for individuals who are light-sensitive or easily overstimulated after concussion.
At-home laser therapy: improving consistency
Access and consistency are key in recovery. While clinics offer in-office treatments, pulsed low-level laser devices designed for safe home use are now allowing athletes to maintain regular sessions without travel or disruption.
The Pulsed Low-Level Laser Therapy device from Pulse Laser Relief uses controlled pulsing parameters designed to support tissue recovery while remaining gentle and easy to use.
For many athletes, this means fewer missed sessions and better adherence to recovery plans.
Addressing common concerns upfront
“Is this a cure for concussion?”
No—and it shouldn’t be presented that way. Concussion recovery is multifactorial. Laser therapy is best viewed as a supportive tool, not a standalone fix.
“Is it safe for the brain?”
When used correctly, low-level laser therapy has a strong safety profile and has been studied in both neurological and rehabilitative settings.
A supportive option for modern concussion care
Concussion management is evolving. Rest alone is no longer seen as enough, yet aggressive interventions aren’t always appropriate either.
Laser therapy sits in the middle—gentle, evidence-informed, and supportive of the brain’s natural recovery mechanisms.
For contact sport athletes, coaches, and families looking for drug-free, non-invasive options, transcranial photobiomodulation is becoming an increasingly relevant part of the conversation.
References:
Lee TL, Chan DY, Chan DT, Cheung MC, Shum DH, Chan AS. Transcranial Photobiomodulation Improves Cognitive Function, Post-Concussion, and PTSD Symptoms in Mild Traumatic Brain Injury. J Neurotrauma. 2025 Oct;42(19-20):1695-1707. doi: 10.1089/neu.2025.0048. Epub 2025 Jun 9. PMID: 40485299.
