Concussions and mild traumatic brain injuries (mTBIs) are all too common in sports. Whether it’s a knock on the football field, a fall during cycling, or an accidental clash in netball, the effects often linger well beyond the initial injury.
Headaches, brain fog, memory lapses, and mood changes can persist for weeks—or even months. For athletes and active people, the frustration of wanting to get back to life, study, or sport while dealing with these symptoms can be overwhelming.
This is why there’s growing interest in low-level laser therapy (LLLT), also known as photobiomodulation (PBM), as a supportive tool for brain recovery.
Why Concussion Symptoms Linger
A concussion isn’t just a “bump on the head.” It disrupts brain function at a cellular level:
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Reduced blood flow limits oxygen and nutrient delivery
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Inflammation causes swelling and impairs healing
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Mitochondrial dysfunction reduces energy available for brain repair
This combination often explains the fogginess, slow thinking, and fatigue people report after a head injury. Traditional management usually involves rest and gradual return to activity, but many seek additional support for recovery.
How Laser Therapy May Help Brain Healing
LLLT uses safe, low-intensity red and near-infrared light to stimulate cellular repair. When applied to the head, the light penetrates through the scalp and skull to reach brain tissue.
Potential benefits include:
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Enhanced blood flow, improving oxygen delivery
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Reduced inflammation, helping limit secondary damage
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Boosted mitochondrial energy, supporting faster cellular repair
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Neuroprotective effects, promoting resilience in brain tissue
Emerging studies back this up. A 2024 clinical trial published in Frontiers in Neurology reported that transcranial photobiomodulation therapy led to improvements in cognitive performance, attention, and memory in individuals with chronic mTBI (source: PubMed).
A Non-Invasive Supportive Therapy
Unlike medications, which often only manage symptoms, laser therapy works by supporting the body’s natural healing pathways. It’s painless, non-invasive, and doesn’t carry the risks associated with pharmaceuticals.
That said, it’s not a stand-alone cure. LLLT is best seen as a complementary therapy—something that can be used alongside medical care, physiotherapy, and cognitive rehabilitation.
What People Notice in Recovery
Those who use laser therapy for concussion recovery often report:
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Clearer thinking and reduced brain fog
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Fewer headaches and less head pressure
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Improved mood and sleep patterns
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Faster return to physical and mental activity
Of course, everyone’s recovery is unique, but the trend towards enhanced mental clarity and energy is encouraging.
Accessible Options for At-Home Care
Not long ago, this type of therapy was limited to research labs or specialised clinics. Today, portable devices make it possible to access the same technology at home.
For example, the Pulsed Low-Level Laser Therapy Device offers a non-invasive way to deliver targeted light therapy. While it’s not specifically marketed for brain injuries, it uses the same principles that researchers are exploring for neurological recovery.
The Feel–Felt–Found Perspective
You might be thinking: “Concussions are serious—can a light really make a difference?”
That’s a fair concern. Many athletes and parents have felt the same way at first. But what they’ve found is that PBM doesn’t just mask symptoms—it targets the root issues like poor circulation and cellular stress, helping the brain recover more effectively.
Supporting a Smarter Recovery
Concussions can be life-altering, but they don’t have to define your future. With medical care, rest, and supportive tools like laser therapy, recovery can feel smoother and more complete.
👉 Explore how pulsed low-level laser therapy can fit into a holistic recovery approach here.
References:
Chan ST, Mercaldo N, Figueiro Longo MG, Welt J, Avesta A, Lee J, Lev MH, Ratai EM, Wenke MR, Parry BA, Drake L, Anderson RR, Rauch T, Diaz-Arrastia R, Kwong KK, Hamblin M, Vakoc BJ, Gupta R. Effects of Low-Level Light Therapy on Resting-State Connectivity Following Moderate Traumatic Brain Injury: Secondary Analyses of a Double-blinded Placebo-controlled Study. Radiology. 2024 May;311(2):e230999. doi: 10.1148/radiol.230999. PMID: 38805733; PMCID: PMC11140530.
