Why isn't Photobiomodulation a mainstream treatment?

In this podcast episode, Dr. Michael Hamlin discusses the reasons why Photobiomodulation (PBM) hasn't become a mainstream treatment despite numerous studies showcasing its benefits. He explains that the historical belief in the magical properties of lasers without understanding the underlying photobiology led to inconsistent results and negative studies. Additionally, the cost of conducting randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trials, which are required for acceptance by the medical community, poses a financial challenge for smaller companies producing PBM devices. Moreover, PBM has often been associated with alternative and complementary medicine due to a lack of understanding of its molecular mechanisms. However, Dr. Hamlin highlights the potential of PBM in addressing serious diseases like Alzheimer's and age-related macular degeneration, where pharmaceutical treatments are limited. He concludes that while invasive procedures and individualized dosing may play a role, further research is needed to determine the most effective approach.