Red Light Therapy- Evidence and Indications
The PMRExam Podcast
PainExam Podcast Show Notes Red Light Therapy (Photobiomodulation) for Pain Evidence, Mechanisms, and Clinical Applications Host: Dr. David Rosenblum Red light therapy, also known as photobiomodulation (PBM) or low-level laser therapy (LLLT), is an emerging non-invasive treatment modality increasingly used in pain medicine, rehabilitation, and regenerative medicine practices. In this episode of the PainExam Podcast, Dr. Rosenblum reviews the mechanisms, clinical evidence, indications, and safety considerations surrounding photobiomodulation therapy for pain. Red and near-infrared wavelengths...
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Regenerative Pain Medicine and your Practice- ASIPP Talk 2026
The PMRExam Podcast
Dr. Rosenblum from presented a webinar on the integration of regenerative medicine into pain practices, highlighting its benefits and applications. He discussed the evolution of treating pain, emphasizing the shift from neural blockade to addressing tissue health. Dave explained the use of PRP and BMAC in treating conditions like knee pain, and shared patient success stories. He addressed common misconceptions about regenerative medicine, including its cost and effectiveness. Dave also mentioned upcoming events and training opportunities in regenerative medicine. Regenerative Medicine...
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Peptides and BPC 157: What's the deal?
The PMRExam Podcast
Peptides in Pain Management: BPC-157, Risks, Reality, and the Business of Regenerative Medicine Episode Length: ~12–15 minutes Target Audience: Pain physicians, anesthesiologists, PM&R, sports medicine, and regenerative medicine clinicians Hosted by: Dr. David Rosenblum, MD Produced by: PainExam | NRAP Academy 🧠 Episode Overview Peptides like BPC-157 have exploded in popularity across regenerative medicine, sports medicine, and cash-based pain practices — but does the science support the hype? In this episode of PainExam, Dr. David Rosenblum takes a critical, evidence-based look at...
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Meralgia Paresthetica for the PM&R Boards
The PMRExam Podcast
Meralgia Paresthetica Education and the PM&R Boards This podcast episode from the NRAP Academy features Dr. David Rosenblum discussing Meralgia Paresthetica, a mononeuropathy affecting the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve. The condition involves entrapment or compression of this purely sensory nerve as it passes under the inguinal ligament near the anterior superior iliac spine, causing burning pain, tingling, and numbness in the anterior lateral thigh. Key clinical points covered include the nerve's L2-3 origin from the lumbar plexus, common causes such as obesity, tight clothing,...
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Does Kratom Relieve Pain? Risks, Benefits and more!
The PMRExam Podcast
🎙️ PainExam Podcast Show Notes Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa): What Pain Physicians Must Know for the Boards In this episode, Dr. David Rosenblum reviews the current science, pharmacology, risks, and clinical relevance of Kratom — an herbal substance widely discussed by pain patients and increasingly appearing on pain-medicine board exams. The discussion focuses on evidence-based mechanisms, safety considerations, and counseling points essential for ABA/ABPM/ABIPP/FIPP board preparation. 🔍 Key Board-Relevant Takeaways 1. Pharmacology & Mechanism Kratom’s primary alkaloids are...
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Caudal Epidurals with PRP, Ultrasound Guidance & more!
The PMRExam Podcast
Caudal Epidural Steroid Injection with PRP Case Reports and a Testimonial! Upcoming Training Courses and Services and : New York and Detroit locations scheduled Private Coaching Services: Ultrasound guidance Preceptorship Board preparation coaching Contact available via email for interested physicians PRP Caudal Epidural Research Review Study Overview: Randomized double-blind controlled pilot study comparing leukocyte-rich PRP versus corticosteroids in caudal epidural space 50 patients randomly assigned to two groups Treatment options: triamcinolone 60mg or...
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Supplements for Pain, the Evidence!
The PMRExam Podcast
Episode Overview In this episode, Dr. David Rosenblum discusses the role of supplements and complementary strategies in the management of chronic pain. Drawing from clinical practice at AABP Integrative Pain Care, as well as his teaching and training programs, Dr. Rosenblum reviews how nutraceuticals, regenerative therapies, ultrasound-guided procedures, and neuromodulation can work together to improve patient outcomes and reduce opioid reliance. This episode also highlights educational opportunities and exam-prep resources for pain fellows, residents, anesthesiologists, physiatrists, and APPs...
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ACL Tear Treatment with BMC and Platelet Products: Journal Club
The PMRExam Podcast
Pain Exam Podcast Recent Conference Activities London Conference Weekend: Successfully attended and spoke at ISPN and SOMOS care conferences Somos Care Conference: Delivered presentation on pain management for primary care physicians Presentation consisted of 50+ slides with only one slide dedicated to opiates Emphasized shift away from opiate-based treatments in interventional pain management Recommended primary care physicians refer patients to pain specialists for comprehensive treatment options ISPN Conference: Participated in international pain management conference Met with...
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TENS: Mechanism of Action and Evidence
The PMRExam Podcast
Project Sync / Status Update Summary Podcast Episode Overview The host discussed Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) as a recurring pain board topic and reviewed mechanisms, efficacy, and clinical considerations. Emphasis that TENS appears on pain boards annually and is a foundational topic from early podcast episodes. Board Prep and NRAP Community at or ABA ABPM ABIPP FIPP Pain Management Board prep, Question Banks, and Virtual Pain Fellowship Educational Offerings and Events Training and Courses: Monthly ultrasound courses in New York and upcoming courses in Detroit...
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ADSC (Adipose Stem Cells) vs BMAC for Knee OA
The PMRExam Podcast
Exploring the Efficacy of BMAC and ADSC Injections in Knee Osteoarthritis Hosts: David Rosenblum,MD Overview: In this episode, we delve into a recent study published in the Indian Journal of Orthopaedics that compares the therapeutic efficacy of Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate (BMAC) and Adipose-Derived Stem Cells (ADSCs) for treating knee osteoarthritis (OA). The study aims to provide insights into the effectiveness of these regenerative treatments and their correlation with mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) cellularity. Key Points Discussed: Background on Osteoarthritis:...
info_outlinePainExam Podcast Show Notes
Red Light Therapy (Photobiomodulation) for Pain
Evidence, Mechanisms, and Clinical Applications
Host: Dr. David Rosenblum
Red light therapy, also known as photobiomodulation (PBM) or low-level laser therapy (LLLT), is an emerging non-invasive treatment modality increasingly used in pain medicine, rehabilitation, and regenerative medicine practices.
In this episode of the PainExam Podcast, Dr. Rosenblum reviews the mechanisms, clinical evidence, indications, and safety considerations surrounding photobiomodulation therapy for pain.
Red and near-infrared wavelengths stimulate mitochondrial activity, increase ATP production, reduce inflammatory mediators, and promote tissue healing. These physiologic effects may translate into analgesic benefits for a variety of musculoskeletal and neuropathic pain conditions.
Clinical research suggests potential benefit in temporomandibular disorders, chronic neck pain, and inflammatory oral conditions, though results vary due to differences in dosing parameters and treatment protocols.
Despite these limitations, PBM has a favorable safety profile and is increasingly being integrated into multimodal pain management strategies.
Key Topics Covered
• What is photobiomodulation therapy (PBM)
• How red and near-infrared light interact with mitochondria
• Mechanisms of analgesia and tissue repair
• Evidence from clinical trials in TMD, neck pain, and oral inflammatory pain
• The biphasic dose response (Arndt-Schulz law)
• Safety profile and contraindications
• How PBM may integrate with regenerative pain medicine
Mechanism of Action
Photobiomodulation works primarily through stimulation of mitochondrial chromophores, particularly cytochrome c oxidase.
This leads to:
• Increased ATP production
• Modulation of inflammatory cytokines
• Increased angiogenesis and tissue repair
• Reduced oxidative stress
These effects may improve pain, inflammation, and healing in certain musculoskeletal conditions.
Evidence Discussed in This Episode
Temporomandibular Disorders
Randomized trial demonstrating improvements in pain and mandibular function with red light therapy.
De Carvalho et al., Pain Research and Treatment (2019)
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1155/2019/8578703
Chronic Neck Pain
Clinical trial demonstrating improvements in pain scores and pressure pain thresholds after photobiomodulation therapy.
Chen et al., Lasers in Medical Science (2022)
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10103-022-03540-0
Oral Pain and Dental Inflammation
Randomized study demonstrating reduced pain and improved healing following PBM treatment.
Almeida et al., BMC Oral Health (2023)
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12903-023-02784-8
Who May Benefit From Photobiomodulation?
Red light therapy may be considered as an adjunct treatment for:
• myofascial pain
• cervical spine pain
• temporomandibular disorder
• tendinopathy
• peripheral neuropathy
• musculoskeletal injury recovery
Safety and Contraindications
Photobiomodulation has a very favorable safety profile.
Reported adverse effects are rare and usually mild:
• transient erythema
• warmth at treatment site
• headache
• eye irritation without proper protection
Precautions include:
• avoiding direct retinal exposure
• avoiding treatment over malignancy
• avoiding application over the uterus during pregnancy
• caution in photosensitive disorders
Resources
For Patients Seeking Treatment
Learn more about integrative and regenerative pain treatments including PRP, ultrasound-guided injections, and advanced pain therapies:
AABP Integrative Pain Care & Wellness
https://www.AABPpain.com
For Pain Physicians and Advanced Practice Providers
Training in ultrasound, interventional pain procedures, and pain board preparation:
NRAP Academy CME Education
https://www.NRAPpain.org