Deep Tissue Healing with Whole Organ Photobiomodulation
Cover Story on MedTech Outlook Magazine
About this article
Infrared Photo Biostimulation Devices 2025
LightMD has been recognized by MedTech Outlook Magazine as the exclusive recipient of “Top Infrared Photo Biostimulation Devices 2025,” based on MedTech Outlook’s proprietary methodology, reflecting on LightMD’s position in the industry, and is also named among “Top Physiotherapy and Pain Management Solutions,” and reflecting on the company’s broader leadership.
This article has been developed by the MedTech Outlook research and editorial team based on insights from an interview with Daniel Schell (Founder & President) and Richard K. Williams (Founder, CEO, & CTO)
The original article can be found here: Go to MedTech Outlook
LightMD pioneers a new standard in light-based therapy with a whole-organ deep-tissue photobiomodulation (PBM) platform that ensures precise treatment across diverse tissues. Decades of research and development culminated in the Mark II, LightMD’s flagship system that replaces one-size-fits-all consumer devices with medical- grade technology for clinically calibrated care. Engineered for adaptability and to minimize optical losses in the epithelium, it combines multi-wavelength, tissue-specific light with programmable pulse control to deliver energy that penetrates deeply and evenly.
"The Mark II PBM System confirms what’s possible by relentless medical innovation and an unwavering commitment for improving patient care options."
Human tissues vary in how they absorb and respond to light. Each tissue type, from skin to muscle to internal organs, has its own structure, density and optical depth that determine how light penetrates, how energy is absorbed, and how healing is triggered. Most light therapy systems rely on fixed red and near-infrared wavelengths delivered at a single pulse rate that limits precision and reduces therapeutic impact.
The Mark II overcomes these limitations by dynamically adjusting wavelength, frequency and intensity to the specific properties of each tissue, ensuring every area and tissue depth receives the optimal therapeutic dose with clinical precision.
“When we started there were no commercial PBM systems to guide us. We had to develop everything from first principles,” says Daniel Schell, founder and president. “Twenty-five years later, the Mark II confirms what is possible through relentless medical innovation driven by an unwavering commitment for improving patient care options.”
By evenly delivering energy through tissue-specific wavelengths and dynamically varying pulse rates, the Mark II achieves uniform penetration and energy transfer not physically possible using rigid devices or scanned lasers. The clinical-grade photobiomodulation platform is used by physicians, therapists and researchers across disciplines, including internal medicine, neurology, rehabilitation, sports and autoimmune care. Its adaptability makes this breadth possible, enabling clinicians to treat entire organs and deep tissue in a single session without repositioning or manual intervention. The result is hands-free, consistent therapy designed for clinical efficiency.
Clinicians are empowered to easily deliver complex protocols, while patients benefit from faster recovery and expanded treatment possibilities. Backed by more than thirty U.S. and international patents–the largest portfolio in the field—LightMD stands as the definitive leader in photobiomodulation science and technology.
Precision Engineering for Clinical Flexibility
Each Mark II system features six modular LightPads containing over 1,200 high-efficiency LEDs, to collectively cover 1,200 square centimeters. The pads incorporate patented dynamic calibration technology to ensure uniform brightness and consistent energy delivery across all sessions. This precision leads to predictable, repeatable therapeutic results.
The modular design allows pads to be reconfigured for different anatomical targets, from the spine, sternum and pelvic area to internal organs such as the lungs, liver and kidneys. A specialized neck collar enables treatment of the throat, cranium and oral cavity, supporting both intraoral and transcranial applications.
Its patented 3D-bendable LightPads are made of a non- porous, hypoallergenic polymer protected by replaceable silicone aseptic covers, preventing cross-contamination and allergic reactions.
Treatments typically last 20 minutes, with optional, extended protocols called sessions taking up to one hour. They are controlled through a color touchscreen interface with an intuitive menu. Temperature adjustments within a safe range maintain comfort and eliminate risk. The patented photonic engine provides independent dual-output, allowing two sets of LightPads to operate simultaneously with distinct settings for wavelength, pulse rate, intensity, temperature and timing. This allows targeted, reproducible dosing across different tissue areas in a single session.
Specialized Versions for Targeted Care
The Mark II system comes in specialized versions tailored to different fields of care. ChiroPro helps chiropractors and physical therapists treat musculoskeletal issues with speed and precision. MedPro focuses on internal medicine and supports the treatment of systemic conditions including those involving visceral organs and neurological function. SportsPro is designed for athletes to enhance performance and accelerate recovery while reducing injury risk. DermaPro takes on skin- related medical challenges, from acne and rashes to infections and fungal lesions.
For clinicians and researchers needing full control, the Mark II Basic offers manual settings that can be configured for custom protocols and clinical studies. The Mark II Health provides a balanced option for wellness-oriented applications.
All models are compatible with LightMD’s full range of LightPads, including red–infrared, blue–infrared, green– infrared and violet–infrared combinations. These pads are selected based on tissue type and treatment goals, enhancing biological specificity across use cases.
Based on its proprietary LightOS operating system, OneTouchTM interface, and graphical touchscreen UI, practitioners can run complex, tissue-specific protocols with minimal input, enabling treatment of multiple patients simultaneously while maintaining dosing precision.
The system meets international safety and manufacturing standards, such as IEC photobiological eye safety (no goggles required), ISO-13485, CE, FCC, and QS/CGMP.
"Combining Silicon Valley innovation with FDA-audited world-class manufacturing, LightMD delivers practitioners convenient therapeutic PBM for transforming patient outcomes."
Human and Animal Clinical Validations
“Our goal is all about giving medical practitioners new tools to transform patient outcomes,” said Richard K. Williams, founder, CEO and CTO. “To accomplish this ambitious goal, we’ve combined Silicon Valley innovation with FDA-audited world-class manufacturing to create the Mark II, a device unparalleled in its ease-of-use and therapeutic capability.”
LightMD’s engineering rigor has translated directly into clinical outcomes. It began with a bold demonstration of its unique potential during the deadly outbreak early in the COVID-19 pandemic. Fifty patients with acute COVID-19 were treated with light therapy, without pharmacological intervention. Most patients recovered within days. First published in Wiley’s highly respected Journal of Biophotonics, the paper was honored as one of the top-ten most downloaded Wiley medical papers in 2023.
This was followed by a second peer-reviewed study published in two journal papers totaling 92 pages, comprising detailed outcomes of 350 additional COVID-19 cases including 200 acute and 150 long COVID patients. In acute cases, the therapy targeted hyperinflammation, the primary driver of disease severity. In one case, a patient’s C-reactive protein level spiked from 0.7 to 9 despite hospital- administered drugs. After one Mark II session, it dropped to 4.5. A second treatment reduced it to 0.8. Hospital data, including bloodwork, oxygen levels, temperature and x-rays, confirmed immediate reductions in inflammation and clearing of lung opacity.
In long COVID patients, symptoms ranged from persistent respiratory distress to neurological impairment, including brain fog, memory loss and appetite disruption. Treatment led to full recovery across all reported cases, further validating the system’s effectiveness in post-viral care.
Day 13, pre-PBM
RALE=6, CRP=9.04
Day 16, 1 PBM Session
RALE=3, CRP=3.54
Day 19, 4 PBM Session
RALE=2, CRP=0.65
Bronchial inflammation as measured by ground glass lung opacity (RALE) and C-reactive protein (CRP) in hospitalized COVID-19 patients has been shown to respond rapidly to transdermal PBM treatments, especially when compared to patients receiving only anti-inflammatory steroidal medications (attribution: Applied BioPhotonics Ltd).
Its therapeutic effect spans beyond infectious diseases. In a separate study, a physician evaluated 10 hip replacement patients, five treated with the Mark II and five with a sham device. Electrical conductivity measured tissue swelling. The Mark II group showed 30 to 40 percent less edema and recovered in nearly half the time, pointing to accelerated healing and reduced infection risk. Follow-on case studies ensued, also with favorable outcomes.
Other physician-documented recoveries include a stroke patient who regained mobility after six months of paralysis and an adolescent with Bell’s palsy who experienced rapid restoration of facial muscle tone. In an Alzheimer’s case, a woman in her late 70s suffering from prosopagnosia and functional dependence regained independence and began playing mahjong again.
An oncologist who had long relied on the Mark II to ease chemotherapy-related pain in her patients faced a personal health crisis when she developed severe cardiac complications. By the time she was discharged from the hospital, her heart function had dropped to 20 percent. Guided remotely by physicians familiar with LightMD, she began using the Mark II on herself, and within five weeks, her heart function returned to normal. Her personal physicians could not explain the recovery, and she has since become a strong advocate for the technology.
Proof in Practice
The Mark II’s impact has been documented across human medicine, sports performance and even veterinary care. Highlights include:
- Nephrology—In one clinical trial now in preparation, a transplant specialist is launching a study to determine whether the Mark II can help reduce the need for kidney transplants.
- Limb Preservation—Independent studies report successful prevention of lower-limb amputations in diabetic necrotic tissue cases by applying pro-circulatory PBM therapy.
- Sports Medicine—During the Brazil Olympics, the Chinese swim team used the Mark II to boost circulation and recovery. The athletes surpassed expectations, securing multiple gold medals.
- HIV Immune Support—A physician living with HIV underwent 15 Mark II sessions and recorded a 30 percent rise in T cells, a 40 percent increase in lymphocytes and a doubling of platelet count. He now uses booster sessions for health maintenance.
- Neurological Health—Research confirms the Mark II’s role in stimulating neuromodulation, enhancing memory, regulating neuroendocrine function and modulating immune response through vagus and cranial nerve pathways.
- Autoimmune Care—In conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, clinicians have observed reduced immune overactivation and pain, though longer protocols are often required.
Brodmann cortex map showing trans-hemispheric neural connectivity before (left) and after (right) transcranial photobiomodulation. Enhancing left-to-right brain communication with PBM has been shown to produce favorable outcomes in the treatment of certain forms of depression and anxiety syndromes (attribution: Applied BioPhotonics Ltd)
Since its launch in 2021, the Mark II has supported millions of treatment hours in human clinics, with its applications now extending into veterinary medicine. LightMD’s dedicated divisions, PetLight.vet and EquineLight, apply the same technology to animals, producing equally inspiring results. One dog, diagnosed with end-stage cardiomyopathy and given three months to live, fully recovered after semiweekly light therapy. Imaging confirmed the heart had returned to normal size and function. The case was documented publicly and even inspired a children’s book.
In the equine world, a racehorse owned by one of the world’s largest camel and horse breeders was sidelined with exercise- induced pulmonary hemorrhaging. This condition typically takes over a year to resolve. After four treatments with the Mark II, the bleeding stopped. The horse went on to win the Dubai Derby just days later.
Trusted by hospitals, research centers and veterinary practices worldwide, the Mark II is redefining what’s possible with light-based therapy. With its proven versatility and ever expanding clinical evidence, LightMD stands at the forefront of a medical shift, advancing toward its vision of making whole-organ photobiomodulation a global standard of care.