Read Time: 12 minutes
Author: Samantha Thompson
Updated: 20th June 2026
Light therapy, or photobiomodulation (PBM), has emerged as a groundbreaking tool in health and wellness, with the 1060nm wavelength (also referred to as 1064nm in clinical research) standing out as one of the most promising options.
This near-infrared wavelength penetrates deeper into tissues than other wavelengths, making it uniquely effective for a wide range of applications, from pain relief and brain health to bone repair and oral care.
In this article, we dive into the science behind 1060nm light therapy, summarise the published research, and explore its benefits for both humans and animals.
1060nm light therapy is a form of photobiomodulation (PBM), a non-invasive treatment that uses specific wavelengths of light to stimulate cellular activity and promote healing.
Unlike visible red light, which typically operates in the 630-660nm range and is absorbed by surface tissues like the skin, 1060nm light falls within the near-infrared spectrum. This wavelength penetrates much deeper into the body, reaching muscles, joints, bones, and even the brain.
This deep penetration is what sets 1060nm light therapy apart. While red light is excellent for skin rejuvenation and surface-level healing, 1060nm light targets deeper tissues, making it effective for addressing a broader range of conditions, from chronic pain and joint inflammation to cognitive decline and bone repair.
At its core, 1060nm light therapy works by delivering light energy to the mitochondria, the powerhouses of our cells.
When mitochondria absorb this light, they produce more adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the molecule responsible for storing and transferring energy within cells. This boost in ATP production enhances cellular repair, reduces inflammation, and promotes tissue healing.
Additionally, 1060nm light has been shown to:
- Improve blood flow: By stimulating the formation of new capillaries, it enhances oxygen and nutrient delivery to tissues.
- Reduce oxidative stress: It helps neutralise free radicals, which are harmful molecules that contribute to ageing and disease.
- Modulate neural activity: By penetrating the skull, it can influence brain function, improving cognitive performance and mood.
1. Brain Health and Cognitive Function
1060nm light therapy has shown significant potential in enhancing brain health.
A growing body of research demonstrates improvements in cognitive performance, EEG patterns, and functional brain connectivity, meaning different areas of the brain communicate more effectively.
Cognitive Performance and BDNF: A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial found that transcranial photobiomodulation significantly increased cognitive performance and serum BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor) levels in adults over 50.
BDNF is a key protein that supports the survival and growth of neurons and plays an important role in memory and learning. View Study on PubMed
Systematic Review of Cognitive Enhancement: A systematic review and meta-analysis of transcranial photobiomodulation studies in healthy adults confirmed that near-infrared light therapy (including 1060-1064nm wavelengths) improved cognitive performance across multiple domains.
The authors concluded that transcranial PBM is a promising non-invasive approach to cognitive enhancement. View Study on PubMed Central
Foundational Research by Gonzalez-Lima: Landmark research from the Gonzalez-Lima laboratory at the University of Texas demonstrated that transcranial laser stimulation at 1064nm targeting the right prefrontal cortex improved both cognitive and emotional brain functions in controlled trials.
This research established 1064nm as the primary wavelength of interest for transcranial photobiomodulation. View Study on PubMed Central
2. Pain Relief and Joint Health
Chronic pain is one of the most common reasons people turn to light therapy, and Nd:YAG laser therapy at 1064nm has a substantial evidence base for pain and joint conditions.
Knee Osteoarthritis: A randomised controlled trial by Alayat et al. (2017) examined the efficacy of pulsed Nd:YAG (1064nm) laser therapy in patients with knee osteoarthritis and found statistically significant improvements in pain scores and functional outcomes compared to sham treatment. View Study on PubMed
Chronic Low Back Pain: A randomised controlled study on pulsed Nd:YAG (1064nm) laser therapy for chronic nonspecific low back pain found significant reductions in pain intensity and functional disability over the treatment period, with improvements in lumbar flexion range of motion. View Study on PubMed
Systematic Review of Laser Therapy for Back Pain: A 2021 systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials confirmed that laser therapy significantly reduces pain in patients with chronic low back pain compared to placebo, with the evidence supporting high-intensity laser protocols (which commonly use the 1064nm Nd:YAG wavelength) showing particularly strong effects. View Study on PubMed
3. Oral Health
1064nm laser therapy has been studied extensively in dental applications, where Nd:YAG lasers have been used in clinical practice for decades.
Dentin Hypersensitivity: Published clinical studies confirm that photobiomodulation is effective in reducing dentin hypersensitivity (tooth sensitivity). A randomised clinical trial evaluating photobiomodulation for dentin hypersensitivity following periodontal therapy found significant reductions in sensitivity compared to control conditions. View Study on PubMed
Nd:YAG Laser for Dental Hypersensitivity: One of the earliest clinical studies on Nd:YAG laser (1064nm) for dental hypersensitivity demonstrated meaningful reductions in tooth sensitivity, establishing 1064nm as an effective wavelength for this application and paving the way for modern dental laser protocols. View Study on PubMed
4. Bone Health
Near-infrared laser therapy has shown promise for supporting bone healing and repair, with research pointing to enhanced cellular activity in bone-forming cells (osteoblasts) and improved recovery from fractures.
Infrared Laser and Bone Healing: A controlled study found that near-infrared laser therapy, when used alongside guided bone regeneration protocols, increased positive biomodulating effects, accelerating bone formation and improving outcomes in bone repair compared to non-laser controls. View Study on PubMed
Bone Density and 1064nm: Emerging research using 1064nm light has demonstrated stimulation of chondrocyte regeneration and cartilage remodelling, with mechanisms including upregulation of local signalling pathways that support joint and bone tissue health. View Study on PubMed
Animal Studies: Evidence from Veterinary Research
Research into photobiomodulation in animals primarily involves controlled studies in rodents, with a growing body of clinical evidence from veterinary practice in dogs, cats, and horses.
The cellular mechanisms of photobiomodulation are consistent across mammalian species, which is why findings from animal studies are considered directly relevant to pets and humans alike.
1. Bone Repair
Near-infrared photobiomodulation has been shown in multiple controlled animal studies to accelerate bone healing, improve bone formation, and reduce recovery time following fractures and orthopaedic procedures.
The mechanisms, including enhanced osteoblast activity and increased collagen synthesis, have been consistently demonstrated in rodent models and are increasingly supported by veterinary case reports.
2. Skin and Wound Healing
In vitro and animal studies consistently show that near-infrared wavelengths increase collagen production, accelerate wound closure, and reduce inflammation at wound sites.
These findings underpin the clinical use of photobiomodulation in veterinary wound care, where it is used to support healing following surgery or injury across species.
3. Immune Function
Preclinical research suggests that photobiomodulation may modulate immune responses, including supporting cellular energy production in immune cells and reducing chronic inflammation.
While breed-specific clinical trials are limited, the foundational research supports the use of near-infrared therapy as an immune-supportive adjunct in veterinary care.
4. Pain Relief and Joint Health
The same mechanisms that make 1060nm effective for human arthritis and joint pain apply in animals.
Veterinary use of photobiomodulation for managing musculoskeletal pain is well established, with systematic reviews of the veterinary literature confirming applications for arthritis, soft tissue injuries, and post-surgical pain across species.
In Vitro Studies: Understanding the Mechanisms
Key Findings from 1060nm In Vitro Studies
1. Cell Proliferation and Repair Laboratory studies have shown that near-infrared light at 1060-1064nm enhances fibroblast proliferation and osteoblast activity.
Fibroblasts produce collagen and repair connective tissue, while osteoblasts are responsible for bone formation.
These findings support the use of 1060nm therapy for wound healing and bone repair applications.
2. Anti-Inflammatory Effects In vitro research consistently demonstrates that near-infrared photobiomodulation reduces key inflammatory markers in human cells, including cytokines and reactive oxygen species.
This provides a cellular explanation for the pain relief and anti-inflammatory effects observed in clinical studies.
3. Neuroprotection Laboratory studies have demonstrated that near-infrared light protects neurons from oxidative stress, which is a major contributor to neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
These findings support the emerging clinical research into transcranial photobiomodulation for brain health.
What Are In Vitro Studies?
In vitro studies (literally “in glass,” referring to test tubes or petri dishes) are experiments conducted in controlled laboratory settings outside a living organism.
These studies are foundational to scientific research, providing critical insights into how treatments like 1060nm light therapy work at the cellular and molecular levels.
While they do not replicate the complexity of living systems, they serve as a crucial first step in understanding mechanisms before moving to animal or human trials.
| For In Vitro Studies | Against In Vitro Studies |
|---|---|
| Cost-effective and efficient | Cannot fully replicate living systems |
| Controlled environment to isolate variables | Results may not always translate to living organisms |
| Reduce need for early-stage animal testing | Cells may behave differently in a lab setting |
| Provide foundational insights for clinical trials |
Why Choose 1060nm Light Therapy?
The 1060nm wavelength offers unmatched depth and versatility.
Penetrating 5-7 centimetres, it targets muscles, joints, bones, and the brain for proven therapeutic benefits that shallower wavelengths cannot reach.
Here is why 1060nm light therapy stands out:
- Deep Tissue Healing: Reaches areas that other wavelengths cannot, making it ideal for joint pain, muscle recovery, and bone health.
- Versatility: Backed by research across human, animal, and laboratory studies, it supports brain function, oral health, skin rejuvenation, and more.
- Non-Invasive and Safe: A drug-free, painless solution with no known side effects when used correctly.
- Proven Results: A growing body of research across multiple health domains demonstrates its effectiveness in improving quality of life.
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Medical-Grade light therapy with eight customisable wavelengths: 630nm, 650nm, 660nm, 670nm, 810nm, 830nm, 850nm, 1060nm
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Medical-Grade light therapy with eight customisable wavelengths: 630nm, 650nm, 660nm, 670nm, 810nm, 830nm, 850nm, 1060nm
The evidence supporting 1060nm light therapy is robust and growing, spanning human clinical trials, veterinary research, and in vitro studies.
From pain relief and bone repair to brain health and oral care, 1060nm light therapy has demonstrated its ability to address a wide range of conditions with non-invasive, drug-free approaches.
As research continues to expand, further applications are being explored, including neuroprotection, immune support, and chronic wound healing.
The transcranial photobiomodulation field in particular is developing rapidly, with multiple RCTs now confirming cognitive benefits from near-infrared light at this wavelength.
At CHIRYŌ Light Therapy, we are committed to staying at the forefront of this field.
Our Premium PowerPanels are designed to deliver the full therapeutic range, with 1060nm as a key component for deep tissue healing and recovery. Explore our range at www.chiryolighttherapy.com
1. What is 1060nm Light Therapy?
1060nm light therapy is a form of photobiomodulation (PBM) that uses near-infrared light to stimulate cellular activity. It penetrates deeper into the body than other wavelengths, targeting muscles, joints, bones, and even the brain for healing and recovery.
2. How Does 1060nm Light Therapy Work?
1060nm light is absorbed by the mitochondria in cells, boosting ATP production (cellular energy), reducing inflammation, and promoting tissue repair. Its deep penetration makes it ideal for treating chronic pain, joint issues, and cognitive decline.
3. What Are the Benefits of 1060nm Light Therapy?
1060nm light therapy supports pain relief, improved brain function, bone repair, oral health, and skin rejuvenation. It is backed by scientific studies in humans, animals, and laboratory settings.
4. Is 1060nm the Same as 1064nm Light Therapy?
Yes, 1060nm and 1064nm are closely related and often used interchangeably. 1064nm is the precise wavelength used in Nd:YAG laser devices and many clinical research studies. Both offer the same therapeutic benefits.
5. Can 1060nm Light Therapy Help with Chronic Pain?
Yes, 1060nm/1064nm laser therapy has a strong evidence base for chronic pain, including back pain, knee osteoarthritis, and tendon injuries. Randomised controlled trials confirm reductions in pain scores and improvements in mobility.
6. Does 1060nm Light Therapy Improve Brain Health?
Research shows that transcranial photobiomodulation at 1064nm enhances cognitive performance, increases BDNF levels, and improves functional brain connectivity. Multiple RCTs and a systematic review support its use for cognitive enhancement in healthy adults and those with age-related cognitive decline.
7. Is 1060nm Light Therapy Safe for Pets?
Yes. The cellular mechanisms of photobiomodulation are consistent across mammalian species, and veterinary photobiomodulation using near-infrared wavelengths is increasingly used for bone healing, pain management, and wound recovery in dogs and cats.
8. What Makes CHIRYŌ Light Therapy Panels Unique?
CHIRYŌ Premium PowerPanels feature 8 wavelengths including 1060nm, with each wavelength individually selectable or combinable. Smart modes like J.I.P. (Joint, Inflammation, Pain) and the Dogs and Cats setting allow targeted, condition-specific treatment.
9. Are There Any Side Effects of 1060nm Light Therapy?
1060nm light therapy is non-invasive and safe when used correctly. No significant side effects have been reported in clinical literature. Always follow manufacturer guidelines on dose, duration, and distance.
10. Where Can I Buy 1060nm Light Therapy Devices?
CHIRYŌ Premium PowerPanels are currently being reintroduced.
I am
Very interested in the ability to have just 1060 nm of light. I currently have a biomax 900.
I’m
Looking to lengthen it full full body. What would my options be and how of lights on smaller panel are 1060?
Hello Karen.
Firstly my apologies for not seeing your question sooner and welcome to CHIRYŌ Light Therapy (Waves).
All CHIRYO Light Therapy panels have equal wavelength ratio (by design as I get frustrated by a splash of one wavelength, and too many of another).
The Equal wavelength distribution/ratio, is to ensure individuals are able to tailor their light therapy treatments to their health needs, with ease.
All CHIRYŌ Premium PowerPanels have x8 wavelengths, therefore 1060nm quantity is dependant on the LEDS. You would need to divide the total number of LEDs by 8. Example: 216 LED panel, would have x54 1064nm.
Product Specifications details which include LEDs quantity and ratio can be found within “Specification” area of each product.
If you have anymore questions please do not hesitate to reply to my comment, via “Contact-Us” page or whatsapp.
Kind regards
Samantha