Postpartum Coccydynia and Red Light Therapy
The Postpartum Healing Hack No One Talks About: Red Light Therapy (PBMT) and Low Level Laser Therapy
Picture this: You’ve just brought a tiny human into the world. Your body has done something amazing - but now it’s time to focus on healing and recovery. You’ve got sore muscles, anxiety + exhaustion, and a body that feels like it’s been through a marathon (because, let’s be real, it has). But what if I told you there’s a science-backed way to speed up healing, reduce pain, and get you back to feeling like yourself - but without popping another ibuprofen? (There’s nothing wrong with medication but some moms prefer not to take medication while breastfeeding).
That’s exactly what the latest research on Photobiomodulation Therapy (PBM) is revealing. A brand-new study by Abdoelmagd et al. (2025) looked at postpartum recovery, specifically coccydynia (that nagging tailbone pain some women experience after birth). And the results were fascinating!
Why Postpartum Recovery Feels Like a Slow-Motion Replay
Before we dive into the magic of Low Level Laser Therapy, let’s talk about why recovery feels like it takes forever.
👉 Inflammation and Tissue Trauma: Birth is no small feat. The muscles, ligaments, and nerves in your pelvic area have been working hard - for hours or even days, leading to pain, swelling, and stiffness.
👉 Weakened Pelvic Floor: Your pelvic floor does a ton of work during labor. If it’s not functioning properly, that can lead to ongoing pain, incontinence, and discomfort while sitting or moving.
👉 Blood Flow Matters: Healing requires oxygen-rich blood to reach the affected areas, but if circulation is sluggish, recovery slows down.
Now, here’s where laser steps in.
Low Level Laser Therapy and Coccydynia
This latest 2025 study took 60 postpartum moms with postpartum coccydynia and divided them into three groups:
Group A: Got PBM laser therapy + hot packs + pelvic floor exercises
Group B: Got PBM laser therapy + hot packs
Group C: Got placebo PBM laser therapy + hot packs + pelvic floor exercises
Here’s where it gets exciting…
Every group saw improvements, but the PBM + pelvic floor exercise group had the MOST significant reduction in pain, disability, and increased mobility. The results were so effective that the researchers recommended adding red light therapy to postpartum care plans.
How Does Low Level Laser Therapy Work?
PBM, LLLT or red light therapy, delivers specific wavelengths of light deep into the tissue, where it does some pretty amazing things:
✔️ Reduces inflammation—goodbye, postpartum swelling!
✔️ Increases blood circulation—delivering the nutrients and oxygen your body needs to heal.
✔️ Stimulates ATP production—which is like giving your cells an extra energy boost to repair tissues faster.
✔️ Relieves pain naturally—without needing to rely on medication.
Who Can Benefit From Red Light Therapy After Birth?
Whether you’ve had a vaginal birth or a cesarean, PBM can accelerate healing. It’s especially helpful for:
Perineal healing (episiotomy or tearing)
Cesarean wound healing and pain management
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Nipple Pain and Injury
Postpartum back pain
Tailbone (coccyx) pain
Mood and mental health
PBMT is safe, non-invasive, and drug-free—which is a HUGE plus for new moms who want to focus on healing without extra side effects.
What About Side Effects?
This study reported ZERO significant adverse effects from PBMT treatment. It’s difficult to find any research where there were any adverse effects. Unlike some pain management options, red light therapy doesn’t interfere with breastfeeding, hormonal balance, or postpartum recovery.
How Can You Start Using PBM for Postpartum Healing?
There are several ways to incorporate Red Light Therapy into your postpartum recovery:
➡️ In-Clinic PBM Therapy: Working with a specialist who uses professional-grade laser devices can provide targeted, high-powered treatment for postpartum pain relief. I offer postpartum recovery treatment plans in my Solasta clinic in Round Rock, TX.
➡️ At-Home Red Light Therapy: PBM wraps or devices designed for wound healing can be used daily to support recovery. (Pro tip: If you already have a wrap for perineal or cesarean healing, you can also use it around the tailbone area).
The Bottom Line
Postpartum recovery can be easier and smoother with red light therapy. The research is clear: PBM is a powerful tool that can help new moms heal faster, feel stronger, and reduce pain - without medication.
If you’re ready to accelerate your postpartum healing, consider adding red light therapy to your recovery plan. You deserve to feel your best as you step into this new chapter with your new baby.
Tracy
