Dr. Brandon Crawford’s journey into laser therapy began nearly two decades ago, during a clinical internship that would change the course of his career. Working with a child suffering from a rare genetic brain disorder, Dr. Crawford witnessed the extraordinary impact of applying a laser to the skull—and the profound brain development that followed. From that moment, he became committed to exploring how light could be used not only for pain but for complex neurological conditions and regenerative therapy. This passion eventually led him to co-found 528 Innovations, where he now engineers some of the most targeted, frequency-optimized laser devices on the market.

In this deep-dive conversation, Dr. Crawford breaks down the fundamentals of photobiomodulation—using specific wavelengths of light to stimulate cellular repair, enhance mitochondrial function, and even increase the production of endorphins. As Christian and Dr. Crawford explore, it’s not just about how deep the light can penetrate; it's also about how the body’s chromophores absorb and re-emit energy, creating systemic healing effects far beyond the application site. With lasers targeting everything from gut microbiome health to mitochondrial ATP production, it’s clear that the future of medicine may very well be powered by light.

A particularly exciting aspect of this discussion is the potential for laser therapy to activate and mobilize stem cells. While much research remains to be done, Dr. Crawford shares promising clinical results showing how light—particularly in the green and near-infrared wavelengths—can influence stem cell migration and differentiation. The team at 528 Innovations is now collaborating with STEMREGEN to further investigate these mechanisms, using technologies that aim to boost endogenous stem cell circulation and improve healing outcomes for regenerative procedures.

Dr. Crawford also tackles the controversial topic of using laser therapy near cancerous tissue, drawing a clear line between in vitro fears and in vivo clinical outcomes. He emphasizes the importance of context when interpreting laser safety data, pointing out that real-world physiology adds layers of complexity not reflected in isolated lab tests. With a deeply personal story about using laser therapy to support his grandmother through lymphoma, Dr. Crawford reinforces that light-based healing is not only scientific—it's also profoundly human.