Shining a Light on the Future: A Conversation with James Carroll, Founder and CEO THOR PhotoMedicine

Shining a Light on the Future: A Conversation with James Carroll

This week, as part of my podcast A Week at the Clinic, (a new series from An Englishman Downunder) I had the privilege of sitting down with James Carroll, founder of THOR Photomedicine and one of the world’s leading advocates for photobiomodulation (PBM) therapy. What began as a simple interview, evolved into a rich and spontaneous exchange that I believe many in our field—clinicians, researchers, and curious patients alike—will find illuminating.

James shared his remarkable journey, from stumbling upon laser therapy in 1986 to building THOR into a globally respected name in PBM. Our conversation explored the evolution of laser and LED technology, the development of treatment protocols, and the ongoing challenge of navigating regulatory pathways that often lag behind scientific innovation.

A key theme that emerged was the disparity between academic interest in PBM and its uptake in clinical settings. While universities continue to publish promising data, mainstream medical practice remains hesitant. We touched on reasons for this lag, including the slow process of regulatory approval and the uphill battle for treatments to be included in care guidelines and reimbursement frameworks.

James spoke candidly about the bureaucratic obstacles facing off-label applications, and the risks posed by inferior devices flooding the consumer market. He also highlighted significant international breakthroughs—such as Lumithera’s FDA approval for PBM in the treatment of macular degeneration disease—and spoke about his upcoming research, including a PhD focused on improving PBM dose accuracy.

On a practical note, we discussed patient success stories, particularly in dental and musculoskeletal applications, and the promising expansion of THOR’s Protocol Library to better support front-line practitioners like myself.

The full episode will be released this Sunday. I hope it offers insight into not only where photobiomodulation has come from, but where it is so clearly heading.

Until then,

Kevin

Comments

Jesus Christ SuperStar Melbourne - A Review by Kevin Harper

Review: Jesus Christ Superstar – Melbourne, Saturday 29 March, 2pm Matinee Starring Michael Paynter as Jesus Returning to Jesus Christ Superstar after more than five decades, my last encounter being the original London production in 1972, I was eager to see how this timeless rock opera had evolved. Accompanied by colleagues from the clinic—avid followers who’ve attended various Australian renditions featuring renowned local talents—I approached the 2pm matinee at Melbourne’s Princess Theatre with a blend of nostalgia and curiosity. This production was undeniably spectacular, yet it cast a darker, more somber tone reminiscent of medieval mystery plays. This stood in stark contrast to the original’s lighter, more minimalist approach. The emphasis on shadow and symbolism added depth but also a heaviness that diverged from the narrative clarity I fondly remembered. Vocally, the cast delivered powerful and dramatic performances. Michael Paynter’s portrayal of Jesus was emotionally charg...

The Joy of Singing

🎶 The Joy of Singing: Harmony Across the Generations 🎶 There’s something profoundly human about singing — the way it bypasses logic and leaps straight to the heart. Yesterday, at the Ballarat Choral Festival, that joy was not only heard but felt, filling Saint Patrick’s Cathedral with warmth, unity, and a sense of something far greater than the sum of our voices. From the youngest prep student, juniors shyly clutching their iPads , to our silver-haired sopranos and basses who have sung through decades of life’s seasons, the day was a true celebration of the ages — a musical tapestry that told the story of our community. Each choir brought its own flavour: ensembles with bright, eager tones; seasoned chamber groups offering polish and poise; community choirs brimming with heart and character. The repertoire ranged from sacred classics to toe-tapping spirituals, and yet, in the end, it was one song that brought us all together. As the final notes of “Walk on the Water” rose and fell...

Trooping the Colour: Memories of a Young Lieutenant

“Trooping the Colour: Memories of a Young Lieutenant” by Kevin Harper – An Englishman Downunder As the Trooping of the Colour returns this week to Horse Guards Parade in London, I find myself recalling, with a mix of pride and poignancy, my first time in attendance—not as a tourist or television viewer, but as a serving officer. The year was 1982. I was a young Lieutenant in the Royal Army Medical Corps, newly pressed and marching tall. My mother and father were with me that day, seated among the guests, beaming. I remember glancing toward them just before the parade began and seeing something in their faces—love, yes, and pride—but also a quiet knowing that their son was now part of something older and greater than any one generation. Trooping the Colour is not merely ceremony. It is an inheritance. In those days, Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II would still take the salute on horseback, astride the ever-faithful Burmese. The music swelled, the regiments moved with clockwork ...

Saint Dunstan's House Press

Search This Blog