Abstract: A system for treating various medical conditions in humans includes a medical or therapeutic laser operating at wavelengths in the near infrared range of between 1250 nm-1267 nm, with a target wavelength of 1260 nm, at power levels between 2 Watts and 60 Watts, and for a period not to exceed 60 seconds per dose. The emitted laser light energizes, e.g., the stem cell niche or mitochondria of the human tissue to which it is applied, both directly and indirectly via activation of cell signaling intermediaries including but not limited to heat shock proteins, thereby stimulating cell activity to promote healing and reduce pain. In this specific wavelength range, water absorption of the laser light energy is plateaued which effectively acts as a conduit allowing the laser light energy to be transferred deeper into the tissue without causing thermal damage to the skin and tissue.