Muscle dysfunction, as one of the common extrapulmonary manifestations of COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), limits the exercise capacity, cardiorespiratory health, and quality of life of COPD patients, leading to poor prognosis. PBMT(photobiomodulation therapy) an emerging adjunctive treatment for COPD-related muscle dysfunction, has been widely promoted and utilized in clinical practice. It positively affects muscle inflammation, alleviates muscle fatigue, improves muscle metabolism, enhances muscle endurance, and accelerates muscle healing. The comprehensive review of the rehabilitation mechanisms and current application status of PBMT (photobiomodulation therapy) in addressing COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)-related muscle dysfunction, both domestically and internationally, is conducted to offer insights and guidance for the application of PBMT in the rehabilitation treatment of COPD-related muscle dysfunction.