Light-Based Therapy
Photobiomodulation to Support Healing, Recovery & Function
Photobiomodulation, or PBM, is the use of near Infrared (nIR) light to stimulate cellular repair and blood flow in tissues.
OverviewPhotobiomodulation uses near-infrared light to support cellular energy production, circulation, tissue repair, and recovery. | BenefitA gentle, non-invasive therapy that has been studied for its potential to support pain management, healing, and function across a range of acute and chronic concerns. |
How It Works
Supporting Cellular Energy, Circulation & Repair
The ways in which PBM works have been studied extensively over the last 20 years, and some of the best-known proposed mechanisms include:
- Stimulation of mitochondrial activity through the activation of cytochrome c oxidase to make more ATP. This means that light activated cells will increase energy production.
- Stimulation of Nitric Oxide (NO) production, which causes blood and lymphatic vessels to dilate and improve flow to and from the area
- NO also stimulates many other metabolic pathways important in wound healing and repair
Research & Applications
Where Photobiomodulation Has Been Studied
Further to these immediate cellular changes are the more durable and longer lasting effects that have been proposed to come from activation of transcription factors and signaling mediators. In a review that was published in 2016 by Freitas and Hamblin, there were more than 14 different proposed mechanisms for the activity of PBM.
Research into photobiomodulation continues to explore both its immediate cellular effects and longer-term signaling pathways. PBM has been studied across a range of conditions and therapeutic applications, including:
- Aches and pains associated with sports and injuries
- Non-healing wounds (such as diabetic wounds)
- Infections
- Dental infections
- Fibromyalgia pain (and pain in general)
- Arthritis
- Neurological and neurodegenerative conditions (such as Parkinson’s, MS, Alzheimer’s, stroke, concussion)
- Depression
- Fractures (to speed healing)
- Surgical healing times and reduction of complications
- Neuropathy
- Hair loss
- Edema
Treatment Schedule
What to Expect During Photobiomodulation Treatment
Photobiomodulation treatments typically last about 20 minutes and may be recommended 2–5 times per week, depending on your treatment goals and the condition being managed.
PBM may also be provided alongside intravenous therapies when appropriate to support the overall treatment plan.
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