Photobiomodulation therapy is a method of low intensity light therapy. It uses light as a therapeutic tool to alleviate pain, promote healing, and aid in the treatment of chronic conditions. PBMT interacts with tissues and cells in the body using specific wavelengths. This non-invasive technique is growing in popularity, especially among sports medicine practitioners, as well as those working in physical therapy, dentistry, dermatology and other fields.
It is a form of photobiomodulation.
Photobiomodulation is the treatment of specific parts of the body with light-emitting (LED) diodes, or low-level Lasers. The light penetrates into the body and is absorbed in the mitochondrial structures of cells. This absorption leads to a series biochemical reactions which lead to an improvement in cell function (adenosine-triphosphate, ATP), and enhanced tissue repairs.
Benefits and Photobiomodulation Therapie
Chronic and Acute Pain Relief PBMT can be used as a common treatment for chronic or acute pain. It helps relieve the pain of conditions such arthritis, post-surgical, muscle strains and fibromyalgia.
Wound Healing: It is a therapy that promotes faster recovery of cuts and wounds.
Decreased inflammation: A study has shown that PBMT helps reduce tissue inflammation, which is beneficial for conditions including tendinitis.
Repair of Tissue: By stimulating the production of collagen and cellular regrowth, PBMT may aid in tissue regeneration and repair.
Skin rejuvenation: In Dermatology, PBMT improves the health and appearance of skin. It can be used to treat skin problems such as acne and reduce fine-line wrinkles.
Recovering Nerves PBMT was found to provide neuroprotective benefits and could help recover nerve injuries.
Applications of Photobiomodulation Therapies
Sport Medicine: Athletes commonly use PBMT for pain relief, to decrease inflammation and accelerate the recovery of injuries.
Therapy: Therapists can use physical therapy to aid patients in recovering from joint and musculoskeletal conditions, as well as other injuries.
Dentistry: A PBMT treatment is applied in dentistry for the reduction of pain and inflammation after certain dental procedures.
Dermatology: Psoriasis is one of the most common skin disorders.
Safety and Efficacy
In general, photobiomodulation therapy has few adverse effects and is non-invasive. To ensure the best possible outcome, and as with any other treatment, it’s important to get advice from an experienced healthcare provider before you undergo PBMT. The treatment’s efficacy can vary depending upon the particular condition, the wavelength and duration of the treatments.
Future Directions
The photobiomodulation field is constantly evolving. Scientists examine new PBMT applications, as well as potential benefits.
Conclusion
Through the application of low-level, pulsed light, photobiomodulation therapy is an effective way to reduce or eliminate pain. With its many applications and limited side effects, it is a good option for those patients searching for non-invasive treatments. PBMT, as research progresses in the field, may be a treatment that is increasingly popular for a variety health conditions.