Photobiomodulation, or low-level laser therapy (LLLT) is a procedure that relieves pain and heals wounds.
What is photobiomodulation?
Photobiomodulation therapy (also called PBM or PBMT) is a treatment that uses low-power lasers, light-emitting diodes, or other light sources to emit red light directly into the body. Studies have shown that different frequencies of light have different biological effects. Although it may not feel like anything is happening, these specific wavelengths of red light penetrate cells and create a positive change in the body. [1]
What is happening?
Low level lasers penetrate the skin of the affected area, which in turn causes photoactivation of cells which stimulate mitochondria to immediately begin increasing the production of Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) stimulate the mitochondria within every cell that the infrared is reaching. (ATP) is the molecule that fuels life, helps repair injury, and aids in pain relief. [2]
The benefits of laser light therapy
The whole body can benefit from laser light therapy. Over 5,000 studies have been published on the medical properties of laser light. [3] The body heals, with rapid cell growth and tissue repair that affect the neurons, immune system, muscles, circulatory system, the eyes, and skin. The brain heals, with greater oxygenation, brain metabolism, and tissue repair. Patients with depression and anxiety can also benefit, as well as individuals with dementia, PTSD symptoms, and sleep problems. [5] It has also been used in therapy for concussions, TBI and other neurocognitive disorders. [6].
Photobiomodulation stimulates the body's healing process in the following ways [4]:
- Tissue Repair & Rapid Cell Growth
- Anti-Inflammatory Action
- Reduced Scar Tissue Formation
- Wound Healing
- Increased Metabolic Activity
- Stimulated Nerve Function
- Anti-Pain
- Trigger Points & Acupressure Points
- The immune response is stimulated
- Lymphatic drainage is improved
- Production of growth hormone is increased
- The histamine response is positively altered
- Concussions-Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)-Post Concussive Syndrome (PCS) Symptom Resolution
- Prevention of Chronic Traumatic Encephathy (CTE)
Is there any pain associated with light therapy?
Laser treatments are non-invasive and painless. Most people do not feel anything during the treatment.
Who Uses Light Therapy?
Light therapy can be used by surgeons pre- or post-operation; by psychiatrists to get to the root cause of psychological disorders; and by sports medicine/physical therapists working on athletes.
Most recently, Dr. Mark Hyman, an American physician and New York Times best-selling author, endorsed functional photobiomodulation . The exact laser Sandy Ziya has in her office is the laser Dr. Hyman endorsed on his Broken Brain podcast!
Ready to try Light Therapy?
Meridians & Marathons Offers low level laser light therapy, also known as photobiomodulation. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Sandy Ziya today to see if this is a treatment modality that is right for you.
