How PBM Therapy Can Help You Recover Faster
Are you looking for alternatives to recover faster? PBM therapy might be an advanced recovery solution worth trying.
I’ve witnessed PBM therapy as a medical treatment in orthopaedics for years. It uses focused light to stimulate a process called photobiomodulation. Now, some great companies are offering these red light products to more people.
In this blog post, I’ll explain what photobiomodulation is and how PBM therapy can help you recover from an injury or successful surgery faster.
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How PBM Therapy Can Help You Heal Quicker
What is Photobiomodulation?
Photobiomodulation (PBM), known as low-level light therapy, is a process in which light is used to trigger a biological flow of events at the cellular level.
This fascinating technology was researched by NASA over 4o years ago. It has been demonstrated to be safe and effective.
How Does Photobiomodulation Therapy Work?
There are many different ways to deliver photobiomodulation therapy, but the most common method is through the use of LEDs (light-emitting diodes). The patient sits or lies down under an array of LEDs, and the light penetrates the skin to reach the targeted tissue.
The length of a single session varies from 10 minutes to 30 minutes, depending on the condition being treated. For some conditions, a person may need several sessions per week.
When red light enters the tissue and interacts with the mitochondria, it triggers a series of reactions that leads to an increase in cellular metabolism. Red light therapy can help increase the production of ATP from the mitochondria.
The mitochondria need light to function well, and red light therapy supplements environmental light with concentrated doses of red and near-infrared light, which is the specific spectrum that the mitochondria use to produce ATP.
In other words, low-level light therapy causes cells to produce more energy.
This natural energy has the ability to mend deep wounds, including tissues and nerves, as well as protect against further damage through cell death.
How Does PBM Help Recovery?
Photobiomodulation therapy has been shown to be effective in treating a wide range of conditions, including inflammation, chronic pain, and circulation problems. It can also be used to speed up wound healing and reduce scarring.
The increase in cellular metabolism caused by PBM has several benefits for those who are recovering from an injury or surgery.
First, it helps reduce inflammation by reducing the production of inflammatory cytokines.
Second, it provides short-term pain relief by reducing the firing of pain receptors.
Finally, it improves circulation by stimulating the release of nitric oxide, which widens blood vessels and increases blood flow.
All of these effects contribute to faster recovery and reduce pain overall. In addition, photobiomodulation therapy is non-invasive and has very few side effects.
There are continuing systematic reviews showing that low-level laser therapy can be an effective treatment for many different conditions, including musculoskeletal injuries, tendinopathies, neuropathic pain, tissue repair, and even postoperative wound healing.
Considerations for Successful Use
PBM therapy can be delivered in a number of ways, including lasers, LED devices, and halogen lamps. It can also be delivered at different wavelengths—from near-infrared to ultraviolet—depending on the condition being treated.
The lights
Different types of light, which are measured in nanometers (nm), have various impacts on the body. As such, you will want to select a light based on your specific goals.
For example, red light (630-660 nanometers) If you’re wanting to improve your skin health or help with wound healing, this wavelength may be better suited for you since it doesn’t penetrate as deeply into the body.
While blue light (415-455 nanometers) is effective in treating acne by killing bacteria. Some medical-grade therapies will include blue light and be prescribed by medical professionals to fight infections.
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Out of all the light wavelengths, 830nm red light emits the most energy per watt. Not only does this band of light penetrate deeper into the body than other types, but it also specifically coincides with when absorption is at its peak.
Other consideration
PBM therapy can be used alone or in combination with other treatments, such as physical therapy or medication.
The most common side effect is temporary redness or warmth at the site of treatment.
This is why if you’re considering PBM therapy, it’s important to work with a qualified provider who has experience in delivering this type of treatment.
How to Obtain a Device
So, at this point, you are intrigued that light therapy is a promising treatment option for those who are looking for an alternative to traditional medical treatments, but may be asking, how do I get one of these devices?
If you’re interested in trying light therapy, it’s probably best to consult with a healthcare professional who is trained and experienced in its use.
It is often covered by insurance, so check with your insurance provider to see if coverage is available for the condition you’re treating.
Many people believe that this low-level laser therapy is safe because it has been looked at by many systematic reviews. There are few side effects, so some people choose to purchase their own devices. Some of the best red light therapy PBM devices can be administered at home with over-the-counter devices.
Conclusion
PBM is a promising treatment option for those who are looking for an alternative to traditional medical treatments. It provides short-term pain relief, improves circulation, anti-inflammatory properties which can all contribute to faster recovery with very few side effects.
So if you’re looking for a safe and effective way to accelerate your recovery from an injury or surgery and help get back on your feet, give PBM therapy a try!