Photobiomodulation Therapy
Through emitting red and near-infrared light wavelengths through the skin, photobiomodulation therapy may naturally jump-start the process of tissue recovery and other forms of rejuvenation.
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Photobiomodulation Therpay (PBMT) is a straightforward procedure involving exposing the body to low wavelengths of red light. The process cannot be felt and is not painful because it does not produce any heat. Low-level laser light therapy or red light therapy (RTL) are other names for the process.
This red light is natural and can penetrate deep into the body, at which point it has positive effects on cellular energy and multiple nervous system and metabolic processes.
A study in the journal Seminars in Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery notes, mitochondria in the skin cells can absorb these light particles. This can help the cells produce more adenosine triphosphate, which is the energy source for all cells.
Many experts attribute the potential positive benefits of PBMT to this function. With this extra energy, the cells may be able to respond better to damage and rejuvenate themselves. Although there is still controversy over this treatment and more research is needed, according to some reports, there are virtually no known adverse side effects of red light therapy treatments, rather a growing list of many anti-aging benefits.
A 2012 report published in Annals in Biomedical Engineering stated that red light is used in three primary ways: To reduce inflammation, edema, and chronic joint disorders; to promote healing of wounds, deeper tissues, and nerves; and to treat neurological disorders and pain. It has been found to help promote stronger immunity and longevity by increasing cell proliferation and migration, as well as modulating levels of cytokines, growth factors and inflammatory mediators.
This treatment is currently FDA-cleared for conditions like chronic joint pain and slow-to-heal wounds, and in the near future, we can expect to see more approvals as research continues to unfold.
Benefits
What is PBMT used for? Studies have found that some of the ways red light wavelengths work to improve overall health include:
Increasing energy levels by promoting release of ATP (adenosine triphosphate) from cells’ mitochondria
Stimulating DNA/RNA synthesis
Activating the lymphatic system, an important part of our immune system that helps carry waste out of the body
Increasing blood flow/circulation, thereby helping bring more oxygen and nutrients to our cells and tissues
Forming new capillaries (small blood vessels)
Improving natural production of collagen and fibroblasts, important for skin care and joint and digestive health
Repairing and restoring damaged soft connective tissue
Stimulating or decreasing inflammation, which helps control our natural healing capabilities
Lowering effects of oxidative stress/free radical damage, which is associated with many effects of aging
Here’s more about the major PBMT benefits supported by scientific studies:
Increased Immunity and Reduced Side Effects of Cancer Treatments
Research done by NASA has shown that red light technology can successfully reduce symptoms experienced by cancer patients, including painful side effects caused from radiation or chemotherapy. Using far red/near-infrared light-emitting diode devices (called HEALS in some studies) has been shown to release long wavelength energy in the form of photons that stimulate cells to aid in healing.
NASA tested whether this treatment could benefit patients with oral mucositis, a very common and painful side effect of chemotherapy and radiation. They concluded that 96 percent of patients experienced improvement in pain as a result of the HEALS treatment.
Similar HEALS technology is also now being utilized for the treatment of pediatric brain tumors, slow-healing wounds or infections, diabetic skin ulcers, and serious burns. For more on PBMT and cancer click here.
Wound Healing and Tissue Repair
Light in the spectral range of 600 to 1,300 nanometers has been found to be useful for promoting wound healing, tissue repair and skin rejuvenation, although it does this through a different mechanism of action compared to many other laser resurfacing treatments.
Most laser therapies used in dermatology offices use intense pulsed light to promote skin rejuvenation by inducing secondary tissue repair. In other words, they cause intentional damage to either the epidermis or the dermis of the skin in order to trigger inflammation, followed by healing.
PBMT actually bypasses this initial destructive step and instead directly stimulates regenerative processes in the skin through increased cellular proliferation, migration and adhesion.
It may also help treat skin conditions through regeneration of fibroblasts, keratinocytes and modulation of immune cells (including mast cells, neutrophils and macrophages) all found within skin tissue.
Anti-Aging Effects for Skin and Hair Loss
One use of photobiomodulation therapy that is growing in popularity is for the treatment of skin conditions and for reversing signs of aging on the skin (i.e, wrinkles and fine lines).
Results from a 2014 study published in Photomedicine and Laser Surgery demonstrated both efficacy and safety for red light therapy in promoting anti-aging skin rejuvenation and intradermal collagen increase when compared against controls. Researchers concluded that red infrared therapy “provides a safe, non-ablative, non-thermal, atraumatic photobiomodulation treatment of skin tissue with high patient satisfaction rates.”
Subjects treated with PBMT experienced significantly improved skin complexion, improved skin tone, improved texture/feeling, reduced skin roughness, reduced signs of wrinkles and fine lines, and increased collagen density as measured through ultrasonographic tests. Patients with rosacea and redness have also found relief using PBMT for skin care, even those who are unable to tolerate higher-heat laser therapies.
Yet another anti-aging effect of red light therapy is reversing hair loss and stimulating follicle hair growth, which works in many of the same ways as red light therapy for wound healing. Results regarding hair growth have been mixed according to studies, but at least a moderate portion of both male and female patients have had positive results for reversing baldness/hair loss when using PBMT.
Improved Joint and Musculoskeletal Health
PBMT is now being used to treat arthritis symptoms thanks to its capability of stimulating collagen production and rebuilding cartilage.
A 2009 Cochrane review of red light therapy for rheumatoid arthritis concluded that “PBMT could be considered for short-term treatment for relief of pain and morning stiffness for RA patients, particularly since it has few side-effects.”
Even in those who don’t suffer from arthritis but have other signs of tissue damage or degeneration due to aging, PBMT can still be beneficial. A 2009 study published in The Lancet indicated that PBMT reduces pain immediately after treatment in acute neck pain and up to 22 weeks after completion of treatment in patients with chronic neck pain.
A meta-analysis of studies has found that even when patients with musculoskeletal disorders do not experience less pain from red light therapy treatments, they may have improved functional outcomes, such as better range of motion.
Cellular rejuvenation and increased blood flow due to PBMT are two key aspects of improving joint and tissue health. Decreasing oxidative damage, which degenerates joints, and modulating inflammation are other ways that PBMT benefits soft/connective tissue.
Improvement in Sleep Quality
The human body requires exposure to natural light that is only found outdoors in order to regulate various biological systems. When we spend all day indoors and hardly “see the light of day,” our cellular energy systems and circadian rhythms suffer, leading to issues like poor sleep, fatigue, mood-related issues and weight gain.
If you can not get outside more, PBMT is a simple way to expose your body to more natural light. This can help reset your “circadian clock” and aid in the release of melatonin needed for healthy sleep.
Reduced Depression and Fatigue
Another way to explain the benefits of red light is through the lens of Eastern medicine. Ask a Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner how light helps improve health, immunity and recovery, and he or she will likely compare it to acupuncture’s mechanism of action:
Light is a form of energy, and our bodies are just big energy systems.
Light has the power to stimulate specific meridian points and chakra zones in the human body.
Red is said to stimulate the first chakra because it correlates most strongly with our survival instinct (hence why it gives us energy and makes us act quickly, in order to motivate us to pursue things like money, food, sex, power, etc.).
Red light therapy research suggests that this type of light can naturally be energizing and correlated with improved moods by increasing self-confidence, positivity, passion, joyfulness, laughter, social awareness, conversation skills and sensory stimulation.
Risks and Side Effects
Is photobiomodulation therapy dangerous? Although low-level laser light therapy seems to be very well-tolerated and unlikely to cause side effects, it still remains controversial whether it can help all patients. One difficulty that researchers have had gathering results from studies on red light therapy is pinpointing which light ranges are optimal for treating different health conditions and different patients.
Certain published study results have found that PBMT can cause negative reactions when an inappropriate choice of light source or an inappropriate dosage is used. There is an optimal dose of light for any particular application, and in the case of red light therapy, often lower doses are found to be more effective than higher doses.
Keep in mind that seeing results from PBMT might take patience and that responsiveness is expected to vary. It is important to work with a integrative physician experienced with PBMT whenever receiving treatments.
