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What is Photobiomodulation (PBM Therapy)?



Photobiomodulation (PBM Therapy) previously known as Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) is the use of red and near infra-red light over injuries or lesions to improve wound and soft tissue healing. This is based on clinical studies shown to reduces inflammation and gives relief for both acute and chronic pain. First developed in 1967 Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) has been actively used for nearly 40 yrs, during which time it has been known to reduce pain, inflammation, and edema.


It also has the ability to promote healing of wounds, including deep tissues and nerves, and prevent tissue damage through cell death.


Much of the landmark research was done by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), and these studies provided a springboard for many additional basic science studies.


What is it used for


Photobiomodulation is used to: increase the speed, quality and tensile strength of tissue repair; resolve inflammation and relieve pain (analgesia) in both humans and animals.


ease the speed, quality and tensile strength of tissue repair; resolve inflammation and relieve pain (analgesia) in both humans and animals.

PBM is popularly used for soft tissue injuries, joint conditions, neuropathic pain, non-healing leg and pressure ulcers.



What light is used



Initially the use of lasers was used however as technology has improved over the years the use of LED's ( Light Emitting Diodes) has proven just as effective with reduced health risks and costs.


The red and near infrared light (600nm-1000nm) commonly used in PBM can be produced by laser or high intensity LEDs. The intensity of PBM lasers and LED's is not high like a surgical laser. There is no heating effect nor is there any threat to your eyes , in fact studies have show it is actually good for the eyes.


Red Light: Wavelengths in the range 600–700 nm are used to treat superficial tissue


Near Infrared light: 780–950 nm, which penetrate further, are used to treat deeper-seated tissues.



How does it work


The effects of PBM are photochemical (like photosynthesis in plants). When the correct intensity and treatment times are used, red and near infrared light reduces oxidative stress and increases ATP in the mitochondria. This improves cell metabolism and reduces inflammation. When analgesia is required there is a second mechanism which works best when a strong continuous beam is applied.


Your Equine Therapy Laser Light does both light ranges simultaneously.


What the expert has to say Video: Introduction to PBM and dose response by Prof. Michael Hamblin, Wellman Centre for Photomedicine, Harvard Medical School Source: International Dose Response Society





References


Lasers in Surgery and Medicine 9:1-5, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, 1989).

Journal of Clinical Laser Medicine & Surgery Polychromatic LED Therapy in Burn Healing of Non-diabetic and Diabetic Rats

2 Impaired Wound Healing and angiogenesis in eNOS-deficient Mice, PC Lee; American Journal of Physiology , 1999 October,277 (4 Pt 2):H1600-8

Oct 2003, Vol. 21, No. 5 : 249 -258

3May 2006 Issue Of Acta Diabetologica

Biofizika. 2006 Mar-Apr; 51(2):332-9

The results obtained show that exposure of wounds to both laser and light-emitting diode irradiation causes a decrease in the oxidative stress in the rat wound fluid. No significant quantitative difference between the effects of laser and light-emitting diode irradiation was found.*Department of Rehabilitation Sciences and Physiotherapy, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium. 2003;18(2):95-9

Mitochondrial signal transduction in accelerated wound and retinal healing by near-infrared light therapy.

Mitochondrion. 2004 Sep;4(5-6):559-67.

PMID: 16120414 [PubMed]

Mitochondrion. 2004 Sep;4(5-6):559-67.

PMID: 16120414 [PubMed]

Photomedicine and Laser Surgery

Polarized Light (400–2000 nm) and Non-ablative Laser (685 nm): A Description of the Wound Healing Process Using Immunohistochemical Analysis

Oct 2005, Vol. 23, No. 5 : 485 -492



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