Photobiomodulation: The Healing Power of Light
The effects of Photobiomodulation (or PBM) were discovered in 1967, when a Hungarian scientist accidentally used a low powered laser on rats that had been implanted with tumors, and found the light stimulated hair regrowth and wound healing. Since then, research has shown PBM to be an effective treatment for a wide range of conditions.
How Does Photobiomodulation Work?
PBM works by delivering red/near-infrared (NIR) light to the body using lasers or LEDs. These photons of light dissociate Nitric Oxide from Cytochrome C Oxidase (CCO), which is one of the most important enzymes for producing ATP in your cells. In hypoxic or damaged cells, NO has bonded to CCO and inhibits this process. When the NO is dissociated from the CCO with PBM, the mitochondrial membrane potential is increased, more oxygen is absorbed, and more ATP is produced for the cell. In essence, your cells are becoming far more efficient at the most basic level!
What are the Effects of Photobiomodulation?
For TBI patients, PBM has been shown to improve results for both acute and chronic TBI patients. For acute patients, PBM reduces swelling, increases antioxidants, decreases inflammation, and protects against apoptosis (programmed cell death). For chronic patients, PBM helps the brain repair itself by stimulating neurogenesis, upregulating BDNF synthesis, and encouraging synaptogenesis (the growth of new neuronal connections). PBM has even shown improvements in memory, mood, and cognition in healthy patients.
Does Photobiomodulation Improve My Skin?
PBM has also been shown to have regenerative effects for skin as well. In a recent review of studies, the researchers wrote that PBM “appears to have a wide range of applications of use in dermatology, especially in indications where stimulation of healing, reduction of inflammation, reduction of cell death and skin rejuvenation are required.” It has also been shown to increase collagen production by 211%! Clearly, PBM is a great choice for anyone looking to reverse the effects of aging on the skin.
With all of this evidence for the benefits of PBM, it’s beginning to become a very popular treatment option for health conscious individuals. Here at ATX Hyperbarics, we are committed to providing our patients with the very best in advanced treatments using the latest technology. We have the most advanced PBM light bed available, capable of more targeted wavelengths for specific conditions. Give us a call, or visit our website to book your sessions today!
