Formerly known as Low-level Light Laser Therapy (LLLT), Photobiomodulation (PBM) is the application of light (usually a low power laser or LED) to promote tissue repair, reduce inflammation or induce analgesia.

Photobiomodulation Therapy has been the subject of several systematic reviews for a range of musculoskeletal pathologies with favourable conclusions reported by The Lancet [1], BMJ [2], International Association for the Study of Pain [3] and the World Health Organisation [4]. For numbered references referred to in the square brackets throughout this page click here.

Not a heating based therapy

Unlike other many treatments Photobiomodulation Therapy is not an ablating or heating based therapy, it is more akin to photosynthesis. Photobiomodulation Therapy devices are typically in the red and near-infrared spectrum.

Sometimes pulsed and sometimes continuous beams are used. For acute and post-operative pathologies as little as one session is all that is necessary but for chronic pain and degenerative conditions as many as ten sessions may be necessary. Whilst other wavelengths have similar effects they do not penetrate nearly so well as the red and near-infrared range [5].

Applications

Arthropathies (diseases of the joints)

Degenerative disc disease

Fractures

Lymphedema (abnormal collection of high-protein fluid just beneath the skin)

Myofascial pain (painful disorder that affects skeletal muscles in the body)

Neuropathies (problems with the peripheral nerves as opposed to the central nervous system)

Rehabilitation

Soft tissue injuries

Tendinopathies (diseases of the tendons)

Video introduction to Photobiomodulation

This 15 minute video starts with a 2 minute overview of Photobiomodulation (Low Level Light Therapy) as it relates to THOR Photomedicine. United Nations Headquarters (New York) presentation to the Global Health Impact Forum on 6 May 2014 by co-founder James Carroll of THOR Photomedicine.

See Linked In article on James Carroll

The Photobiomodulation Studio uses the company’s products because it believes that they are the best available.