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Frequently Asked Questions About Photobiomodulation Therapy

Welcome to our latest blog post, where we are going to answer some of the frequently asked questions we get about photobiomodulation (PBM) therapy! We've been receiving a lot of questions about this groundbreaking treatment, and we're thrilled to address them in this comprehensive FAQ guide.


Are All Light Therapies The Same?

Woman getting full body light therapy full body red light therapy

Light therapy has a myriad of aliases: Laser Biostimulation, Laser Phototherapy, Low-Power Laser Irradiation, Low-Power Laser Therapy, Red Light Therapy, and LED Light Therapy, to name a few. With these numerous titles spread across various medical studies, it's no surprise that there's some confusion surrounding this therapy. To clear this up and add some consistency, the term "Photobiomodulation" was adopted, and in 2015 was officially incorporated into the National Library of Medicine MeSH database.


The core distinctions in photobiomodulation therapy lie in four key aspects: the choice of light source (laser or LED), the power level employed, the specific light wavelengths used, and the operational mode (continuous or pulsed).


Is Photobiomodulation Therapy The Same As Red Light Therapy?


In essence, yes... but also no.


Photobiomodulation therapy is like a big umbrella covering various therapies using different light wavelengths, including red light therapy. So, while red light therapy is indeed a form of photobiomodulation, not all photobiomodulation therapies use red light.

Woman getting LightStim therapy on her face

How Often Should You Get PBM Therapy Treatments?


There's no one-size-fits-all answer here. It largely depends on the specific condition being addressed. Typically, starting with two to three sessions a week is advised, with frequency gradually decreasing as symptoms improve.



Is Photobiomodulation Therapy Safe?


Absolutely. Photobiomodulation is generally safe, with minimal side effects. Some may experience slight discomfort, temporary skin redness, or a touch of fatigue after the initial few sessions, but these mild effects usually subside over time.


Who Should Avoid Photobiomodulation Therapy?

Woman getting laser therapy on her shoulder

Despite its numerous benefits, PBM might not be for everyone. Certain individuals, like those with photosensitivity disorders, pregnant women, and people on certain medications that increase light sensitivity, should avoid PBM. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new therapy.


Is Photobiomodulation Therapy FDA Approved?


The safety and effectiveness of Photobiomodulation Therapy (PBM) is backed by more than 700 clinical trials and has been utilized in over a staggering 100 million distinct patient care instances. With an official seal of approval from the FDA, PBMT equipment is trusted for use. Further showcasing its credibility, PBMT has been formally introduced and recognized at various high-profile platforms, including the White House, numerous Executive Branch agencies, Congress, medical forums, and even the United Nations.


Ready to start your wellness journey? Reach out to the team at Proactive Massage + Bodywork at (804) 559-7990 or drop us a line at info@proactiverva.com to book your appointment.


 

Do you have any questions or topics you'd like us to cover? Leave a comment below, and we'll make sure to address them in future articles.



Collage of service pictures from Proactive

Proactive Massage + Bodywork is proud to offer full-body treatments using our state-of-the-art PBM Therapy Bed.


PBMT is a non-invasive and painless treatment that uses specific wavelengths of light to stimulate the body's natural healing processes and improve a variety of conditions.


During a full-body PBMT treatment, you will lie in the enclosed light bed and be completely surrounded by LED lights directed at your skin. The lights are emitted at various wavelengths, including 630nm, 660nm, 810nm, 850nm, and 940nm, each of which offers unique benefits to the body.


A full-body PBMT treatment can help to improve skin tone and texture, reduce inflammation, stimulate collagen production, and promote healing in the body. It is a safe and effective treatment option for a wide range of conditions and can be used as a standalone treatment or in combination with other therapies.





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