Pain-relieving & Inflammation reducing technology is here!
As you may know, I am super nerdy when it comes to science and technology. I always strive to incorporate new techniques or technologies to enhance your treatment session.
I came across photobiomodulation therapy (PBM or PBMT for short; I know, it’s a mouthful!). It is the current term for what has been called Biostimulation, Cold/Cool Laser, Low Level laser therapy, Soft Laser and Low Power Laser Therapy. PBM is a form of light therapy that utilizes non-ionizing forms of light sources including LASERS, LEDs, and broadband light, in the visible and near infrared spectrum. While many people may know about it for its use in reducing wrinkles, acne, and dark spots, it is also widely used for pain-relief and reducing inflammation.
from aslms.org:
“Targeting Inflammation
For inflammation, PBMT causes the smaller arteries and lymph vessels of the body to increase in size, which is called vasodilation. Vasodilation allows inflammation, swelling, and edema to be cleared away from injury sites more effectively. Vasodilation in lymph nodes promotes lymphatic drainage, which also aids in the healing process. Basic research has demonstrated that PBMT can decrease the pro-inflammatory cellular response factors and increase the anti-inflammatory response.
Sports Injuries
PBMT has been adopted as an essential pain management tool by athletic trainers in most major league sports franchises in the United States, as well as by many Olympic teams. Trainers claim that elite athletes make comebacks faster after being injured when PBMT is part of the treatment plan. Major league pitchers, for example, use lasers as part of a normal warm-up routine, and many athletes use them as part of rehabilitation. PBMT is also used to treat the weekend athlete with common sports injuries such as plantar fasciitis, hamstring pulls, and various muscular sprains.”
PBMT may enhance a cell’s ability to reabsorb nutrition and expel waste. Often times in inflamed areas or injuries, the cells have difficulty or are unable to do it naturally. Using PBMT has been found to help the body to produce collagen. Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body, found in the bones, muscles, skin, and tendons. It is the substance that holds the body together. As you can see, it is critical to help the body build collagen to speed up recovery when it is injured, and to help maintain daily health especially as we age and natural production of collagen decreases.
After much research into PBM technology, I have found that a company called LightStim produces the best PBM tools on the market today. And now we have their ProPanel!
Check out this review of LightStim’s LED Bed (a much larger version of the ProPanel):
POSSIBLE USES
So how can we integrate this into your sessions? In an area I’m not actively working on, we can shine the ProPanel on your:
Back of Knees because a main artery and vein, and nerves run in the back of the knees. By decreasing inflammation in that area and enhancing the flow, it will ensure smooth flow of blood and qi to the lower extremities and recirculate throughout the entire body. It’s also helpful for ankle edema.
Abdominal area to help treat any inflammation there from the muscle to deeper organ level.
Neck and Face, since we have many lymph nodes on the face and neck. Healthy lymphatic flow in the upper neck and face area usually will mean a decrease in neck, arm and shoulder tension. This will also help and prevent headaches and migraines. For people who suffer allergy, stuffy nose, and are prone to sinus infection, this will also help because good lymphatic and blood flow will make us feel better!
If you add PBM onto your session, it will be used for the entirety of your session and placed on targeted areas for about 15-20 minutes at a time.
If you have any questions or want to enhance your sessions with PBM, please let us know!