What is Photobiomodulation?
Photobiomodulation, also known as low-level light therapy (LLLT), uses light at specific wavelengths to stimulate cellular responses and reduce pain and inflammation at the targeted site. It is a non-thermal phototherapy that utilizes visible or near-infrared wavelengths between 600-1,100 nanometers to activate cellular chromophores like cytochrome c oxidase.
Mechanism of Action
The mechanism of action involves the absorption of photons by mitochondrial chromophores, such as cytochrome c oxidase. This triggers intracellular signaling cascades which alter gene expression, upregulating anti-inflammatory and growth factors that promote healing. It leads to increased ATP production, release of reactive oxygen species, and initiation of repair processes like cell proliferation and migration. Photobiomodulation therapy produces a therapeutic effect after acute or repetitive application without causing any rise in tissue temperature.
Applications in Medicine
Photobiomodulation is used for a variety of therapeutic applications in medicine like wound healing, pain relief, tissue repair, and recovery from injury or surgery. Some specific applications include:
Wound healing: It accelerates wound closure by stimulating collagen synthesis, angiogenesis, re-epithelialization, and tissue regeneration. Studies show it reduces inflammation and edema at chronic wound sites promoting healing.
Pain relief: It shows efficacy in reducing pain associated with various conditions like arthritis, tendinopathies, peripheral neuropathy, and post-operative pain with fewer side effects than drugs. The light suppresses pain sensation by blocking nociceptive pathways.
Tissue repair: It aids tissue repair and recovery after surgery or injury by modifying the wound healing cascade through upregulation of growth factors and reducing scarring. Studies demonstrate reduced scarring after surgery on irradiated sites.
Dental applications: In dentistry, it is used for conditions like gingivitis, periodontitis, alveolar osteitis, and dental pain with positive outcomes of reduced swelling and pain. It promotes bone and periodontal ligament cell function, accelerating healing.
Neurological applications: There is evidence that photobiomodulation therapy helps in neurological disorders like traumatic brain injury, stroke, and Parkinson's disease by inhibiting neuroinflammation and oxidative stress while stimulating mitochondrial function.
Advantages Compared to Other Modalities
Photobiomodulation has various advantages over other tissue repair modalities:
- It is non-invasive and does not require application of heat, pressure, or toxic substances to achieve therapeutic effects.
- No reported side effects have been associated with its use at therapeutic dosimetry parameters unlike drugs that may cause adverse reactions.
- It works through multiple mechanisms like photochemistry, biochemistry, and cell signaling for enhanced healing response.
- Therapy effects are localized and targeted to the irradiated area without systemic side effects seen with oral medications.
- Treatments can be self-administered at home after instructions from a healthcare provider.
- Large surface areas can be treated quickly and cost-effectively in a single session as against multiple drug administrations.
- Evidence shows long-lasting effects even after a single treatment session compared to repeated drug applications.
Parameters for Safe and Effective Therapy
While photobiomodulation has remarkable benefits, proper treatment parameters are vital for therapeutic outcomes and patient safety. Some key considerations include:
- Using appropriate wavelengths between 600-1,100 nm which correspond to chromophores in the target tissue.
- Delivering the recommended irradiance or power density levels (mW/cm2) for the desired clinical effect as per protocols.
- Ensuring adequate dose or energy density (J/cm2) is applied based on tissue type and condition.
- Following guidance on treatment intervals, duration and total number of sessions needed for full recovery.
- Using probes and devices approved for clinical use with calibrated optics and power outputs.
- Following safety guidelines like eye protection and precautions with implantable devices.
Photobiomodulation is an emerging, non-invasive therapeutic modality with potential to revolutionize tissue repair outcomes for various medical conditions. As more research elucidates its bioenergetic mechanisms and clinical efficacy for diverse applications, it is increasingly gaining acceptance in mainstream medicine. With proper treatment strategy and dose parameters, photobiomodulation can deliver significant benefits for managing pain and promoting healing in a convenient and affordable manner.
Get More Insights on- Photobiomodulation
For Deeper Insights, Find the Report in the Language that You want:
About Author:
Ravina Pandya, Content Writer, has a strong foothold in the market research industry. She specializes in writing well-researched articles from different industries, including food and beverages, information and technology, healthcare, chemical and materials, etc. (https://www.linkedin.com/in/ravina-pandya-1a3984191)
