Ready to start learning about Photobiomodutation?

Although light (Photon) therapy has been documented in medical literature as early as 1500 BC, it was the Danish physician Nils Finsen, who is believed to be the father of phototherapy that received a Nobel Prize for his work in 1903. Since then, numerous authors have advocated treatment by phototherapy for many different diseases ranging from acne, vitiligo, jaundice in babies, wound healing, and rheumatoid arthritis to name only a few. 
Photobiomodulation (PBM Therapy) previously known as Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) is a laser or LED light therapy that improves tissue repair (skin wounds, muscle, tendon, bone, nerves), reduces inflammation, and reduces pain wherever the beam is applied. 

Photobiomodulation (PBM) is the term used to describe the mechanics/scientific basis for this photonic specialty and photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) as the term for its therapeutic application. PBMT was first developed in the 1960s. During the early years, this emerging photonic application was plagued by several problems including inconsistent terminology. Many terms were introduced such as Biostimulation, Cold/Cool Laser, Low-Level laser therapy, Soft Laser, and Low Power Laser Therapy. Based on recent consensus in the field, PBM and PBMT now consider the terms of choice.  In 2015 thanks to the efforts of Dr. Praveen Arany, PBMT was added to the National Library of Medicine MeSH database as an entry term to the existing record of laser therapy, low-level. In summary, PBM and PBMT are accurate and specific terms of this effective and important therapeutic application of light. 

What devices are used?

A suggested definition for PBMT 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. It is a non-thermal process involving endogenous chromophores eliciting photophysical and photochemical events at various biological scales. PBM devices have been cleared for marketing by FDA through the Premarket Notification/510(k) process as adjunctive devices for the temporary relief of pain. These clearances were based on the presentation of clinical data to support such claims.