Benefits of Full Body Photobiomodulation
Photobiomodulation is a treatment that uses red and near-infrared light wavelengths that have been clinically proven to reduce pain and inflammation and improve circulation. There are a variety of photobiomodulation therapy devices out there, and one type of photobiomodulation therapy is full-body photobiomodulation in a red light bed.
Full body photobiomodulation can be used to treat a variety of common concerns and used alongside other therapies. Keep reading to learn the benefits of adding full body photobiomodulation to your wellness routine.
Painless Treatment
For joint pain caused by arthritis or tendonitis, a common treatment is cortisone injections, where a corticosteroid is injected into the affected joint. In addition to receiving an injection, it’s not uncommon for pain and inflammation to worsen in the first 48 hours following the procedure. Photobiomodulation therapy is painless. Your body naturally absorbs the light properly dosed and set by a wellness professional to your unique needs, and relief is often experienced immediately.
Photobiomodulation therapy is not just a painless treatment—it’s a comfortable one. Red light therapy beds like the TheraLight 360 and FIT are built with cooling functionality that directs the heat of the bulbs away from the interior of the bed, so treatments aren’t hot. Photobiomodulation treatments are between three and twenty minutes, which can be the much-needed downtime someone needs. In addition to offering healing light for your physical body, a PBMT treatment can be a good opportunity to unplug for a few minutes.
No Side Effects
Another common treatment for pain and inflammation is over-the-counter pain medications like ibuprofen, acetaminophen, and naproxen. Even though these medications don’t require a prescription, they do have side effects, and prolonged usage can make side effects worse. Most commonly, ibuprofen can cause stomach pain and nausea and acetaminophen (Tylenol) can cause liver damage if used regularly for prolonged periods of weeks or months.
Additionally, cortisone injections can further deteriorate joint tissue and bone, and treatments are often limited per year because of these side effects.
PBMT has no lasting or harmful side effects. Most individuals are in and out of the office within half an hour and can go about their day normally. Some patients experience some lightheadedness upon getting up, and PBMT is not recommended for individuals who are sensitive to light or taking photosensitizing medications.
Can be Combined With Other Therapies
PBMT can be used in combination with other therapies, such as physical and occupational therapy, as well as alongside a diet and exercise program for weight loss. Studies show that using PBMT with other therapies can lead to better results than using the treatments on their own.
Variety of Applications
PBMT can be used for more than resolving pain and inflammation. It has a variety of applications, even if you aren’t experiencing pain.
Preventing Injury: A full-body PBMT session before a workout increases your circulation, helping warm up your body for intense activity, and preventing injury in the first place. PBMT after a workout or game can help reduce the effect of delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) as well by repairing microtears in muscle fibers that may cause DOMS.
Wound Healing: PBMT naturally boosts collagen production, which can aid in healing wounds and preventing the formation of scar tissue.
Wrinkles & Acne: Because PBMT boosts collagen production, it’s also used to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and improve overall skin elasticity. It can also help reduce the appearance of acne scarring and reduce redness by addressing inflammation caused by acne.
Mood & Sleep: Using a red light therapy device in the evening hours can help signal to the body to release melatonin. Blue light from cell phone and computer screens as well as unnatural fluorescent light in many workplaces can disrupt our circadian rhythms, making it harder to fall asleep at night. But red light therapy can help correct disruptions, improving our sleep patterns and overall mood.
Full Body Effect
Full body photobiomodulation delivers healing light energy to the entire body, treating inflammation and damage that may not be apparent, such as damage caused by oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is an imbalance of antioxidants and free radicals that allows free radicals to attack healthy cells and can be influenced by environmental factors such as pollution. Oxidative stress has been linked to signs of aging like wrinkles as well as more serious concerns like diabetes, cancer, and inflammatory diseases.
Full body photobiomodulation can repair damage done by free radicals and help return balance between antioxidants and free radicals when combined with a healthy diet and regular exercise. PBMT is a great addition to a wellness lifestyle, even if you’re not experiencing pain.
If you’re interested in trying full body photobiomodulation therapy, click the link below to find a TheraLight Provider near you.
