The Science and Evidence To Back It
Evolution of PBM
(Photobiomodulation)
As AI defines it: Photobiomodulation (PBM) therapy has undergone significant evolution, transitioning from a niche experimental technology to a well-documented, evidence-based treatment modality used across multiple medical disciplines.
Initially discovered in the 1960s through the pioneering work of Endre Mester, who observed the healing effects of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on wounds, PBM has since expanded in scope and sophistication. Advances in laser and LED technology have allowed for precise delivery of specific wavelengths and dosages, optimizing cellular responses such as enhanced ATP production, reduced inflammation, and accelerated tissue repair.
Today, PBM is recognized for its versatility, addressing a wide range of conditions including chronic pain, sports injuries, and neuropathy. Modern devices, like CureWave Lasers, integrate cutting-edge engineering to maximize therapeutic outcomes, making PBM a valuable, non-invasive tool for clinicians seeking effective, drug-free solutions for their patients.
Explained by a Scientist: We know light heals. If you believe in the photosynthesis process as you see in plants, this is what we see on a cellular level.
Unfortunately, when PBM was introduced in the late 70's, there were very limited wavelengths to use. The earlier wavelengths were 630nm, 730nm, 770nm, 880nm, 980nm and lastly the 1064NdYAG.
CureWave, using our 30 years in the industry, researched and produced a propriety wavelength, occupying the low peak absorption levels for Melanin, Oxyhemoglobin and Hemoglobin. These low absorption rates reduce scatter and tissue absorption, allowing more light particles deep into the tissue.
See the study: Cedars Sinai (Cedars-Sinai has been involved in research exploring the applications of photobiomodulation (PBM) in medicine, including its effects on reducing complications from cancer treatments. Studies have shown that PBM, using light therapy within the red to near-infrared spectrum, can help mitigate side effects like oral mucositis, radiodermatitis, and other treatment-induced toxicities. For example, PBM has demonstrated efficacy in alleviating oral mucositis in patients undergoing chemotherapy and radiation therapy by promoting tissue healing and reducing inflammation.
The Cedars-Sinai research aligns with broader evidence highlighting PBM's potential in managing conditions like xerostomia (dry mouth), peripheral neuropathy, and lymphedema among cancer patients. These applications are based on its ability to stimulate cellular repair and modulate inflammation without causing thermal damage. This area of study continues to grow, emphasizing the importance of precise dosing and treatment parameters for clinical outcomes【1】【2】
For more details, you may explore Cedars-Sinai's research initiatives on their website or review systematic reviews discussing PBM's efficacy in oncology care.
This allows a deep penetration of light particles into the soft tissue creating a positive effect on more cells in a greater area increasing the TZ (Therapeutic Zone).
Photobiomodulation
Benefits
Pain Relief
PBM is widely used for pain management, especially for conditions like arthritis, back pain, and joint disorders. It reduces pain by decreasing inflammation and modulating pain pathways without the need for drugs.
Enhanced Muscle Recovery and Performance
PBM can reduce muscle fatigue, improve recovery times, and potentially boost endurance. This is why it is used by athletes to manage sports-related injuries and improve performance and recovery.
Enhanced Wound Healing
PBM accelerates tissue repair and wound healing by stimulating collagen production and improving circulation, which promotes cell repair and regeneration. This makes it effective for burns, surgical wounds.
Reduced Inflammation
PBM therapy helps reduce inflammation by enhancing antioxidant defenses, decreasing oxidative stress, and promoting an anti-inflammatory response. This benefit is especially useful for autoimmune and inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory skin disorders.
Acute Conditions
Laser therapy has been shown to be effective to help treat acute conditions. Bringing pain under control quickly helps the healing process and usually helps promote better outcomes.
Post-Activity Recovery
CureWave can be found on the sidelines of many pro, college, and Olympic sports teams across the United States and many parts of Europe and Asia. Laser therapy has been shown to be effective at improving post-activity recovery times and reducing delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) (3).
Increased Cellular Energy Production
PBM improves mitochondrial function, resulting in higher production of ATP (adenosine triphosphate), the energy currency of cells. This enhanced cellular energy can improve overall cellular function, aiding recovery and enhancing performance.
The Answer..
CureWave
How Does Photobiomodulation Work?
Stimulate Cytochrome C
The primary target for the photobiomodulation process is the Cytochrome C complex, which is found in the inner membrane of the cell mitochondria. Cytochrome C is a vital component of the electron transport chain that drives cellular metabolism.
Increase Production of ATP (Energy)
As light is absorbed by Cytochrome C oxidase (COX), it stimulates the electron transport chain to increase the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) within the mitochondria. When tissue is damaged, the production of ATP in the cell is impaired which slows down the metabolism of the cell as a protective mechanism. PBM helps restore the oxidative process which helps restore normal cellular function.
Increase NO and ROS Activity
In addition to ATP, laser stimulation also produces free nitric oxide (NO) and modulates reactive oxygen species (ROS). NO is a powerful vasodilator and an important cellular signaling molecule involved in many physiological processes. ROS have been shown to affect many important physiological signaling pathways including the inflammatory response. Together, increased NO and improved ROS levels provide an environment for faster signaling, resulting in decreased inflammation.
Restore Cellular Energy Balance
PBM helps restore normal cellular function which helps prevent apoptosis (cell death). This helps reduce inflammation, edema, and hastens the tissue repair process.
Reaching Target Tissue
For PBM to occur, light needs to reach the mitochondria of the damaged target tissue. When laser therapy is applied to the surface of the skin the best results are achieved when a sufficient amount of light (number of photons) reaches the target tissue. There are a number of factors that can help maximize the light that reaches the target tissue, including light wavelength, minimizing unwanted absorption, power and reducing reflections.
Photobiomodulation
by Dr. Michael Hamblin
Citations
1
Bensadoun RJ, Epstein JB, Nair RG, Barasch A, Raber-Durlacher JE, Migliorati C, Genot-Klastersky MT, Treister N, Arany P, Lodewijckx J, Robijns J; World Association for Laser Therapy (WALT). Safety and efficacy of photobiomodulation therapy in oncology: A systematic review. Cancer Med. 2020 Nov;9(22):8279-8300. doi: 10.1002/cam4.3582. Epub 2020 Oct 26. PMID: 33107198; PMCID: PMC7666741.
2
Bensadoun RJ, Epstein JB, Nair RG, Barasch A, Raber-Durlacher JE, Migliorati C, Genot-Klastersky MT, Treister N, Arany P, Lodewijckx J, Robijns J; World Association for Laser Therapy (WALT). Safety and efficacy of photobiomodulation therapy in oncology: A systematic review. Cancer Med. 2020 Nov;9(22):8279-8300. doi: 10.1002/cam4.3582. Epub 2020 Oct 26. PMID: 33107198; PMCID: PMC7666741.