WHAT
IS
PBM (COLD LASER)?
Light energy is made up of electromagnetic wavelengths of different colours which have varying depths of tissue penetration. The most common wavelengths used in therapeutic treatments are red and infrared which is actually invisible to the naked eye.
Photobiomodulation (PBM) was previously known as low level or cold laser but this terminology is no longer used by worldwide authorities. The term “Cold Laser” was used many years ago because it described the non-thermal nature of the types of lasers used in therapeutic clinics for pain relief, inflammation reduction and tissue recovery. Lasers used in surgery and for skin ablation and hair removal are very different and have high powered output to produce heat and which can cause burns if not used safely.
Lasers were first used in Europe in the 1960’s predominantly for wound healing. It was then discovered that the specific wavelengths of light used for therapeutic treatments were effective in modulating pain and inflammation. The treatment is non-invasive, painless and safe as it cannot mutate cell structure to cause cancer which some other forms of electromagnetic energy such as ultraviolet and ionising wavelengths used in medical radiotherapy can potentially do.
The wavelengths therapists use for treatments can penetrate deep into tissues and are absorbed by cells that are not functioning correctly due to oxidative stress which causes cell dysfunction, inflammation and possibly cell death. PBM has little to no effect on normally functioning cells and cannot cause cancer.
The potential effects of these wavelengths can be considered to be at 3 levels:
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Cellular – it restores normal mitochondrial function and enhances ATP production which is the energy source of the cell
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Tissue -as a result of restored cell function and changes in chemical signalling there are reduced inflammatory molecules in the tissues and enhanced lymphatic function to reduce pain and swelling.
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Systemic – this refers to a ‘whole body’ effect. Due to inter cell communication there is signalling that occurs as the body attempts to move towards a more homeostatic state of stability. This is known as signal transduction. Such ‘whole body’ effects from PBM can include improved immune response, improved cognition, better sleep patterns and mood.
In 2019 our clinic was involved in inaugural research with Sydney and Griffith Universities to study the effects of PBM on the symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease. One of the positive outcomes of this study was the probable impact on the gut-brain axis using an abdominal laser application which was reflected in improved cognitive testing and a positive change in participants gut microbiome as shown through faecal testing. We were the first clinic in SA to bring treatment of the gut using laser into our protocols as a result of this research.
Read more about this research and related papers here:
