Photobiomodulation

What is Photobiomodulation Therapy?

Photobiomodulation (PBM) Therapy uses near-infrared light to stimulate cellular repair and improve brain function. The therapy delivers light through both the scalp and nasal passage to target specific areas of the brain, helping to boost mental clarity, promote recovery, and reduce inflammation. This non-invasive therapy is particularly effective for supporting brain health, reducing oxidative stress, and aiding in the recovery from traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and cognitive decline.

Research has demonstrated PBM’s ability to stimulate mitochondrial function and enhance cerebral blood flow, making it a valuable tool for individuals looking to improve cognitive function, recover from neurological conditions, or reduce symptoms of brain fog and long COVID. Studies involving NFL players, veterans with TBI, and individuals recovering from long COVID have shown significant improvements in cognitive function and mood after regular PBM therapy​.

Who Can Benefit from PBM Therapy?

PBM therapy is an excellent option for various clients, especially those seeking support for brain health and recovery:

• Individuals recovering from traumatic brain injuries (TBI): PBM promotes cellular repair in damaged brain tissue, leading to improved cognitive function and quicker recovery. Research on veterans has shown improved cerebral blood flow and cognitive performance following PBM treatments.
• Clients managing cognitive decline: PBM can enhance mental clarity and cognitive function, making it ideal for individuals experiencing memory issues or cognitive decline, including those in the early stages of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s.
• Those experiencing brain fog: PBM has been shown to improve cerebral blood flow and increase cellular energy production, which can alleviate symptoms of brain fog, including difficulty concentrating, memory lapses, and mental fatigue​.
• Long COVID patients: Many individuals suffering from long COVID report brain fog as a primary symptom. PBM helps reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in the brain, aiding in the recovery of cognitive function and mental clarity in those experiencing long COVID-related brain fog​.
• Clients with mood disorders: PBM therapy also helps regulate brain regions associated with mood, offering relief for individuals dealing with depression and anxiety.
• Athletes or individuals recovering from brain trauma: PBM has shown promise in professional athletes recovering from brain injuries, such as NFL players managing symptoms of chronic traumatic encephalopathy.

Benefits of PBM Therapy

PBM therapy offers numerous benefits, particularly for brain health and recovery:

• Cognitive enhancement: By stimulating brain cells and improving mitochondrial function, PBM boosts cognitive performance, focus, and mental clarity. Individuals dealing with memory issues or cognitive decline may see significant improvement after regular PBM sessions.
• TBI recovery: PBM therapy accelerates recovery from traumatic brain injuries by promoting the repair of damaged brain cells. Research on veterans with chronic TBI has shown improvements in memory, executive function, and mood after several PBM sessions​.
• Reduction of inflammation: PBM helps reduce oxidative stress and inflammation at a cellular level, aiding in recovery from brain injuries and supporting those managing chronic inflammatory conditions.
• Improvement in brain fog and long COVID: PBM has been shown to be effective in treating brain fog, particularly for individuals recovering from long COVID. By increasing cellular energy and reducing inflammation, PBM helps restore mental clarity and cognitive function​.
• Mood regulation: PBM’s ability to stimulate regions of the brain responsible for mood regulation makes it an effective therapy for individuals struggling with depression or anxiety.

What to Expect During a PBM Session

A typical PBM session is straightforward and calming. You’ll sit comfortably while a light-emitting device is placed over your scalp, and a small light is inserted into the nasal passage to deliver near-infrared light to key areas of the brain. Each session lasts about 20-30 minutes, and the light stimulates cellular repair without causing discomfort.

Most clients report feeling relaxed, and since PBM is non-invasive, you can resume your daily activities immediately after your session.

Course of Treatment for Brain Health and Recovery

1. Cognitive Enhancement and Brain Health: Individuals seeking to boost cognitive performance or prevent cognitive decline typically benefit from 10-15 sessions over several weeks. Ongoing maintenance sessions may be helpful for long-term brain health.

2. Traumatic Brain Injury Recovery: For clients recovering from TBI, a course of 15-20 sessions over 6-8 weeks is often recommended. PBM therapy supports brain cell repair and improves cognitive function, helping clients recover from neurological trauma more quickly.

3. Brain Fog and Long COVID Recovery: Individuals experiencing brain fog or cognitive symptoms related to long COVID may benefit from 10-15 sessions. PBM can help restore mental clarity, improve focus, and reduce the lingering inflammation that contributes to brain fog​.

Is PBM Therapy Right for You?

PBM therapy is a safe and effective treatment option for individuals dealing with brain injuries, cognitive decline, brain fog, or chronic inflammation. Whether you’re recovering from a brain injury, long COVID, or seeking to improve cognitive function, PBM offers a powerful, non-invasive approach to brain health and recovery.

PBM therapy is a terrific companion to our Wellness Panels, which provide personalized insights into nutrition and lifestyle to maximize brain and body health.

Ready to learn more about how PBM therapy can enhance your well-being? Contact our intake coordinator today to get started on your personalized treatment plan.