Treatment
Photobiomodulation (PBM)
Specific stimulation of brain regions
What is photobiomodulation?
Photobiomodulation (PBM) was pioneered in 1967 by Endre Mester of Hungary, inspired by an experiment conducted in Boston. Although initially aiming to replicate tumor destruction, Mester’s use of low-power laser therapy instead sparked unexpected results: stimulation of hair growth and accelerated wound healing in rats.
This serendipitous discovery birthed what we now know as Low-Level Light Therapy (LLLT) and subsequently, PBM, harnessing light from visible and near-infrared portions of the spectrum.
Importantly, LLLT’s low power density ensures it is painless, non-thermal, and safe for patients, with customizable characteristics such as wavelength, power, coherence, and pulse scheme tailored to individual treatment goals.
How does photobiomodulation work?
PBM therapy can be applied to any part of the body. However, as mentioned earlier, it needs to be tailored based on the target tissue. This can be achieved by paying special attention to various settings.
In various studies, it has been demonstrated that the energy (photons) can penetrate up to 50 mm into specific parts of the brain when PBM therapy is applied to certain areas of the head. Neural pathways can be targeted, allowing the photons present in the light source to penetrate the skull.
This way, chemical changes in cells can be stimulated, and biological responses can be initiated. Improvements in metabolism, blood flow, neurogenesis, and reduction of inflammation and oxidative stress are included in this category.
Why is photobiomodulation important?
The benefits of PBM have been investigated at both the cellular and systemic levels. At the cellular level, photons emitted by the light source facilitate the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the cell’s energy, by dissociating a chemical compound called nitric oxide (NO).
Nitric oxide, if not dissociated, especially in hypoxic and damaged cells, inhibits enzymes necessary for ATP production. This leads to instability of mitochondria, oxygen utilization, glucose metabolism, and ultimately ATP production.
Additionally, besides ATP production, FBM opens special light-mediated cellular channels involved in temperature regulation and initiates mitochondrial signaling pathways. This results in cellular protective, antioxidant, and anti-apoptotic (health) effects in cells.
Although cellular activities form the basis of overall body function, there are also systemic (whole-body) effects of PBM. In addition to the increase in ATP production and molecular neuroprotection, nitric oxide, when dissociated, signals pathways involved in increasing blood flow throughout the body.
Additionally, nitric oxide signals the improvement of blood circulation, the production and activation of stem cells, and provides an anti-inflammatory effect. This leads to improved function of the target tissue and ultimately enhanced cerebral oxygenation.
Your road to recovery
One week of intensive treatment
Step 1
The Functional Neurological Examination (FNE)
You share your symptoms with us, prompting us to ask relevant questions and conduct a thorough Neurological Examination. This process allows us to assess whether our treatment is well-suited to your needs.
Step 2
Advanced Machine Testing (quantification)
Based on Step 1, we determine what tests are necessary to quantify the underlying cause of the symptoms. To do this, we use a range of computer-controlled equipment.
Step 3
Rehabilitation week (in 5 days)
We address the problems. Through an individual program specifically tailored to your problems, we bring back function during an intensive week of treatment.
Step 4
Aftercare
After the 5-day intensive treatment week, we will give you homework assignments. These are exercises that further promote your recovery. We are happy to keep an eye on these developments with you.
In which conditions can photobiomodulation be employed?
PBM has been primarily studied for promoting wound healing and reducing pain and inflammation in various orthopedic conditions. These conditions include tendinitis, neck pain, and carpal tunnel syndrome.
Since the discovery of PBM, extensive research has been conducted over the past 50 years on its effects at the cellular and systemic levels. In addition to its use for wound healing and pain management, PBM is also employed for cosmetic purposes. This includes aspects such as reducing wrinkles, promoting hair regrowth, addressing strokes, and even in neurological conditions, PBM can be applied.
It concerns neurological conditions associated with deficiencies or imbalances in cellular function or blood regulation. These include, among others, depressive disorders, traumatic brain injury, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, strokes, and cognitive decline.
What to expect during treatment
What can you expect after treatment?
After treatment during our intensive treatment week, you can expect quick to very quick results. It is likely that you will still be tired for the first few days/weeks because your brain needs to process all the activity of the past week. However, your brain is resilient and adapts well due to its neuroplasticity. You may be a little more irritable during this period and sometimes experience mild headaches. However, this is temporary; there are no permanent side effects. With the passage of time, these symptoms will disappear and you will begin to notice more and more the effect of the therapy.
We can imagine that you still have questions after looking at our website
For further details, kindly contact our clinic. You will be connected with one of our dedicated assistants.
