Photobiomodulation for Skin Care

Since its initial discovery, many studies have researched the effectiveness of low-level laser therapy in treating various skin conditions, from wounds to acne and rosacea.  And the results of these various studies are promising.  

Photobiomodulation Studies for Skin Health:

Photobiomodulation has shown to be effective for:

  • Wound healing 
  • Hair regrowth in certain kinds of alopecia 
  • Reduction of psoriasis lesions
  • Collagen production for the improvement of wrinkles
  • Reversing the effects of sun damage 
  • Prevention of cold sores
  • Diminishing scars
  • Pain reduction for those with carpal tunnel, rheumatoid arthritis, and osteoarthritis

And while more research is needed to determine if low-level light therapy equally effective for treating conditions, such as depression, cellulite, and weight loss,  the jury is in- low-level laser therapy for skin rejuvenation is a thing!

Photobiomodulation device on the shoulder of a women

How Treatment Works

As a leader in integrative specialty care in the Maryland area, Shakthi Health and Wellness offers photobiomodulation services and access to their infrared sauna.  From increased collagen production, which results in smoother, more youthful skin to improved appearance of scars, Shakthi Health and Wellness is here to help.  

If you’d like to learn more about our infrared sauna and how it may help you, contact us here or call our integrative speciality care staff at 301-703-5067.


Frequently Asked Questions

Photobiomodulation for Skin Care FAQ's

What are the benefits of PBM?

PBM can help reduce pain and inflammation, improve circulation, accelerate healing, and promote tissue regeneration. It is also a non-invasive and painless treatment that has few side effects.


What conditions can PBM help treat?

PBM has been shown to be effective in treating a variety of conditions, including chronic pain, arthritis, neuropathy, wounds, and sports injuries.


Is PBM safe?

PBM is generally considered to be safe, with few side effects reported. However, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional before undergoing any new treatment.


What types of light are used in PBM?

PBM uses various wavelengths of light, including red and near-infrared light, to stimulate healing and reduce pain and inflammation.

What is an Integrative Medicine Approach?

Integrative medicine combines conventional medicine and alternative therapies to enhance a patient’s vitality, focusing on whole body wellness. An Integrative Medicine physician will address the root cause of your illness and not just treat the symptoms. By determining what the root is, you and your practitioner can devise a health plan to successfully treat the disease. At Shakthi, we take into account other factors in your life that may be preventing the root cause of your illness or disease from fully healing. We work closely with our patients to address their immediate health needs while developing a personalized wellness plan that encourages whole body wellness. You can learn more here.

What are the benefits of integrative medicine?

Integrative medicine’s biggest benefit is the fact it looks at the patient as a whole individual and addresses the root causes of illnesses by doing so. I went along with this though integrative medicine promotes a symbiotic and collaborative relationship between the doctor and the patient. This means that there is better communication. Another great benefit is that it utilizes every therapy possible to ensure that the patient gets the treatment that is perfect for them.

 

Where are you located?

We have two locations in Mount Airy and Elkridge Maryland.

Why is integrative medicine not covered by insurance?

Over the past decade or so, integrative medicine has been becoming more and more popular. Because of this popularity, there has been an increase in doctors that practice it. But even with all this popularity unfortunately insurance does not cover integrative health care. The lack of coverage from insurance companies is solely because integrative medicine often encompasses treatments that these health insurance companies degenerative treatments. Because these treatments like acupuncture, massage therapy, infrared sauna, and many others are all deemed alternative they are not covered.

What costs are involved? 

We offer two options:
• Yearly Membership
• A La Carte

How do I make an appointment?

You can expect your first visit with Dr. Rao and our team to be more comprehensive than anything you have ever experienced. Our practice is not a revolving door, we won't just visit with you for 5 minutes, hand you a prescription and send you on your way. You can expect the initial visit to last approximately 60 minutes. In that time, Dr. Rao will spend time with you, listen to your history, ask questions, hear your concerns. We put great emphasis on the listening and hearing part of the consult. It is vital in developing a strong doctor, patient relationship and is the only way we can help you get on the right path to healing. After your consult, we will order your testing. Depending on your specific needs a number of tests will be administered. Testing is tailored to each individual. Schedule Appointment Here.

What are five alternative medicines?

There are many different types of alternative medicines but many of them can fall under one of the five main alternative categories. These categories are homeopathy, eastern medicine, naturopathy, and Ayurveda. Within these five types so there are many variations and so choosing one that works for you all relies on what exactly you're looking to gain from choosing alternative medicines.

Shakthi Digital Guide

At Shakthi Health and Wellness we offer a la carte and yearly plans that are more comprehensive and often cheaper than traditional insurance plans.

What To Expect

Hormone Imbalance Specialists

Meet Our Doctors 

Our team is composed of board certified medical doctors who are highly knowledgeable in the practice of holistic integrative therapies. Our Specialized Health Care model provides patients with in depth consults with each appointment without the restrictions of time limits and jumping through insurance hoops. 

Jyothi Rao

MD, ABAAHP, FAARFM


Dr. Jyothi Rao has been practicing medicine for over 20 years. She received her Doctorate of Medicine (MD) from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey and completed her internship and residency at the prestigious New England Medical Center (Tufts) in Boston. Before opening Shakthi Health & Wellness Center, Dr. Rao practiced medicine in New York and Maryland.

Sudhir Rao

MD, ABAAHP


Dr. Sudhir Rao obtained his Medical Doctorate from St. George's University School of Medicine, and is the founder of Pain and Spine Specialists. Despite Dr. Rao's years of training focusing on traditional medicine, he developed a strong interest in Functional and Integrative Medicine to treat chronic illness with alternative methods after a personal experience with limitations in traditional medicine.

Alternative Skin Care Treatments

Skincare routines are nothing new. Glimpsing through any old-timey magazine will quickly dispel the notion that we’ve only just begun to focus on caring for our skin. But what is new, or new-ish- are the latest technologies available for skin care. While some skincare routines are not for the faint-hearted (think vampire facials), others are equally relaxing and beneficial (read: traditional spa facials).  

One thing is for sure- finding a skincare routine that is safe and effective is in- which is why more and more people are turning to alternative skincare treatments, such as photobiomodulation- that promises great results with minimal risk. Sadly, since most people are not searching for photobiomodulation (PBM), they may know that this minimally-invasive, low-risk laser skin treatment offers great results everyone is looking for!  

So, what is photobiomodulation, and what do you need to know about it? 

What is photobiomodulation? 

Photobiomodulation has several names:

  • Red-laser therapy
  • Red-light therapy
  • Low-level laser therapy (LLLT)
  • Laser photo-therapy
  • Laser biostimulation
  • LED light therapy

This treatment works by exposing cells in the body (often in one targeted area) to low-level lasers or near-infrared light that penetrates the cells to change their function by activating the cell’s powerhouse (the mitochondria) activity.  This activation in turn allows for better cell performance, repair, and rejuvenation. (1)  What’s more, red-light therapy also improves circulation, collagen production, and reduced inflammation, which produces better-looking skin and improved pain levels.   

What you need to know about photobiomodulation 

Ensuring this skincare option is fitting when considering laser skin treatment is essential. So, here are some crucial takeaways on photobiomodulation.  

Red laser therapy is different from other light-therapies

One notable fact is about red-laser or near-infrared lasers is that they are not the only kind of laser therapy available. Some other options include: (2)

  • Blue or green-light therapy: This light therapy may be more appropriate for specific skin conditions, such as acne.  
  • Natural sunlight: While there are some concerns about exposure to UV rays, there is strong evidence that natural sunlight helps with depression and seasonal affective disorder (3)
  • Sauna light therapy: This light therapy can be a mix of different color lights to achieve a variety of health goals 
  • Yellow light therapy: Similar to red-light treatment, yellow light can penetrate further than blue and green-light therapy and helps with inflammation (4)

So, if considering photobiomodulation, talk with your healthcare provider to ensure you receive the best light therapy for your concerns.  

Laser therapy at home versus the doctor’s office 

With the increasing popularity of laser skin treatment, an influx of at-home devices have become available, which is an excellent option for those who cannot get into a spa or doctor’s office. However, while most laser skin treatment devices are safe for home use, they won’t deliver the same effects. Instruments used by dermatologists and other providers are often more powerful, and therefore- more effective (5)

Potential side effects of low-level laser therapy

Photobiomodulation has no significant side effects when done correctly.  However, providers do caution against “too much of a good thing.”   So, most providers suggest limiting sessions to once, sometimes twice a week, with days off in between. Also, the strength of the laser should not be excessive, as this can affect the quality of treatment. And treatment durations should be at most 10 minutes for one area; however, the provider may opt for lower-strength lasers or lights, which would change how intensive and long the session is. 

Fortunately, while the above concerns may impede the results you see, photobiomodulation is not known to cause any side effects (1)  So, photobiomodulation is a low-risk and safe option for skincare. 

Does insurance cover photobiomodulation?

Since PBM is offered in spas and alternative health practices, most insurance companies do not cover it. However, most spas and facilities, such as Shakthi Health and Wellness, offer discounts and special pricing for services like their infrared spa.

About Us

We believe in practicing medicine that focuses on whole body health. As integrative medicine doctors we focus our on root cause of your condition with comprehensive treatments that actually heal the body rather than just masking the symptoms of your illness. 

Helpful Resources

Digital Guide


A comprehensive guide to our services, providers, and locations.

Contact Us

Locations

Mt Airy

2702 Back Acre Circle, Mt. Airy, MD 21771

Elkridge

6816 Deerpath Rd Elkridge, MD 21075

Contact

Phone

(301) 703-5067

Email

info@raowellness.com

Fax

(301) 703-8880