Photobiomodulation Studies for Skin Health:
Photobiomodulation can be effective for:
- Wound Healing
- Hair Regrowth
- Reduction of Psoriasis Lesions
- Collagen Production for Fewer Wrinkles
- Reversing Sun Damage Effects
- Prevention of Cold Sores
- Diminishing Scars
- Pain Reduction for Carpal Tunnel, Rheumatoid Arthritis, and Osteoarthritis
How Treatment Works
As a leader in integrative specialty care in the Maryland area, Shakthi Health and Wellness offers photobiomodulation services and access to the infrared sauna.
From increased collagen production, which results in 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 or call our integrative specialty care staff at 301-703-5067.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
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.
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.
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.
We offer two options:
• Yearly Membership
• A La Carte
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.
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Alternative Skin Care Treatments
What Is Photobiomodulation?
Photobiomodulation has several names, including:
- Red Laser Therapy
- Red Light Therapy
- Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT)
- Laser Phototherapy
- Laser Biostimulation
- LED Light Therapy
No matter the name, this treatment works by exposing cells in the body often in one targeted area) to low-level lasers or near-infrared light. The light penetrates the cells to change their function by activating the cell’s powerhouse, known as the mitochondria. This activation also allows for better cell performance, repair, and rejuvenation. (1) Further, red-light therapy also improves circulation, collagen production, and reduces inflammation, which produces better-looking skin and improved pain levels.
What you need to know about photobiomodulation
Red laser therapy is different from other light therapies.
Red lasers or near-infrared lasers are not the only kind of laser therapy available.
Some other options include: (2)
- Blue or Green Light Therapy: Blue or green 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: Sauna 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 has 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 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.
Should I Start Photobiomodulation?
Deciding whether to start photobiomodulation is a personal choice best made with expert guidance and a clear understanding of your health needs. At Shakthi Health and Wellness, we don’t take a one-size-fits-all approach; instead, Dr. Jyothi Rao and her team begin your care with a thorough foundational assessment.
This process involves a detailed review of your medical history, lifestyle habits, symptoms, and wellness goals to identify the root causes of any health concerns. Based on these insights, we develop a personalized Health Optimization Program designed to address your unique situation.
If photobiomodulation is deemed beneficial for your specific needs, such as supporting cellular repair, reducing inflammation, or enhancing recovery, it will be thoughtfully incorporated into your plan. Our integrative and individualized approach ensures that every therapy, including photobiomodulation, is chosen with your long-term health and well-being in mind.
Meet Dr. Jyothi Rao
Dr. Rao believes in functional medicine that that treats the root cause of chronic illness rather than just the symptoms. By integrating conventional, holistic and alternative treatments like Photobiomodulation we can help patients achieve whole body health and wellness.
Digital Guide
This digital guide offers an in-depth look at photobiomodulation, other regenerative medicine treatments we offer, Dr. Jyothi Rao’s expertise, and our locations in Florida, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Virginia.
Related Treatments
Treatments we offer that are often used alongside Photobiomodulation.
Conditions Treated
Common conditions treated by Photobiomodulation.
Related Services
Services we offer the related to Photobiomodulation therapy.
Patient Testimonials
