3 Reasons to Choose Full Body Photobiomodulation Instead of Light Panels

What is Photobiomodulation?

Originally developed by NASA, Photobiomodulation Therapy (or PBM for short) is the application of red, green, and near infrared light to improve wound and soft tissue healing, reduce inflammation, and provide relief from pain conditions and injuries. Some of the top uses for PBM include: chronic pain, inflammatory conditions, neuropathy, thyroid disorders, eczema, psoriasis, arthritis, and post-operative healing.

Photobiomodulation Therapy is by far one of the most popular modalities that we have at Huemn in Houston, TX. Not only is it incredibly relaxing, but our full body, infrared bed is the most powerful form of Light Therapy on the market. But why is light such a valuable tool in the healing process?

Photobiomodulation works by stimulating the mitochondria within cells. Mitochondria are the powerhouses of the cell and produce energy in the form of ATP (adenosine triphosphate) through a process called cellular respiration. PBM stimulates the production of ATP within the mitochondria, which in turn enhances cellular activity, including the production of collagen, the removal of waste products, and the release of anti-inflammatory molecules.

PBM sessions at Huemn last anywhere from 13-20 minutes. For optimal results, it is recommended that you undergo Light Therapy 2-3 times per week.In some cases, like the instance of an upcoming surgery (or the post-operative recovery process), you may increase your treatment frequency to 4-5 times per week. Since light therapy has become such a popular modality in the wellness and recovery space, today, we thought it was important to discuss the key differences between Red Light Panels and full body Light Therapy systems.

Light Therapy Panels vs. Whole Body Photobiomodulation: does it matter?

This is our most frequently asked question regarding Light Therapy, and for good reason! In order to reap the full benefits of Photobiomodulation Therapy, the dose, proximity, and type of light being applied are all important variables. Part of what makes PBM so effective in studies are the number and type of LED lights the participants are exposed to, PLUS the participants' physical proximity to the lights. There are 3 main reasons why a full body PBM system is superior to the light panels that you frequently see.

1. In our full body PBM bed, you are exposed to 360 degrees of light. These lights are configured to be at an optimal distance from the body, which allows for the most effective treatment possible. This is a critical distinction from light panels, which are often too far away from the body to be truly beneficial. 

2. In addition to distance, most light panels vary greatly on the type of light that they offer. For example, some only provide red light, while others provide red and infrared. Because of the high degree of variability, it can be challenging to know if the treatments you are receiving are truly effective. At Huemn, our PBM bed includes all of the well-studied settings, PLUS green light, which is becoming a widely used tool in the treatment of inflammatory skin conditions, wounds, and migraines.

3. Lastly, it must be stated that out of the thousands of Light Therapy studies that have taken place, none have been conducted using light panels. In contrast, there have been a multitude of studies measuring the efficacy of PBM full body beds. Because there is a lack of research surrounding the efficacy of these panels and an over abundance of research with devices like our ATP Bed, we recommend following the scientific evidence for optimal results.Red light therapy panels and Photobiomodulation beds are both devices that use red and near-infrared light to promote healing and improve various health conditions. The main difference between the two is the size and coverage area of the light source.

Light Therapy in Houston, TX

At Huemn, we offer the Greater Houston and surrounding areas with a true, whole body Photobiomodulation experience with our full body Photobiomodulation bed. This bed, the ATP Bed, is the most powerful light therapy device on the market. To try our Light Therapy system, claim your complimentary session by clicking the button below.