Photobiomodulation (PBM) is cutting-edge technology used to treat a multitude of conditions using Low Level Laser, LED or Near Infra-red light. Also known as Cold Laser Therapy or Low-Level Light Therapy, PBM works at the cellular level promoting tissue repair along with skin wounds, concussion, muscle pain, tendon pain, bone healing and nerval function wherever the beam is applied. With PBM, light photons work to eliminate oxidative stress in your cells which decreases inflammation, relieves pain and accelerates healing.

With over 50 years of scientific study, PBM has been proven world-wide to reduce pain, improve function, repair tissue and more. It is non-invasive, safe and has no side-effects. It is also Health Canada Approved.

Photobiomodulation means:

• Photo means Light
• Bio means Life
• Modulation means to Stimulate and Change.

As the function of PBM is to improve the energy production of each cell, almost every ailment can be helped by this therapy, both acute and chronic in nature.

The following is a short list of example conditions:

• Musculoskeletal – Muscle, joint, bone, tendon injury and pain.  Neck and back pain. Stiffness and swelling. Post-exercise muscle recovery.
• Traumatic brain injury including concussion and whiplash.
• Alzheimer's, Dementia, Parkinson's.
• Migraines
• Skin and hair – wounds, hair loss and multiple dermatological conditions.
• Nerve – Diminished motor and sensory function, including symptoms of burning, tingling, numbness, pain and fatigue.
• Oral – Post surgery healing, TMJ, oral mucositis, painful tongue, cheeks and dryness.
• Inflammation – specific and localized; acute and chronic.
• Overall wellness, immune boosting and preventative care.

Luminous uses world-class, clinical-level equipment and is the only clinic in the Greater Vancouver area using both the THOR LED/Laser Hand-Held devices, the world leader in PBM technology, as well as an ARRC Full-Body Light Therapy Bed to offer clients an incredibly effective way to combat oxidative stress, heal tissue, decrease inflammation, increase circulation, and promote overall wellness.

LEDs usually emit light in a small band of wavelengths but cannot emit a single specified wavelength such as a Laser. LEDs consist of many colours while light beams generated by the LASER is monochromatic (single colour light). LED is more superficial and used for wound healing, skin conditions and lymphatic stimulation whereas, Laser goes deeper into the tissue and joints for healing.

LED is the acronym of Light Emitting Diode while the LASER is the abbreviated term used for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation.

Everyone’s condition, history and immune system is different.  Therefore, the amount of treatments will vary from case to case.  In your PBM Consultation, we will communicate with you and determine a recommended treatment plan that will address your specific needs.

Considerations are type of condition, chronic or acute and age is a factor sometimes because as we get older, our bodies may not heal as quickly. On average, the recommended protocol is 2 to 3 times a week for 2 to 6 weeks.

All conditions have one thing in common, oxidative stress in our cells. Photobiomodulation eliminates oxidative stress. Oxidative stress in our cells causes inflammation and pain. Inflammation is at the root of most health conditions. Chronic Inflammation caused by oxidative stress can manifest into diseases.

No, PBM is also used for overall wellness, athletic performance and cognitive enhancement along with disease prevention and anti-aging.  Since it works at the cellular level, PBM can enhance your overall health!

The lasers used for each type of treatment vary in class type, power and intensity.

In cosmetic surgery, lasers have been developed to be strong enough for skin resurfacing (a technique that directs short, concentrated pulsating beams of light at irregular skin, precisely removing skin layer by layer) and removal of wrinkles, scars, moles, tattoos and unwanted hair.

Laser surgery used in hospitals is a type of surgery that uses even stronger light beams instead of instruments, such as scalpels, to perform surgical procedures. There are several different types of lasers, each with characteristics that perform specific functions during surgery.

Some examples are:

• To remove tumors
• To help prevent blood loss by sealing small blood vessels
• To seal lymph vessels to help decrease swelling and decrease the spread of tumor cells.

Photobiomodulation (PBM) was discovered in 1967 by Endre Mester at the Semmelweis Medical University in Hungary.  PBM, also known as Low-level laser therapy, applies lasers or LEDs to the surface of the body at very low power levels that do not produce heat.

Whereas high-power lasers are used in laser medicine to cut or destroy tissue, low-power lasers stimulate and enhance cell function.  

The light beams emitted stimulate a cellular response that combats cellular oxidative stress which decreases inflammation and allows the mitochondria to produce energy at optimal levels. This boosts the immune system, relieves pain and accelerates healing.