Photobiomodulation Offers Hope for Patients with Neuropathy
If you are dealing with neuropathy, photobiomodulation (PBM) therapy—which involves the therapeutic use of specific wavelengths of light, including red and near-infrared light, to stimulate biological processes within cells—may provide relief.
Recent research has shown that PBM is particularly effective when combined with other therapies, serving as a powerful tool for managing neuropathic pain. The therapy works by improving mitochondrial function, increasing the synthesis of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), and reducing oxidative stress and inflammation.
These effects are especially beneficial for those facing peripheral neuropathy, a condition where nerve damage causes pain, numbness, and tingling. Studies have demonstrated that PBM therapy helps alleviate these symptoms, offering an alternative or complementary, drug-free treatment option. The wavelengths used in PBM therapy—typically ranging from red to near-infrared light—are directed at the affected nerves, promoting healing at the cellular level.
Combining PBM with other therapies, such as physical exercise or ultrasound therapy, yields better results than using these treatments on their own. For example, the combination of PBM with transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) has proven highly effective in significantly reducing pain and improving nerve function in carpal tunnel syndrome, a common form of neuropathy.
Another study demonstrated that the use of PBM in combination with a wrist splint in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome led to reduced pain, improved grip strength, and enhanced functional status. These combined therapies work synergistically to promote healing and restore function.
Beyond Neuropathy: The Broad Positive Effects of PBM on Neurological Health
Although the relief of neuropathy is a significant benefit of PBM therapy, its potential extends far beyond peripheral nerve issues. Research has shown promising results for various neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders. For instance, PBM has demonstrated positive effects in managing the symptoms of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.
When combined with physical exercise, PBM therapy has shown potential for slowing disease progression and improving motor functions in these conditions. In the realm of mental health, PBM reduces anxiety and depressive behaviors when used alongside conventional treatments or environmental enrichment strategies.
In stroke patients, the combination of PBM with other therapies—such as neuromuscular electrical stimulation—has led to improvements in cognitive function and mobility. This suggests that PBM could be a valuable addition to your treatment plan if you are dealing with various neurological issues, not just neuropathy.
PBM as a powerful tool for health optimization
Thanks to modern technology, PBM stands out as one of the most potent tools for health optimization available today. It is important to understand a fundamental truth about human biology: your body requires regular exposure to red and infrared light—ideally on a daily basis. Nature designed us to receive this through sunlight hitting exposed skin; however, modern lifestyles and seasonal changes often make this difficult.
Far-infrared saunas as an excellent alternative
Far-infrared saunas offer an excellent alternative, providing the necessary infrared radiation along with beneficial detoxifying effects. However, keep in mind that this does not replace the need for physical activity. For optimal health, daily walking—aiming for 8,000 to 10,000 steps—remains crucial. If you have avoided vegetable oils for at least six months, taking walks around midday while wearing minimal clothing can significantly amplify the benefits.
During the winter months or in poor weather, combining regular walks with infrared sauna sessions ensures that the body receives its necessary daily dose of infrared radiation.
While saunas and sunlight provide invaluable full-body exposure to infrared radiation, PBM (photobiomodulation) devices offer unique advantages by targeting specific areas that require therapeutic attention. This targeted approach is particularly valuable for treating injuries or addressing needs that require focused care. The beauty of PBM lies in its precision—it delivers optimal wavelengths exactly where they are therapeutically needed.
Understanding the Optical Window
More than half of the wavelengths originating from the sun—53%—fall within the red, near-infrared, mid-infrared, and far-infrared spectra. Each of these wavelengths offers significant health benefits. Solar radiation is divided into three categories:
- Ultraviolet light (UVA, UVB, and UVC), which accounts for 7% of the solar spectrum.
- Visible light (violet, indigo, blue, green, yellow, orange, red), which ranges from 400 to 700 nanometers and makes up 39% of the spectrum.
- Invisible infrared light (near, mid, and far-infrared), which ranges from 700 to 10,000 nanometers and accounts for 54% of the solar spectrum.
In biophysics, the term "optical window" refers to the range of wavelengths spanning approximately 600 to 1,100 nanometers. At 600 nanometers, we are dealing with red-orange light; around 700 nanometers, we transition into the near-infrared range—which is invisible to the human eye—peaking at approximately 1,500 nanometers.
The ideal "optical window" is located roughly in the middle of the near-infrared spectrum, between 600 and 900 nanometers. In this range, wavelengths are long enough to penetrate deep into the body and reach tissues, while at the same time avoiding significant absorption by hemoglobin, melanin, and water.
Below 600 nanometers, light rays do not penetrate deeply; those that do are quickly absorbed by the body due to the presence of hemoglobin and melanin. The "sweet spot" within this optical window lies between 800 and 810 nanometers—the classic near-infrared range.
Near-infrared light is also highly beneficial.
One of the primary mechanisms through which exposure to infrared light provides benefits is by increasing ATP production within your mitochondria. Every cell containing mitochondria benefits from exposure to red and near-infrared light.
Another remarkable benefit of near-infrared light is the production of melatonin—95% of the body's melatonin is produced within the mitochondria in response to near-infrared light. The melatonin released by the pineal gland accounts for only 5% of the total melatonin in the body.
Mitochondria are tiny organelles present in most cells, responsible for the production of cellular energy; mitochondrial dysfunction is a primary cause of most chronic diseases. Melatonin is a potent antioxidant that reduces oxidative stress within the mitochondria. By scavenging free radicals—byproducts of normal cellular metabolism—melatonin mitigates damage exactly where it is most critical (within the mitochondria) and helps them function optimally.
Melatonin also boosts levels of glutathione, a vital detoxification agent. Crucially, however, orally ingested melatonin never reaches the mitochondria. While oral melatonin can help regulate sleep when taken at the appropriate time (in the evening, just before bed), it has no effect on oxidative stress within the mitochondria. The only way to trigger this process is through exposure of bare skin to near-infrared light.
Beyond enhancing energy production and melatonin levels, the benefits of near-infrared light include stimulating the conversion of retinol (vitamin A) into retinoids—compounds the body requires for vitamin D synthesis and hemoglobin processing—as well as increasing the release of nitric oxide (NO), which improves blood circulation and promotes vasodilation.
Dosage Recommendations
Spending time outdoors provides natural exposure to near-infrared light; however, many people do not spend time outdoors on a regular basis. Red and near-infrared light therapy has proven effective for enhancing athletic performance and recovery. A PBM (photobiomodulation) device is significantly more effective than sunlight, as it allows for more targeted wavelengths. This also applies to medical conditions such as myopathy and neuropathy.
For general health, the goal is to find the optimal amount of red and near-infrared light. Too low a dose yields no biological effect, while too high a dose enters the inhibitory range. So, what is the ideal dose for a single session? Most scientific research utilizes a range of 5 to 50 joules. (A joule is a unit of measurement for energy delivered to the body—specifically, energy in watts per second.)
The general recommendation is to get as much exposure to natural sunlight as possible, supplemented by a dose of 25 joules, while also taking an occasional day off. When using a large panel, this would equate to 10 minutes on the front of the body and 10 minutes on the back, for a total of 20 minutes.
There are no strict rules for choosing a device; however, red light typically does not penetrate deeply and is better suited for skin-related issues. Near-infrared light penetrates more deeply, making it ideal for muscle regeneration and the enhancement of cognitive functions. A combination device offers the best of both worlds, though using it will require approximately 50% more time compared to a device that utilizes only near-infrared light.
The effectiveness of PBM depends on factors such as wavelength, power density, and the duration of the therapy. If you are considering PBM for neuropathy or other health conditions, consult a healthcare professional with experience in this therapy. They can help determine the most appropriate parameters for your specific condition and provide guidance on how to incorporate PBM to achieve the best results.
When exploring PBM as a treatment option, keep in mind that it is generally most effective when part of a holistic approach to health. Combining PBM with lifestyle changes—such as a balanced diet and regular physical exercise—can amplify its benefits and improve your overall health.