Photobiomodulation | Dr. Valérie Otero

What is photobiomodulation?

Photobiomodulation, also known as LED therapy, low-level light therapy (LLLT) or red light therapy, is a technique that uses certain wavelengths of light to support the natural mechanisms of tissue regulation and repair.

Used in medical settings, this light stimulation acts at the cellular level by promoting the production of biological energy (ATP) and supporting certain tissue repair and balance processes.

Unlike thermal or invasive approaches, the light used is non-thermal, painless and respects tissue integrity when applied in a suitable medical setting.

It can be offered for:

• to support the quality and radiance of the skin
• to accompany certain skin irregularities
• promote tissue recovery
• contribute to comfort in certain inflammatory conditions

The effects are gradual and unfold over time.

Photobiomodulation does not transform, it supports.

In my practice, it is integrated when it fits appropriately into a holistic approach, respectful of the individual's rhythm and balance.

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Therapeutic effects

PBM has a wide range of applications, both aesthetic and therapeutic. It is known for:

Aesthetics : Improves skin texture, reduces wrinkles, fights acne and scars.
Skin disorders : Relief from psoriasis, eczema, and other skin inflammations.
Wound healing : Acceleration of wound healing and post-surgical injuries.
Neuropathic and Musculoskeletal Pain : Effective against neuropathy, fibromyalgia and pain related to pathologies such as spondylitis.
Hair problems : Reduction of hair loss and stimulation of regrowth.
Neurology : Relief from the symptoms of neurodegenerative diseases, improvement of cognitive function in the elderly.

PBM is a non-invasive therapeutic technique that uses specific wavelengths of light (often red or near-infrared) to stimulate biological processes in the body's cells.

Unlike other forms of light therapy (such as surgical lasers), PBM does not cause tissue damage or burns but encourages healing and regeneration.

The light used in PBM penetrates tissues down to the cells and acts primarily on the mitochondria, the "powerhouses" of our cells. This stimulates the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), an essential energy molecule, and activates a range of cellular processes that promote regeneration and repair.

The session's progress

A photobiomodulation session usually lasts between 15 and 30 minutes.

Preparation

You are comfortably seated in a relaxed position. Protective eyewear may be provided depending on the device used.

Application of light

The LED device is positioned close to the area to be treated (skin, muscles, joints, etc.). The light then penetrates the skin without any sensation of excessive heat or discomfort.

Process

Light stimulates cells, triggering healing mechanisms such as increased blood flow and reduced inflammation.

End of session

Once the session is over, no recovery period is necessary. You can immediately resume your daily activities.

The frequency of sessions depends on the condition being treated. Generally, a complete course of treatment involves 5 to 10 sessions spaced a few days apart, and results appear gradually.

Why choose PBM as a complementary therapy?

Possible side effects

Photobiomodulation is generally very well tolerated.
It may sometimes appear:

• a slight, transient redness
• a sensation of gentle warmth
• temporary skin sensitivity

These reactions are usually mild and disappear quickly.
The technique is non-invasive and does not cause skin damage when performed in a suitable medical setting.

✦ Number of sessions

The number of sessions depends on the indication and the individual situation.
An initial protocol often involves several closely spaced sessions, then a gradual spacing can be considered depending on the observed progress.

Each indication is assessed individually in order to adapt the frequency to the person's own rhythm.

✦ When are the effects observed?

The effects are gradual.
Some people notice an improvement in skin radiance or comfort after a few sessions, but the improvement in tissue quality is generally a long-term process.

Photobiomodulation does not produce immediate transformation: it supports biological mechanisms that require time to fully express themselves.

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