PBM Therapy, previously known as Low Level Light Therapy, is the application of red and near-infrared light to tissue where there is degeneration or injury, to improve, repair, and reduce inflammation and pain. This is achieved via PBM Therapy’s ability to reduce oxidative stress which is accepted as the underlying trigger for most diseases and degenerative conditions. Oxidative stress is also a component in the inflammatory phase of acute and chronic injuries.

Intended uses of PBM Therapy include:

  • Restoration of motion to joints
  • Improved muscle performance
  • Decreased post exercise soreness
  • Adjunct to obesity as part of a diet and exercise program

The clinically-proven benefits of red and near-infrared light are:

  • Less pain and inflammation
  • Faster rate of recovery after injury
  • Earlier return to physical health
  • Reduced fat and cardiometabolic risk factors
  • Less soreness after exercise, faster recovery from exercise
  • Anecdotal reports include: better sleep, less stress and less depression
PBM stands for "photobiomodulation" therapy (or PBMT). This is the officially recognized scientific term for how red and near infrared light interacts with the cells in the body. It has had a variety of terms over time, most recently Low Level Light Therapy (LLLT), but the scientific community has come to concensus that the best term is photobiomodulation.
Photo = light
Bio = life or cells
Modulation = upregulation of function of cells
The term is quite similar to the word photosynthesis which is how plants take light and turn it into food to sustain the plant. Photobiomodulation and photosynthesis are similar processes.
Healing Power of Light Therapy
Light Therapy for Healing

Laser Phototherapy, also called light therapy, is the newest technology used for soft tissue healing and pain relief…for over 50 years! With the increases we are seeing of antibiotic resistance, heightened incidences of diabetes, along with 2015 having the highest ever overdoses from prescription drugs, a new way of thinking is needed. Laser phototherapy stimulates the natural healing processes of our cells, with no known side effects! Light therapy is one of the most promising medical therapies available.

Used successfully for 50 years, the awareness and acceptance has been slow to catch on in medical circles. One of the reasons is the reluctance of physicians to accept that a single modality is so good at so many things. But really, laser phototherapy does one thing very well, it relieves Oxidative Stress in cells.

Mechanism of Action

To accomplish this we use wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation between 650nm to 1200nm to trigger beneficial biochemical changes within living cells. The photons from the laser are absorbed by photoreceptors within the cells (chromophore) triggering these chemical changes. The chromophore in light therapy is the enzyme Cytochrome C Oxidase (Cox), which is inside the mitochondria membrane. Mitochondria are called the ‘power plants’ of our cells and are inside nearly all cells of the human body. Did you know our mitochondria produce the equivalent of our body weight in ATP each day?

The primary reaction when Cox is stimulated is the creation of Adenosine TriPhosphate (ATP), up regulating the cell to normal function. —Secondary reaction is —Nitric Oxide (NO) is released from the cell during this process, allowing proper respiration of oxygen to enter the cell, relieving oxidative stress on the cell. Tertiary reaction is when released NO enters to blood stream, it increases blood vessel dilation and improves circulation.

Photosynthesis

Just like a plant that uses sunlight to convert water and carbon dioxide to glucose and oxygen, our body can use light therapy to convert cytochrome c oxidase and oxygen to ATP.

ATP is used by the cells to:

  • Absorb nutrients
  • Repair tissue
  • Excrete toxins

Simply put, this is photosynthesis for the body!

The NovoTHOR light pod is receiving considerable worldwide acclaim as a powerful tool for professional athletes, highlighted by the Nike Oregon Project runners who report that the NovoTHOR light pod was what made the difference in their winning multiple gold medals at the Rio Olympics in 2016. Research and clinical evidence suggest notable benefits for traumatic brain injuries (acute & chronic), frequently outperforming all other therapies currently available.
The Dallas Cowboys & Phoenix Suns already own NovoTHORs.
As a non-medical intervention, the same benefits from which professional athletes can benefit can be applied to all athletes at an affordable price point:
  • Athletes - pro, semi-pro, amateurs, crossfitters, Ninja Warriors, high school & college, gym members, personal trainers.
  • Recovery times reduced from 72 hours to 6-24 hours through pre-conditioning NovoTHOR sessions as well as post-exercise/competition.
  • NovoTHOR sessions reduce post-exertional muscle soreness, speedy muscle recovery, increased muscle performance and accelerated healing of acute injuries reported up to 30-50%.

Our recovery modalities aren’t just for professional athletes. In fact, many of our treatments can help treat chronic pain like arthritis and fibromyalgia.
PBM Therapy, previously known as Low Level Light Therapy, is the application of red and near-infrared light to tissue where there is degeneration or injury. This helps improve, repair, and reduce inflammation and pain.
How? Through PBM Therapy’s ability to reduce oxidative stress — which is accepted as the underlying trigger for most diseases and degenerative conditions.
The NovoTHOR is the world’s first and only whole body light therapy pod on the market exclusively designed to deliver effective, penetrating wavelengths at the proven power densities and dosages that cover the body more evenly than any other device.
Those seeking functional medicine due to chronic pain, chronic disease, fibromyalgia, back pain, neck pain, multiple sclerosis, arthritis, gout, neuropathies, traumatic brain injuries (TBI - stroke, concussion) TBI, burns...can all see benefits, often dramatic, with PBM therapy.
In the last 9 years eight systematic reviews have found in favour of LLLT or PBM:
  • American College of Physicians Guidelines include a "strong recommendation" for Low-Level Laser Therapy as a non-invasive treatment for Acute, Subacute & Chronic Low Back Pain. (2017) Click here
  • British Medical Journal (BMJ): LLLT for chronic non-specific low back pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials found "moderate quality of evidence" and "clinically important benefits" in the short term. (2016) Click here
  • BMJ sports medicine journal, systematic review of surgical and conservative interventions for frozen shoulder found "strong evidence" for LLLT. (2010) Click here
  • The International Association for the Study of Pain (Global Task force on musculoskeletal pain) found "strong evidence" for Low Level Laser Therapy on myofascial pain syndrome. (2010) Click here
  • The BMJ clinical evidence recommendations for tennis elbow 2011 now include LLLT Click here
  • American Physical Therapy Association guidelines recommend LLLT for Achilles tendonitis. (2010) Click here
  • Lancet systematic review: "LLLT reduces pain immediately after treatment in acute neck pain and up to 22 weeks after completion of treatment in patients with chronic neck pain". (2009) Click here
  • World Health Organisation (Bone and Joint Task Force) for neck pain Low Level Laser Therapy "more effective than no treatment, sham, or alternative interventions" (2008) Click here

The following outcomes have been reported by clients how have used the NovoTHOR light pod. These outcomes may not apply to every person, and are not intended to guarantee, promise, represent and/or assure that anyone will achieve the same or similar results. If you experience any of these, notify your technician at your next appointment.
•“Temporary euphoric feeling
•“increased energy levels“
•“improved sleep patterns“
•“improved mood“
•“improved skin clarity and tone”
•“improved bowel function“
•“decreased swelling of extremities“
•“increased energy”
•“increased mental clarity”
•“increased general sense of well being”

PBM Therapy appears too good to be true as it does many things, but really it does just one thing and it does it very well. It reduces OXIDATIVE STRESS.

Oxidative stress is accepted as the underlying trigger for most diseases and degenerative conditions. It is also a component in the inflammatory phase of acute and chronic injuries. Extensive research during the last two decades has revealed oxidative stress can lead to chronic inflammation, which in turn contributes to chronic diseases including cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, neurological disorders and pulmonary diseases.

The use of visible and near-infrared (NIR) light for reducing pain, inflammation and edema, has been known for almost forty years. The effects of photobiomodulation, as it is known scientifically, are photochemical – just like photosynthesis in plants. When the correct power, frequency and application time are used, light reduces oxidative stress and increases ATP. This in turn improves cell metabolism and reduces inflammation. Light is absorbed at the cellular level, targeting the cause of inflammation by reducing oxidative stress.

This non-invasive and safe therapy has been shown to be highly effective for:

  • Sports injuries

  • Sports muscle recovery and performance

  • Acute and chronic musculoskeletal conditions

    • Soft tissue pain and inflammation

    • Tendinopathies

    • Arthritis pain

    • Gout

  • Syndrome conditions

    • Chronic fatigue

    • Fibromyalgia

  • Neuropathy

  • Lymphedema

Click here for a more complete list of conditions we can address.

The NovoTHOR is a whole body delivery system of PBM Therapy that has been designed to deliver optimal wavelengths, power densities and dosages based on published clinical research outcomes. It's as simple as lying still in the light pod for the predetermined length of time, similar to a tanning bed, except you will not get a tan.

The advantage of the NovoTHOR is it works on the whole body in just 8-15 minutes. Regular sessions have been shown to contribute to reduction of pain, improved muscle performance and reduction of muscle fatigue.

Direct nerve application and trigger point therapy are also available. These decrease pain and relax muscle spasms, both contributing to reduction in musculoskeletal pain. These sessions take approximately 10-15 minutes "per location" i.e. per hip/knee/ankle etc.

PBMT works at the cellular level, stimulating repair and normalizing cell function. Many therapies only address symptoms, without addressing the source. With that said, chronic degenerative changes often cannot be "healed", instead they must be managed. PBMT is a safe, effective, non pharmaceutical way to manage pain and inflammation.

Unlike drugs and surgery, Photobiomodulation Therapy

  • promotes cell regeneration

  • reduces inflammation and pain

  • is non-toxic

  • is non-invasive

  • has no side effects

That depends on you and your “Human Variables”. Every person’s condition is unique, therefore his/her treatment course is as well. However there are some general rules of thumb that apply to PBMT.

Acute injuries and inflammation from muscle strains and sprains, cuts, bruises, burns, etc typically show very rapid improvement and can resolve in 3-6 treatments.

Long-term, chronic conditions can take as many as 12 sessions to get significant benefits, then 1-2 sessions every 3-6 weeks may be necessary to maintain benefits.

Again, that depends on you and your “Human Variables”. Every person’s condition is unique, therefore the treatment course is as well.

We recommend "Starter Packages" where 6-8 sessions are completed in the first 2-3 weeks. At that point intervals typically reduce to 1-2 x per week ongoing depending on your conditions and wellness goals.

Please book an individual consultation with our qualified staff to have your questions answered. There is absolutely no cost or obligation, and you will also a receive FREE NovoTHOR session!

Over 400 Randomised Controlled Double-Blinded Clinical Trials have been published using PBM devices, and the technology has featured in over 4,000 laboratory studies. PBM is used in thousands of clinics, hospitals and elite sports institutions in over 70 nations.

The NovoTHOR and LX2 Laser Therapy systems were developed by James Carroll, who is a recognized authority on LLLT mechanisms of action, dose, and the measurement and reporting of parameters. He collaborates with many universities and hospital research centers on treatment protocol design and reporting of treatment parameters, including Harvard Medical School, Harvard School of Public Health, Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), Brigham and Women’s Hospital (Boston), Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), and Leiden University Medical Centre, Amsterdam.

Most patients report no sensation at all while receiving laser or NovoTHOR therapy. It's the positive side effects that many report afterwards that reveal the benefits of this modality. PBM therapy with LED and Class 3b devices does not warm the tissues at all but it does however increase circulation at the site of treatment and therefore can have a warming sensation caused by improved circulation in the area.
ARE THERE ANY SIDE EFFECTS?
The following anecdotal outcomes are commonly reported by clients using NovoTHOR:
•“Temporary euphoric feeling"
•“Increased energy levels“
•“Improved sleep patterns“
•“Improved mood“
•“Improved skin clarity and tone”
•“Improved bowel function“
•“Decreased swelling of extremities“
•“Increased energy”
•“Increased mental clarity”
•“Increased general sense of well being”

These outcomes may not apply to every person, and are not intended to guarantee, promise, represent and/or assure that anyone will achieve the same or similar results.
Occasionally some clients may experience mild fatigue, discomfort, or aches after treatment. These responses should reduce after 24 - 48 hours, however if they persist notify your therapist at your next appointment.

Close

WHAT IS COLD LASER? IS PBM THE SAME THING?​

Cold Laser Therapy is a colloquial term for photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) or Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT).

It is a light session using lasers or LEDs to improve tissue repair, reduce pain and decrease inflammation wherever the beam is applied. Usually applied by a doctor, therapist or technician, a session can last anywhere from 10-60 minutes and should be applied two or more times a week to get optimal results.

Cold Laser has been used for many years on sports injuries, arthritic joints, neuropathic pain syndromes, back and neck pain. Over 400 randomised clinical trials have been published on Cold Laser, half of which are on pain.

THOR customers include British and US military, Premier Division soccer teams, Olympic teams including the 2016 US Nike Olympic running team, Formula 1, rugby and cricket team therapists as well as specialist pain clinics in the UK and USA.

In the last 9 years eight systematic reviews have found in favour of LLLT or PBM:

  • American College of Physicians Guidelines include a "strong recommendation" for Low-Level Laser Therapy as a non-invasive treatment for Acute, Subacute & Chronic Low Back Pain. (2017) Click here
  • British Medical Journal (BMJ): LLLT for chronic non-specific low back pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials found "moderate quality of evidence" and "clinically important benefits" in the short term. (2016) Click here
  • BMJ sports medicine journal, systematic review of surgical and conservative interventions for frozen shoulder found "strong evidence" for LLLT. (2010) Click here
  • The International Association for the Study of Pain (Global Task force on musculoskeletal pain) found "strong evidence" for Low Level Laser Therapy on myofascial pain syndrome. (2010) Click here
  • The BMJ clinical evidence recommendations for tennis elbow 2011 now include LLLT Click here
  • American Physical Therapy Association guidelines recommend LLLT for Achilles tendonitis. (2010) Click here
  • Lancet systematic review: "LLLT reduces pain immediately after treatment in acute neck pain and up to 22 weeks after completion of treatment in patients with chronic neck pain". (2009) Click here
  • World Health Organisation (Bone and Joint Task Force) for neck pain Low Level Laser Therapy "more effective than no treatment, sham, or alternative interventions" (2008) Click here

Not all lasers are the same. Many have heard of "cold laser' therapy options and it can be confusing if you don't understand that not all lasers are the same, and the most common lasers on the market today can actually be dangerous and not help the patient.
Studies have shown definitively that there is a narrow therapeutic window for light therapy and too little does nothing and too much is detrimental and can slow or reduce healing.
The vast majority of laser units that are commonly found in medical, physical therapy, chiropractic & veterinary offices are CLASS 4 lasers (K-Laser, Companion, Cutting Edge). Class 4 lasers are the same type of lasers used for cutting and ablating of tissue in surgery. Class 4 lasers are very powerful and require a vast understanding of light physics that few professionals or lay people have. Class IV lasers can easily overtreat the patient. The manufacturers clearly instruct that the laser head should always be moving, painting if you will, across the site of treatment. Why? Because if left in one place for too long the intense light will heat the cells and cause cellular damage! If the user doesn't have a deep understanding of light physics and tissue dynamics, the patient is likely to suffer. The published studies that show that PBM failed to help the patient were done with Class 4 lasers for too long at too high of power.
HOW IS THOR DIFFERENT?
Thor lasers, used by Texas Laser Therapy, are Class 3b lasers. Class 3b lasers are true Low Light Laser Therapy devices. It is nearly impossible to overtreat the patient with a Class 3b laser device. Much of the therapeutic benefits in fact come from LED (light emitting diodes - similar to those in modern car tail lights) bulbs, and not from lasers. Lasers do play a role, allowing for deeper penetration than LED and can be both for healing or for desensitizing nerves and stopping the pain cycle. The lasers however still are Class 3b devices and are safe (when safety goggles are worn)! Treatment times are 1 minute per location, no longer. Yet the patient could receive over 20 minutes on the same site and have no detrimental effects. The NovoTHOR bed is filled with 3600 LED's having the ideal wavelengths of light to produce positive results in the user.
Over 550 randomized clinical trials (RCTs) using these devices reveal that Class 3b lasers produce far greater results than Class 4 laser devices, which have a tendency to overtreat and result in detrimental effects. Read more about the differences of Class 3b and Class 4 lasers.

The following anecdotal outcomes are commonly reported by clients using NovoTHOR:
•“Temporary euphoric feeling"
•“Increased energy levels“
•“Improved sleep patterns“
•“Improved mood“
•“Improved skin clarity and tone”
•“Improved bowel function“
•“Decreased swelling of extremities“
•“Increased energy”
•“Increased mental clarity”
•“Increased general sense of well being”
These outcomes may not apply to every person, and are not intended to guarantee, promise, represent and/or assure that anyone will achieve the same or similar results.
Occasionally some clients may experience mild fatigue, discomfort, or aches after treatment. These responses should reduce after 24 - 48 hours, however if they persist notify your technician at your
next appointment.