Photobiomodulation Therapy (PBM)
What is PBM Therapy?
Photobiomodulation (PBM) therapy, also known as red and near-infrared light therapy, is a clinically proven approach that uses specific wavelengths of light (400–700 nm and beyond) to stimulate healing, reduce inflammation, and optimize cellular function. Backed by research published in journals such as The Lancet and The British Medical Journal, PBM has been shown to support recovery, regulate circadian rhythms, and enhance the body’s natural restorative processes.
Humans are profoundly light-sensitive. Our circadian rhythm, which governs sleep, wakefulness, hormone production, and regeneration, is driven by light exposure. In modern life, where 90–93% of our time is spent indoors, natural light exposure is limited. PBM provides a way to restore this essential light stimulus, helping the body heal, regenerate, and function at its best.
How PBM Therapy Works
PBM uses targeted light wavelengths to interact with cellular structures, particularly the mitochondria. This stimulates the production of ATP (adenosine triphosphate), the body’s cellular energy currency, which powers repair, detoxification, and regeneration.
At The Logan Institute, we use three advanced PBM systems:
Light Beam Generator (LBG): Focused on the lymphatic system, helping promote drainage, reduce swelling, and clear toxins.
ATP38: A Swiss-made unit designed for focal injuries, inflammation, and pain.
Red:Vive: A red and near-infrared light system that supports systemic benefits including mitochondrial energy, reduced pain, inflammation, and enhanced metabolism.
PBM and the Lymphatic System
One of PBM’s most powerful applications is its effect on the lymphatic system. When lymphatic cells become congested, they can clump with water molecules, contributing to chronic inflammation and impaired immune function. PBM devices like the LBG use low-level photons and specific electromagnetic frequencies to restore balance, separate clumped cells, and accelerate lymphatic drainage.
This process promotes fluid homeostasis, reduces swelling, and helps the body eliminate toxins more efficiently, making it valuable for recovery from surgery, injury, or chronic inflammatory conditions.
Conditions PBM Therapy May Support
PBM therapy has broad applications and can be tailored to both acute and chronic concerns, including:
Pre- and post-surgical recovery
Pain and inflammation (acute and chronic)
Muscle recovery and sports performance
Soft tissue injuries and sciatica
Chronic lymphedema
Sinusitis, allergies, and sore throats
Fibromyalgia and autoimmune inflammation
Skin conditions such as acne or wound healing
Oral and dental infections or surgery recovery
Gastrointestinal inflammation
General swelling from toxins, infections, or injuries
What to Expect
The number of PBM sessions depends on the condition being treated. Acute concerns like sinusitis may respond within 1–3 weeks, while chronic conditions such as lymphedema or fibromyalgia may require ongoing sessions twice per week for 5+ weeks.
PBM is painless, non-invasive, and safe for most patients. Many people notice improvements in energy, reduced swelling, and faster recovery times.
Doc's Personal Experience
Dr. Logan first experienced PBM’s effects firsthand when a bee sting caused immediate swelling of his hand. Using PBM therapy, the swelling subsided within 30 minutes—a process that would normally take 3–5 days. This transformative moment underscored PBM’s ability to accelerate healing and support the lymphatic system.
Key Benefits of PBM Therapy
Enhances mitochondrial energy (ATP) production
Supports immune system and microbiome balance
Improves circulation and lymphatic drainage
Reduces pain, swelling, and inflammation
Accelerates healing of tissue and bone
Regulates circadian rhythms and sleep cycles
Promotes skin rejuvenation and cellular repair
This therapy DOES NOT require an MD order and is open to non-patients.
Note: The Logan Institute utilizes any number of treatment modalities to best resolve symptoms and the underlying root cause of those symptoms.