Light Therapy FAQ

Therapeutic wavelengths of Light (mostly Red and Near-Infrared) are absorbed into the body and trigger a biochemical effect in the mitochondria of the cells. The mitochondria are the powerhouse of the cell — it’s where the cell’s energy is created. The energy-carrying molecule found in the cells of all living things is called ATP (adenosine triphosphate).

By increasing the function of the mitochondria using red light therapy, a cell can make more ATP. With more energy, cells can function more efficiently, rejuvenate themselves, and repair damage.

The best description I have read is “Light gives every cell the energy it needs to do its own job better!”

• There are certain times when Photobiomodulation is contraindicated and ought not to be used.
• Some drugs, including a few antibiotics like tetracycline, may make the individual light-sensitive. Check with your physician if you are taking medication before beginning Light Therapy.
• Photopuncture (a.k.a. acupuncture with light) can stimulate some acupoints that can trigger contractions. Check with your photopuncture guide before using if you are pregnant.
• Check with your physician before using Light Therapy if you are on immune-suppressant drugs as Light may have a counter effect on the suppressant drugs.

Although in its infancy, Light Therapy is now being recognized by many insurance companies. Both in reimbursing customers for Light Therapy Sessions with Certified Light Therapists practitioners and for the purchase of in-home Light Therapy Systems. Each insurance company will have its own rules but here are some of the “best practices” we have put together for submitting a light therapy system purchase to your insurance provider:

• The equipment you purchase MUST have FDA 510(k) clearance. This means that your desired light therapy system is considered a Class II Medical Device and is elegible for insurance coverage as necessary medical equipment.
• Your Physician must write a prescription that includes how your device will assist your health – using the clearances that your device has. e.g. – This device will help to lower my patient’s pain and improve their circulation – thereby assisting with their recovery from ___________ health issue.

Most panels warn users not use or store the device in hot temperatures that are or can exceed 130F/54C.

It’s actually best to use your Light Therapy Panels outside of the sauna to get the most benefits since heat can reduce light penetration in the tissue and sweat can increase reflection intensity losses.

The best practice is to have any area of the body that you want to receive Light be fully exposed. Some light will penetrate if the light source is applied directly to the fabric and the fabric is touching the skin. The darker the fabric, the less light will reach the body.

To the best of our knowledge, as long as you clearly inform your clients that you are not a doctor or veterinarian and are correct with your language that you do not diagnose or cure any diseases, you do not have to be licensed in any state in the US at this time. That is one of the things we teach in our CLT program. As PBM grows in popularity, we are sure that, much like massage therapy, the various states and municipalities will eventually require licensing so that they can charge fees.

Other countries, require any practitioner to be certified in each modality that they offer.

The light output of each PTI Photopuncture Torch is listed in our torch output chart.