Can photobiomodulation help reduce pain during bone healing?

Photobiomodulation (PBM) is an increasingly popular technique, particularly for pain management. Using specific wavelengths of light, PBM stimulates cells and promotes natural healing processes in the body. This non-invasive technique can help manage the pain associated with bone healing.

Understanding bone consolidation

Bone healing is the process by which a broken bone naturally repairs itself. It takes place in several stages:

1. Hematoma formation: immediately after the fracture, a blood clot forms around the affected area.
2. Formation of a soft callus: the clot is gradually replaced by a soft tissue called fibrocartilaginous callus.
3. Formation of a hard callus: the soft callus is transformed into a harder bony callus, consolidating the bone.
4. Bone remodeling: newly formed bone is remodeled to resemble the original bone.

Each of these stages can be accompanied by pain, particularly in the early stages when inflammation is present. To alleviate this, photobiomodulation can be used.

PBM in bone consolidation

Photobiomodulation can be used in a variety of situations to promote bone consolidation. It is possible to use this innovative technique:

• After orthopedic surgery: photobiomodulation can be used to reduce pain and inflammation after surgery.
• To support bone healing in non-union fractures: non-union fractures, where the bone fails to heal properly, can benefit from PBM to stimulate bone regeneration.
• For sports injury management: athletes suffering fractures or bone injuries use photobiomodulation to speed up recovery and return to training more quickly.

How does photobiomodulation reduce pain?

Photobiomodulation uses LEDs and lasers to emit light of different wavelengths, including red and near-infrared. These specific wavelengths have a variety of biological effects that can be beneficial in managing pain and supporting bone consolidation.

Anti-inflammatory effect

Inflammation is the body's natural response to injury, but it can also be a source of pain. The light used during photobiomodulation sessions helps reduce inflammation by :

• Reducing the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, molecules that contribute to inflammation.
• Improves blood circulation, helping to eliminate metabolic waste from the affected area.

Cell stimulation

The light used in photobiomodulation penetrates tissues and is absorbed by cells, particularly mitochondria. This stimulates the production of ATP (adenosine triphosphate), a molecule involved in cellular energy production. An increase in ATP promotes :

• Better tissue repair.
• Reduced pain by reducing inflammation and improving cellular function.

Modulation of pain receptors

PBM can act directly on pain receptors (nociceptors), reducing their sensitivity. In fact, exposure to certain wavelengths of light can inhibit the transmission of certain signals to the brain, thus reducing the pain associated with certain phases in the consolidation of a fractured bone.

The benefits of photobiomodulation for general well-being

Photobiomodulation helps manage pain during bone consolidation and offers other benefits, such as :

• Reduces oxidative stress: red and near-infrared light reduces the production of free radicals, molecules that can damage cells.
• Immune support: PBM can boost the immune system, helping the body to fight off potential infections after a fracture.

Integrating photobiomodulation into a care plan

To enhance the benefits of photobiomodulation and promote bone consolidation, it is advisable to consult a professional to personalize the treatment and carry out regular sessions, planned according to the healing phase of the bone.

Other complementary therapies, such as physiotherapy, can be used to accelerate bone consolidation.