PBM + PRF: How They Work
Photobiomodulation (PBM) and platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) injections are two treatments that can treat temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction and aid in healing. Here’s how each works, and why using them together can amplify regenerative effects.
How does photobiomodulation (PBM) work?
PBM is a treatment that uses gentle light, often from a laser or light-emitting diodes in the red/near-infrared spectrum, applied to the skin over sore joints or muscles. This light is not hot and does not burn. Instead, it helps your body’s cells work better by boosting their energy production. PBM can:
– Lower inflammation (swelling and irritation) in the joint
– Reduce harmful molecules called “oxidative stress” that can damage tissues
– Help cells repair themselves and grow new, healthy tissue
Studies show that PBM can reduce pain and inflammation in joint problems like temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD) and arthritis, and help the body heal faster by creating a better environment for recovery.
How does platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) work?
PRF is made from a small sample of your own blood. The blood is processed to concentrate the platelets, which are cells that help with healing. PRF is then injected into the injured joint or tissue. PRF contains:
– Growth factors that help repair and rebuild tissues
– Proteins that support new cell growth and healing
– Substances that can reduce inflammation
PRF has been shown to help with pain and improve healing in joint injuries by delivering these natural growth factors right where they are needed.
How can PBM and PRF work together?
PBM and PRF work even better when used together because they help the body in different but complementary ways:
– PBM reduces inflammation and stress in the joint, making it easier for the body to heal.
– PRF delivers growth factors that help build and repair new tissue.
– PBM may also help the cells in the joint respond better to the growth factors from PRF, creating a more supportive environment for healing.
Studies suggest that combining PBM and PRF is a promising way to support joint recovery.
If you have questions about these treatments, schedule a consultation at Better Sleep Mid-Ohio Valley to see if they may be right for you.
Further Reading
- Effect of Photobiomodulation Therapy on Painful Temporomandibular Disorders. Aisaiti A, Zhou Y, Wen Y, et al. Scientific Reports. 2021;11(1):9049. doi:10.1038/s41598-021-87265-0.
- Effects of Different Photobiomodulation Dosimetries on Temporomandibular Dysfunction: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial. Borges RMM, Cardoso DS, Flores BC, et al. Lasers in Medical Science. 2018;33(9):1859-1866. doi:10.1007/s10103-018-2533-6.
- Effectiveness of Laser Therapy in Treatment of Temporomandibular Joint and Muscle Pain. Buduru S, Oprea DM, Manziuc MM, Leucuța DC, Almășan O. Journal of Clinical Medicine. 2024;13(17):5327. doi:10.3390/jcm13175327.
- Simultaneous Red and Infrared Light-Emitting Diodes Reduced Pain in Individuals With Temporomandibular Disorder: A Randomized, Controlled, Double-Blind, Clinical Trial. de Sousa DFM, Malavazzi TCDS, Deana AM, et al. Lasers in Medical Science. 2022;37(9):3423-3431. doi:10.1007/s10103-022-03600-5.
- The Mechanisms and Efficacy of Photobiomodulation Therapy for Arthritis: A Comprehensive Review. Zhang R, Qu J. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2023;24(18):14293. doi:10.3390/ijms241814293.
- Current Advances of Photobiomodulation Therapy in Treating Knee Osteoarthritis. Zhang Y, Ji Q. Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology. 2023;11:1286025. doi:10.3389/fcell.2023.1286025.
- Photobiomodulation Ameliorates Inflammatory Parameters in Fibroblast-Like Synoviocytes and Experimental Animal Models of Rheumatoid Arthritis. Ryu JH, Park J, Kim BY, et al. Frontiers in Immunology. 2023;14:1122581. doi:10.3389/fimmu.2023.1122581.
- Proposed Mechanisms of Photobiomodulation or Low-Level Light Therapy. de Freitas LF, Hamblin MR. IEEE Journal of Selected Topics in Quantum Electronics : A Publication of the IEEE Lasers and Electro-Optics Society. 2016 May-Jun;22(3):7000417. doi:10.1109/JSTQE.2016.2561201.
- PRP-chitosan Thermoresponsive Hydrogel Combined With Black Phosphorus Nanosheets as Injectable Biomaterial for Biotherapy and Phototherapy Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis. Pan W, Dai C, Li Y, et al. Biomaterials. 2020;239:119851. doi:10.1016/j.biomaterials.2020.119851.
- Intra-Articular Injection of Photo-Activated Platelet-Rich Plasma in Patients With Knee Osteoarthritis: A Double-Blind, Randomized Controlled Pilot Study. Paterson KL, Nicholls M, Bennell KL, Bates D. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders. 2016;17:67. doi:10.1186/s12891-016-0920-3.
- Application of Fibrin Associated With Photobiomodulation as a Promising Strategy to Improve Regeneration in Tissue Engineering: A Systematic Review. Reis CHB, Buchaim DV, Ortiz AC, et al. Polymers. 2022;14(15):3150. doi:10.3390/polym14153150.
- Sustained Release of Growth Factors From Photoactivated Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP). Irmak G, Demirtaş TT, Gümüşderelioğlu M. European Journal of Pharmaceutics and Biopharmaceutics : Official Journal of Arbeitsgemeinschaft Fur Pharmazeutische Verfahrenstechnik e.V. 2020;148:67-76. doi:10.1016/j.ejpb.2019.11.011.
- Effect of Light-Emitting Diodes, Platelet-Rich Plasma, and Their Combination on the Activity of Sheep Tenocytes. Alzyoud JAM, Al Najjar SA, Talat S, et al. Lasers in Medical Science. 2019;34(4):759-766. doi:10.1007/s10103-018-2657-8.
- A Comparative Study of Low-Level Laser Efficacy on Autologous Activity of PRP Injected in Knee Arthritis, in Vivo Study. Jadah NA, Shamkhi IA. Lasers in Medical Science. 2021;36(2):357-363. doi:10.1007/s10103-020-03039-6.
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