What happens during a photobiomodulation session?
.webp)
A photobiomodulation session is simple, painless, soothing, and quick. Whether you’re coming in to relieve pain, improve your skin, or recover after exercise, here’s what you can expect.
Typical Session Schedule
⏱ Average duration: 10 to 20 minutes. May be shorter for severe, localized pain, depending on the device.
📍 Position: sitting or lying down, in a quiet environment
💧 Preparation: hydrated, clean skin, no makeup or cream
🔦 Exposed area: face, back, joints, brain as needed
📈 Target dose: 6 to 10 J/cm² (adjusted according to power and distance)
Key steps in a session:
- Comfortable seating (chair, sofa, bed, floor)
- Contactless light exposure
- Duration varies by region
- An immediate sense of relaxation
- No side effects are expected
🧘 Tip: To maximize the benefits, remember to breathe deeply, relax… and stay hydrated before and after your session.
Before the session: welcome and preparation
You will be welcomed into a calm environment. The practitioner will begin by discussing your needs and any potential contraindications to tailor the treatment plan—including the treatment area, duration, and light intensity.
Before the exhibition:
- It is recommended that you drink a glass of water
- The area of skin to be treated must be clean and free of makeup and lotion
- Please make yourself comfortable—often lying down
- Slow breathing is encouraged to promote relaxation
During the session: light, relaxation, and well-being
The session usually lasts between 10 and 20 minutes. You are exposed to a gentle red or infrared light, without feeling any excessive heat.
You are experiencing:
- A gentle, pleasant sensation of warmth
- Deep muscle relaxation
- A moment of mental relaxation, similar to a micro-nap or meditation
There is no pain, tingling, or discomfort.
After the session: immediate effects
You can resume your normal activities immediately after the session. Many users report:
- A feeling of lightness and relaxation
- A reduction in pain or stiffness
- More energy or better sleep in the hours that follow
Tips for prolonging the effects
- Drink water again to support cell regeneration
- Avoid applying harsh cosmetics within the next hour
- Try to take a moment to relax or rest if possible
Typical Procedure for a Photobiomodulation Session
- Welcoming guests and listening to their needs
- Preparation: hydration, clean skin, comfort
- Exposure to light for 10 to 20 minutes
- Relaxation and letting go
- Business as usual
For healthcare professionals
A photobiomodulation session is based on specific parameters: power density (irradiance), wavelength (often between 630 and 850 nm), exposure time, and treatment area.
Its effectiveness is based on the activation of mitochondrial cytochromes (particularly CCO), which promotes ATP production, modulates inflammation, and facilitates cellular repair.
It can be integrated into:
- After surgery, to promote optimal healing
- In rheumatology, to relieve chronic pain
- In dermatology, for inflammatory or scarring skin conditions
There are contraindications: photosensitive conditions, pregnancy (as a precaution), and active, untreated cancer. A preliminary evaluation is always required.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the procedure painful?
No. Photobiomodulation is a non-invasive therapy that involves no heat, pain, or tingling. The sensation is neutral or pleasant.
How long does a session last?
On average, 10 to 20 minutes, depending on the area, the device’s power, and the treatment goal (skin, pain, recovery, etc.).
How do you feel after a session?
Most users experience immediate relaxation, a feeling of lightness, or relief from tension. The cellular effects are gradual.
Scientific sources cited
- Chung H. et al. (2012). The Nuts and Bolts of Low-level Laser (Light) Therapy.
Link to the study
→ Describes light therapy treatment protocols: duration, frequencies, cellular mechanisms, and safety. - Enwemeka C.S. (2004). The efficacy of low-power lasers in tissue repair and pain control.
Link to the study
→ Validates the clinical application of PBM in routine practice (position, frequency, perceived effects). - Hamblin, M.R. (2017). Mechanisms and doses for photobiomodulation therapy.
Link to the study
→ Recommends progressive protocols with dose control (joules/cm²) and optimal duration per area. - De Freitas L.F., Hamblin M.R. (2016). PBM mechanisms: clinical applications and cellular pathways.
Link to the study
→ Describes the effects experienced by the patient and immediate observations following the session.
See also
Our guides
.webp)
