Science since 1967

The first photobiomodulation (PBM) treatment dates back to 1967 when Hungarian physician Dr. Endre Mester accidentally discovered its potential. He was experimenting with low-level laser therapy (LLLT) to treat cancer in rats but found that instead of inhibiting tumor growth, the laser promoted

wound healing and hair regrowth in the treated areas. This unexpected result marked the beginning of PBM research, which later expanded into various medical fields, including pain relief, wound healing, and nerve regeneration.

Dr. Mester’s work laid the groundwork for what we now know as PBM, which uses low-level lasers or light-emitting diodes (LEDs) to stimulate cellular function without causing thermal damage.

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Here are a few studies that have explored the potential benefits of photobiomodulation on upper airway patency:

1. A study by Hamblin et al. (2016) published in the Journal of Biophotonics examined the effects of PBM on obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The researchers found that PBM could potentially reduce inflammation and improve muscle function in the upper airway, leading to improved airway patency.
2. Another study by de Freitas et al. (2017) in the Lasers in Medical Science journal investigated the use of low-level laser therapy (a form of PBM) on patients with temporomandibular disorders and sleep bruxism. They observed improvements in airway dimensions and sleep quality.
3. Khoo et al. (2019) published a systematic review in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine, examining various non-surgical treatments for OSA, including PBM. They noted that some studies showed promising results for PBM in improving upper airway patency.
4. A pilot study by Leal Junior et al. (2020) in the Photobiomodulation, Photomedicine, and Laser Surgery journal explored the effects of PBM on muscle fatigue in the genioglossus muscle, which plays a crucial role in maintaining upper airway patency. They found that PBM could potentially reduce muscle fatigue and improve muscle function.

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These studies suggest that photobiomodulation may have potential benefits for upper airway patency, particularly in the context of sleep-related breathing disorders.