A Detailed Practical Guide to Dosing Red and Near-Infrared Light Therapy with Dr. Mark Cronshaw
May 10, 2025
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In this discussion, Dr. Mark Cronshaw, a specialist in photobiomodulation (PBM), shares his unique 'philosophy of care' for utilizing red light therapy to enhance healing and manage pain. He elaborates on the importance of choosing the right devices depending on the depth of the targeted tissue. The conversation dives into the mechanics behind PBM and its implications for athletic recovery, dental health, and even cancer care, while emphasizing proper dosing for optimal results. It's a must-listen for anyone intrigued by the science of light therapy!
Dr. Mark Cronshaw discusses the philosophy of care in photobiomodulation, emphasizing its role in healing, pain management, and injury prevention.
The podcast highlights the importance of appropriate dosing in PBM, noting that varying doses can yield different effects on tissue responses.
Dr. Cronshaw shares practical applications of PBM, particularly in dental medicine, to enhance recovery and manage postoperative pain and inflammation.
The discussion introduces the concept of systemic effects of PBM, suggesting it may influence overall health and wellness through bioenergetic mechanisms.
Deep dives
Overview of Photobiomodulation (PBM)
Photobiomodulation (PBM) refers to the process by which light interacts with biological systems to promote healing and tissue regeneration. The podcast features Dr. Mark Cronshaw, an expert in this field, discussing various aspects of PBM, including its mechanisms, dosing, and applications for treating injuries and inflammation. PBM works by stimulating cellular function, enhancing the healing process, and managing pain through both photochemical and photothermal effects. As the conversation progresses, it becomes clear that understanding the complexities of PBM requires a nuanced approach, considering the interplay between light and biological tissues.
Applications of PBM in Dental Medicine
Dr. Cronshaw elaborates on the practical applications of PBM, particularly in dental medicine, where it can address pain and stimulate recovery after surgical interventions. He shares a specific case of a child with a severe burn on the lips and how PBM was used to effectively manage inflammation and accelerate wound healing. By training dental professionals to use PBM devices, they can offer patients at-home care that complements clinical treatment. This shift towards empowering patients with knowledge of PBM could significantly enhance post-treatment recovery outcomes.
Understanding Inflammation and Healing
The discussion highlights the dual role of inflammation in healing processes, as both necessary for cellular signaling and potentially damaging if excessive. Dr. Cronshaw explains how acute inflammation plays a vital role in initiating tissue repair but can become problematic if it persists. PBM is presented as a tool to help manage inflammation by mitigating pain and swelling while promoting the healing of damaged tissues. By reducing the inflammatory response, PBM may enhance recovery and improve tissue integrity after injuries or surgeries.
Dosing and Treatment Parameters
Dosing in PBM is crucial for achieving desired therapeutic outcomes, and the conversation touches on various parameters that influence treatment effectiveness. Dr. Cronshaw discusses the importance of selecting appropriate doses for different applications, noting that higher doses may be necessary for deeper tissues or more chronic conditions. The concept of a biphasic dose-response is introduced, indicating that low and high doses can have different effects on tissue responses. This complexity necessitates careful consideration of treatment protocols to optimize the benefits of PBM.
The Role of Cellular Responses
The podcast emphasizes the importance of understanding cellular mechanisms involved in PBM, such as mitochondrial activity and the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). PBM has been linked to enhanced cellular metabolism, leading to improved cellular resilience and healing capacity. By applying light energy, cells can be prompted to respond favorably during the repair process, fostering better recovery outcomes. This cellular perspective illuminates the underlying biological principles that make PBM an effective therapeutic intervention.
Clinical Applications Beyond Dentistry
While the focus is on dentistry, Dr. Cronshaw discusses the broader clinical applications of PBM across various medical fields, including pain management and treatment of inflammatory conditions. He notes that PBM can be useful for patients undergoing chemotherapy, where it may alleviate side effects like oral mucositis and inflammatory skin reactions. The versatility of PBM is underscored as it shows promise in addressing a wide range of issues related to inflammation, tissue repair, and pain relief. This suggests a growing recognition of PBM's potential in integrative and holistic healthcare settings.
Understanding Light Wavelengths and Their Effects
The podcast delves into the significance of different wavelengths of light used in PBM, highlighting how absorption characteristics and tissue penetration depth can vary. Dr. Cronshaw presents data on the optimal wavelengths for achieving desired therapeutic effects, such as 810 nanometers being effective for deeper tissue penetration. Furthermore, he discusses the use of broader wavelengths and suggests that the selection of wavelengths can be tailored to the specific condition being treated. This nuanced understanding is essential for practitioners seeking to utilize PBM therapeutically.
Bioenergetics and Systemic Effects
Dr. Cronshaw proposes that PBM may have systemic effects beyond localized treatments, engaging with the concept of bioenergetics, where light exposure can prompt responses throughout the body. This perspective suggests that PBM could influence not just the treated area but also contribute to overall health and wellness through stimulating physiological changes. The podcast encourages looking at PBM as a bioenergetic intervention capable of affecting both local and systemic physiology, which could enhance future therapeutic strategies. As more research emerges, the integration of PBM into standard health practices may expand significantly.
I’m back again for my fourth conversation with Dr. Mark Cronshaw, an expert in the world of photobiomodulation (PBM), aka red light therapy. You know that when I have multiple conversations with a guest, I highly value their knowledge and want to go deeper with what they have to share.
If you want to get VERY technical and go deep with the topic of PBM, this episode is for you, and I recommend you listen to the prior 3 episodes we’ve recorded together.
In this conversation, Dr. Cronshaw presents what he calls his "philosophy of care" for using photobiomodulation to enhance healing, manage pain, and prevent injury. His approach focuses on a few fundamental questions:
Are you treating surface or deep tissues?
Are you seeking to stimulate healing/tissue repair or provide pain relief?
His multi-dimensional approach explains why different devices produce different results, enabling more strategic use of both professional and at-home light therapy tools.
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