How to Prepare Patients for Their First Photobiomodulation Therapy Session

As a clinician offering photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT), helping your patients feel informed and at ease is key to long-term compliance and better outcomes. This guide is designed to help you walk first-time patients through what to expect during their initial PBMT session using LightForce® therapy lasers—so you can improve confidence and set realistic expectations from the start.  

The Basics: What Patients Should Know

PBMT, in the case of LightForce therapy lasers, is a non-invasive therapy that uses near-infrared laser light to stimulate cellular activity, increase blood flow, and promote tissue repair. During the treatment session:

• The laser is applied directly to the treatment area.
• Sessions last around 5–15 minutes depending on the condition.
• Patients may feel gentle warmth, tingling, or no sensation at all.
• Most return to normal activity immediately.

Preparing Patients Before Their Session

Patients don’t need to make special preparations, but you can advise the following:

• Wear loose, comfortable clothing that allows access to the treatment area.
• Discuss any medications, implants, or sensitivities before starting therapy.

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Step-by-Step: What a Standard Session Looks Like

Here’s how to walk patients through the PBMT process:

1. Clinical Evaluation & Protocol Setup

You’ll begin with a brief assessment, reviewing:

• The patient’s condition
• Medical history
• Treatment goals

Based on these factors, select the appropriate LightForce® laser built-in protocol or use the Perfect Protocol software to select your own treatment parameters.

2. Positioning the Patient

Position the patient seated or lying down to ensure comfort and proper exposure to the affected area.

3. Laser Application

• Use the LightForce® therapy laser to deliver precise energy to the target tissues.
• Depending on the treatment head in use, glide or hover the applicator head over the skin with controlled movement. Follow the Empower IQ™ technology to ensure you are treating effectively.
• Monitor patient feedback.

4. Session Duration

Most treatments take 5–15 minutes depending on area size and number of treatment sites.

5. Sensory Feedback

Many patients report:

• A soothing warmth
• Slight tingling
• Occasionally, no noticeable sensation

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Aftercare and Clinical Notes

PBMT requires no downtime. Patients can return to daily activity. According to clinical literature and provider experience:

• PBMT is well-tolerated with few reported side effects.
• Clinicians report that 91% of patients have a clinically meaningful reduction in pain after laser treatments.¹

Results Timeline: What to Tell Your Patients

• Acute or mild conditions: improvement may be felt after 1–3 sessions.
• Chronic or complex cases: typically require 6–12 sessions or more.
• Initial frequency: 2–3 sessions per week is standard to jumpstart results.

Common Patient FAQs (and How to Answer Them)

Does PBMT hurt?

No. The treatment is non-invasive and well-tolerated, with most patients reporting mild warmth or tingling.

Can it be used with other treatments?

Yes. PBMT is often combined with physical therapy, chiropractic adjustments, rehab programs, and other modalities such as shockwave therapy.

Is it covered by insurance?

Not usually. Many practices like ours offer affordable out-of-pocket options. 

Why LightForce® Makes a Difference for Providers

LightForce® therapy lasers are engineered with advanced controls to support safety, comfort, and outcomes for providers and patients alike. Key features include:

• Built-in protocols for specific conditions
• Perfect Protocol software to allow the clinician to select treatment parameters
• Visual guidance and treatment monitoring with the Empower IQ technology
• Reliable power delivery for consistent results
• FDA-cleared systems trusted by top health organizations and sports teams

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Help Patients Feel Confident from Day One

When you clearly communicate what to expect, you not only help set realistic expectations—you build trust. LightForce® makes this easier with:

• Provider training and onboarding support
• Built-in clinical protocols
• Marketing tools to help educate patients

Schedule a demo to learn how LightForce® therapy lasers can help elevate your clinical outcomes.

Sources:

1. Enovis (2023). Post-Market Clinical Follow-Up Retrospective Study Report: LightForce® Therapy Lasers. Internal Enovis report. Unpublished.