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Photobiomodulation (PBM) Therapy at The Wellness Center

For more information on the Center of Excellence for Photobiomodulation at Shepherd University, please visit https://pbmfoundation.org/.

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Relieve Pain

muscle

Recover

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Health Span

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Perform Better

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Recharge

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Increase Circulation

Photobiomodulation (PBM) Therapy – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is PBM and how does it work?

PBM (Photobiomodulation) uses specific wavelengths of light to help your body function at its best. Think of it like charging a battery—your cells absorb the light, which boosts energy production, improves circulation, and supports natural healing.

PBM is not instant, but with consistent use, it may help with:
✔️ Reducing discomfort and stiffness
✔️ Improving circulation
✔️ Enhancing recovery and relaxation
✔️ Supporting overall wellness and healthy aging

For more on the science behind PBM and its various applications, visit:
🔗 PBM Foundation

How do I get started with PBM?

✅ To purchase a single PBM session, go here:
🔗 Single Session Purchase

✅ To purchase an unlimited PBM membership (one week, one month, or monthly recurring), go here:
🔗 Unlimited PBM Membership Purchase

✅ After purchasing the membership, book your PBM session here:
🔗 PBM Session Booking

✅ First-time user promotion:

Buy one month, get one week free!
Must visit the front desk to sign up.

What should I expect in a PBM session?

  1. Check-in at the front desk to receive a PBM suite key and ThorLabs glasses.
  2. Self-service: There is no technician available. If you need assistance getting in and out of the equipment, you must bring your own caretaker.
  3. Cleaning: Clients must clean the bed/canopy before and after use with the provided Lucasol cleaning solution and microfiber rag.
  4. Clothing: Minimal or no clothing (ideal) should be worn during treatment. Light cannot penetrate through clothes—the area you wish to treat must be completely bare.
  5. Weight limits: NovoThor Bed: 300 lbs, Canopy Table: 500 lbs

Where are the PBM suites located?

Our PBM Suites are on the first floor of the Wellness Center. All appointments must check in at the front desk before use.

    • Suite 1 includes:
      • SunPowerLED Canopy
      • XL NovoThor Bed
      • ❌ No, two people cannot use the suite at the same time.
    • Suite 2 includes:
      • XL NovoThor Bed for additional scheduling availability.

How often should I use PBM?

  • Best practice: Every other day to allow your body time to adjust.
  • Safe for daily use, but per manufacturer guidelines, take one day off per week and limit sessions to 15 minutes for the first week and then 20 minutes moving forward.
  • For the Canopy: Since it treats only one side at a time, you can use it daily by alternating sides. Also, safe for daily use on the same side by cutting back the session to 15 minutes.

How long does it take to see results?

Results vary for everyone, but we recommend a minimum of 12 sessions for noticeable benefits.

  • Start with at least 3 sessions per week for at least a month, then reassess.
  • Some people feel immediate effects like improved range of motion, circulation, or better sleep, while others see gradual changes over time.

Which PBM device should I use?

SunPowerLED Canopy (For Targeted Treatment & Accessibility-Friendly)

✔ Best for specific areas (e.g., lower back, knee, musculoskeletal conditions).
✔ Easier for those with mobility challenges.
✔ Greater irradiance (power density), meaning more concentrated energy on a smaller area.
✔ Alternates between red (660nm) and near-infrared (810nm) light.

XL NovoThor Bed (For Full-Body Treatment)

✔ Best for systemic or whole-body benefits.
✔ Longer wavelength for deeper penetration.
✔ Can be low to the ground, making it harder to get in and out.
✔ Wavelengths: 850nm & 660nm.
✔ Weight limit: 300 lbs.

Handheld & Headset Devices (For At-Home Use)

✔ Available for rental for targeted treatment outside the facility.
✔ Contact Jennifer (Dr. Flora) directly for rental inquiries at [email protected].

For more details on the PBM devices we carry, visit:
🔗 NovoTHOR (Full-body light therapy bed)
🔗 SunPowerLED (Handheld and panel PBM devices)
🔗 Vielight (Brain and intranasal PBM technology)

How do I Register for a PBM Session Online?

Follow these step-by-step instructions to book your Photobiomodulation (PBM) session at Shepherd Wellness:

📌 Step 1: Visit the Booking Website

🔗 Go to https://myshepherdwellness.com/

📌 Step 2: Sign In

  1. Click “Sign In” at the top right.
  2. Click “Shepherd University SSO” if you are a university employee or student, OR enter your Wellness Center member credentials.
  3. If this is your first time, click “Sign-Up” to create an account.

📌 Step 3: Select PBM Services

  1. Click “Programs, Services, and Leagues” from the menu.
  2. Scroll down and select “Photobiomodulation”.
  3. Choose one of the two PBM Suites to book your session.

📌 Step 4: Choose Your Date & Time

  1. Click “chevron_right” (>) to scroll to the date you want.
  2. Select the date.
  3. Scroll down to find an available time slot, then click “Select”.
  4. Click “chevron_right” (>) again if you need to check additional dates.

📌 Step 5: Confirm Your Registration

  1. Click “Register”.
  2. Click “Next”.

📌 Step 6: Sign the Waiver

  1. Click “expand_more” to view the waiver.
  2. Read through the waiver, then click the text box to sign.
  3. Use your mouse or finger (for touch screens) to sign.
  4. Click “Save“, then “Accept“.
  5. Click “Next”.

📌 Step 7: Proceed to Checkout

  1. Click “Proceed to Checkout“.
  2. Click “Checkout“.
  3. Select your payment card on file, or enter a new payment method.
  4. Click “Checkout” to finalize your booking.

You’re all set! You will receive a confirmation email with your appointment details.

Pre-Session Instructions

It is important to follow these recommendations for optimal benefits:

  • Consult with your physician before beginning PBM therapy.
  • Book your session at least 1 hour in advance via the member portal, app, or by calling the front desk.
  • Avoid lotions, powders, deodorant, antiperspirant, perfumes, or makeup within 1 hour before the session—these may reduce effectiveness. Heavy lotions and oil cause the light to scatter.
  • Shower before your session and wear clothing that is easy to remove. Skin should be clean and dry.
  • Cover any open lesions with an adhesive bandage before use.

Set the PBM suite door to “Occupied” and close it firmly before beginning.
Spray and wipe down the bed/canopy*
with Lucasol solution with a microfiber rag. Place the rag in the hamper.
*There may be a film on the bed or canopy. This is caused by the Lucasol solution when it dries. It is clean, safe, and wipes up easily.
Disrobe to your comfort level, keeping in mind that clothing blocks light absorption.

Session Process

PBM Bed (NovoThor)

🛏️ Lay face-up on the bed for the entire session.
⏳ Session duration: 15-20 minutes.
😎 Wear PBM-approved goggles (no prescription glasses).
⚡ The unit will turn off automatically at the end of the session.

PBM Canopy (SunPowerLED)

🪑 Sit in a chair or lay on the table under the canopy.
⏳ Session duration: 15-20 minutes.
😎 Wear PBM-approved goggles (no prescription glasses).
⚡ The unit will turn off automatically at the end of the session.

Post-Session Instructions

Spray down the bed/canopy with Lucasol solution and let it dry.
Set the room door to “Vacant” and close it securely when leaving.
Return the PBM suite key and glasses to the front desk.
Drink 64-80 oz of water within 24 hours.
Resume normal activity as usual.

What if I have more questions or need help with a treatment plan?

For specific guidance, contact Jennifer (Dr. Flora) directly. She can provide information on rental devices, answer questions about PBM use, and help you determine the best approach for your wellness journey.

📞 Phone: 304-876-5295
📧 Email: [email protected]

Member Price Non-Member Price
1 Session $30 $35
1 Week Unlimited $75 $90
1 Month Unlimited $300 $350
Monthly Recurring Unlimited* $200 $250

 

*This option auto renews on the 1st of every month. There is a 2-month minimum requirement.

Handheld PBM devices are available for rent at $10/day. Headset PBM devices are available for rent for $15/day and a one-time $100 upfront fee for a nasal applicator. Email PBM Wellness Director, Dr. Jennifer Flora, at [email protected] to reserve. A minimum of 14 day rental is required.

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Services are available Monday-Friday 6:30 am – 7:30 pm and Saturday and Sunday 8 am – 3:30 pm.

The Center of Excellence for Photobiomodulation is committed to research and is currently assessing PBM as an intervention for cravings of opioids and symptoms of depression, COVID-19 brain fog, and sleep quality and muscle recovery in athletes (in manuscript). To support our research efforts please donate here https://shepherduniversityfoundation.org/donate/. Under designation, select “other” and type in “PBM Foundation”.

For more information and for questions please email [email protected]