What is Laser Therapy?
Laser therapy is the use of monochromatic light emission from a low intensity laser diode (250 milliwatts or less) or any array of high intensity Super Luminous Diodes (providing total optical power in the 1000-2000 milliwatt range) to treat musculoskeletal injuries, chronic and degenerative conditions and to heal wounds. The light source is placed in contact with the skin allowing the photon energy to penetrate the tissue, where it interacts with various intracellular biomolecules resulting in the restoration of normal cell function and enhancement of the body’s healing processes.
Absorption as a result of photon bombardment of various bio-molecules in the cell results in the transformation of light into biochemical energy. This is cumulative and requires sufficient stimulation in order to initiate response. Typically 5-20 treatments varying from 30-60 minutes in duration are required. The end result of low intensity laser irradiation is the restoration of normal function of the cell unit. Conversely, worldwide research to date has failed to record any negative effects from this process. It should be noted that normally functioning cells are not adversely affected by the irradiation. In contrast to other therapies, Low Intensity Laser Therapy is “curative” rather than simply modulating pain.
Benefits of Low Intensity Laser Therapy
Through the action of photo-bio-stimulation of light reactive biological receptors (chromophores) in the body, Low Intensity Laser Therapy (LILT) significantly accelerates and enhances the body’s natural defense and repair components in the presence of injury, inflammation and certain disease processes. By modifying the effects and limiting the duration of inflammation as well as enhancing specific repair and healing processes, LILT is consistent in providing pain relief, reducing injury damage and loss of function, in addition to facilitating more rapid repair and stronger healed tissue structures.
Short Term Effects
- Production and release of beta-endorphins (these are morphine like substances produced by various cells in the body that inhibit the sensation of pain).
- Cortisol production is increased (cortisol is the precursor of cortisone). This enables the body to combat the stress associated with trauma or the disease process.
- The short-term effect is significant in 5-10% of cases during or after the conclusion of the initial treatment, but is not as important as the long term or cumulative effect.
Long Term or Cumulative Effects
- ATP (adenosine triphosphate) production is increased resulting in improved cellular metabolism.
- DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) is substantially increased. DNA codes for the production of proteins that are the building blocks of tissues.
- Neurotransmission is facilitated due to elevated levels of serotonin and acetylcholine.
- Mitochondrial activity is stimulated resulting in increase number and size of mitochondria. This results in an increase in cell metabolism resulting in increase cell replication, etc...
- Modulation of Macrophages, fibroblasts and other white blood cells.
- Angiogenesis (formation of new blood vessels).
- Regulates cell membrane potential, essential in Na+, Cl- and K+ ion transfer (electrolyte balance).
- Cytokines and other chemicals enhancing cellular communications are released.
Other Effects
- The immune response is stimulated.
- Lymphatic drainage is improved.
- The histamine response is positively altered.
- Production of growth hormone is increased.
- Stimulation of the healing processes is accompanied by relief of symptoms.
It should be noted that many other positive physiological activities are modulated and extensive research is currently in progress to fully explore these changes.