Laser Therapy also known as LLLT, or low-level laser therapy, is a growing phototherapy technology that is used for the treatment of various conditions that require stimulation at the cellular level to heal injuries, relieve pain and inflammation, and repair tissues.
Previously relegated to the category of alternative medicine, Laser Therapy is now becoming an integral part of mainstream medicine and poses a breakthrough in the field.[1] This article discusses the reasons why it is being heralded as a major medical treatment and its uses.
How Does Laser Therapy Work?
Laser therapy refers to the use of specific wavelengths of laser light to stimulate biological activity on the cellular level. This light is absorbed by cells, kickstarting a series of photochemical processes, including the activation of the mitochondria, enhanced production of ATP (adenosine triphosphate), and an increase in blood circulation.[2] This series of chemical events result in repairing or regenerating tissues.[3] The process is called photobiomodulation.
Benefits Of Laser Therapy
Although it took a while for the medical community to fully harness the benefits of photobiomodulation through lasers, it is now frequently being used by health practitioners. There are several reasons why the modality is getting popular.
- Photobiomodulation is completely non-invasive and painless: You do not have to go through any incisions to receive the treatment.
- No serious side effects: Mainstream medicines are addictive and can have various side effects in the long run, however, no serious side effects have been reported to date when it comes to Laser Therapy.
- Ease of use: There are many handheld laser devices available in the market. Anyone can use them while following the proper instructions. These can easily be used at home or in clinics.
- Efficacy: Laser Therapy is proving to be very effective in the treatment of acute and chronic pain, inflammation, tissue and nerve regeneration, and the prevention of tissue damage.
- Versatile Options: Each patient can have a customizable treatment where they get low or high-power ranges according to their needs.
- Laser is Quick: Laser light can produce high amounts of energy to treat a pathology in a small amount of time. Moreover, patients have reported temporary pain relief after the first session.
Biological Effects Of Laser Therapy
Extensive studies attest to the effectiveness of light therapy. Here are some of the biological effects of laser therapy.
Treatment of Pain and Inflammation
Laser Therapy leads to vasodilation and the activation of the lymphatic drainage system. This results in reduced inflammation and swelling. It also blocks pain neurotransmitters that, together with the reduced inflammation, results in lesser pain and edema.[4]
Tissue Regeneration and Growth
Laser Therapy kickstarts several photochemical events, which lead to accelerated tissue regeneration and cellular growth. Since it enhances the cell’s ATP metabolism, the cell is better able to repair itself in the presence of nutrients and enhanced blood circulation. Photobiomodulation through laser also increases the formation of new capillaries, speeding up the healing process.[5]
Aids in Post-Surgery Recovery
Laser therapy can be used to accelerate the healing process in post-operative pain. It can also improve post-surgery activity by reducing inflammation and healing muscle recovery.
Uses Of Laser Therapy
Laser therapy can be used to treat and manage a variety of pains, including:
- Sprains and strains
- Post-surgical pain
- Acute and chronic back pain
- Tendinitis
- Arthritis
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Plantar Fasciitis
Study shows the efficacy of Laser Therapy in skin stimulation, healing, and restoration.[6] It has also been used in cosmetic procedures such as treating warts and unsightly wounds.
Laser Therapy can result in reduced pain and edema by promoting healing in various kinds of pathologies. It is also known to induce analgesia. It is safe to use and can help people lead healthy, productive, and active lives.
Check out our collection of hand-held laser devices. These are cordless with lithium batteries and come in a variety of power ranges to suit your patient’s needs. These are very easy to use with customizable settings for exposure time and power. They also come with a three-year warranty.
Citations
[1] Hamblin, M. R., Agrawal, T., & de Sousa, M. (Eds.). (2016). Handbook of low-level laser therapy. CRC Press.
[2] Hamblin MR, Demidova TN. “Mechanisms of low level light therapy.” Proc. of SPIE Photonics. 2006; 6140: 614001-01-12. doi: 10.1117/12.646294
[3] Kingsley JD, Demchak T, Mathis R. “Low-level laser therapy as a treatment for chronic pain.” Frontiers in Physiology. 2014; 5(306): 1-3. doi: 10.3389/fphys.2014.00306
[4] Kucuk BB, Oral K, Selcuk NA, Toklu T, Civi OG. The anti-inflammatory effect of low-level laser therapy on experimentally induced inflammation of rabbit temporomandibular joint retrodiscal tissues. J Orofac Pain. 2010 Summer;24(3):293-7. PMID: 20664831.
[5] Cotler, H. B., Chow, R. T., Hamblin, M. R., & Carroll, J. (2015). The Use of Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) For Musculoskeletal Pain. MOJ orthopedics & rheumatology, 2(5), 00068. https://doi.org/10.15406/mojor.2015.02.00068
[6] Avci, P., Gupta, A., Sadasivam, M., Vecchio, D., Pam, Z., Pam, N., & Hamblin, M. R. (2013).
Low-level laser (light) therapy (LLLT) in skin: stimulating, healing, restoring. Seminars in cutaneous medicine and surgery, 32(1), 41–52.
