Low-Level Laser Therapy
Theory and Practice
The scientific principle underlying laser physics was first developed by Albert Einstein in 1916. The word LASER is actually an acronym that stands for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation.
“Low-level,” “cold,” and “soft” lasers are all synonyms for Class I, II, and III light emitting devices using one-half (0.5) a watt of power or less. Compare that to an everyday 60 watt light bulb and you get some idea of how low level and how soft these therapeutic lasers are! Low level lasers are totally different from the high-intensity surgical lasers that use many thousands of watts.
The biological effects of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) have been studied for forty years all around the globe, and no unwanted side effects have been noted anywhere. And, the safety record of LLLT is unparalleled in modern medicine. While theoretically the focused light of LLLT can be harmful to the retina of the eyes if stared into, there has been no documented case of such damage, either by clinicians or in the thousands of research studies completed since LLLT was first developed. Certainly, common sense precautions should be taken, and contraindications should be obeyed.
All the cells in our bodies have receptors on their cell membrane which are able to read different frequencies of energy contained in the electromagnetic spectrum. This spectrum includes ultraviolet, infrared, and visible light. Soft (low-level) lasers produce visible and infrared light. The different frequencies of light actually communicate information to the cells, information that is understood by the receptors on the membrane of the cell and on the membrane of the cell’s mitochondrion (the enzymatic engine of the cell). This energetic information eventually reaches the cell’s DNA, which directly controls cell function.
So, light is energy and energy is information. When the cells are able to receive better information, they work better. When cells function better so do the tissues that they comprise, like bones, cartilage, tendons, ligaments, etc. In this way LLLT promotes the healing and regeneration of damaged tissues. The energy from soft lasers is able to affect every tissue and system in our bodies. Scientists have shown that soft laser light is able to penetrate into the body; research has demonstrated that it has both local effects on tissue function and also systemic effects that are carried throughout the body by the blood and probably by acupuncture meridians as well.
Since soft laser energy is able to penetrate deep into the tissues of the body and speak the language that cells understand, laser light can gently and positively influence the functioning of our bodies. Some of the basic physiological effects of laser light include 1) increased cell membrane polarization and permeability; 2) increased ATP production and respiratory chain activity; 3) increased enzyme activity; 4) increased collagen and epithelial production; 5) increased capillary formation; 6) increased macrophage (immune) activity; 7) analgesic effects due to elevated endorphin production, electrolytic nerve blockage, and improved blood and lymph flow; 8) anti-inflammatory effect due to improved circulation and accelerated tissue regeneration; and 9) increased production of antioxidants.
Please remember that the light energy from low level lasers will only be absorbed by those cells and tissues that are not functioning normally and that need it. Soft laser light has no effect on healthy cells.
Uses of Low-Level Laser Therapy
The following is a listing of conditions derived from the major professional text on the subject, Laser Therapy: Clinical Practice and Scientific Backround, by Jan Tuner and Lars Hode. Not all the conditions listed below are treated in this office.
- Acne
- Acupuncture
- Allergy
- Arthritis
- Bell’s palsy
- Bone repair and regeneration
- Bursitis
- Cervicothoracic pain syndrome
- Cerbral palsy
- Carpal tunnel syndrome (evaluated by FDA)
- Cartilage repair and regeneration
- Cellulitis
- Circulation problems (superficial phlebitis, edema etc.)
- Crural ulcers (venous and diabetic ulcers)
- Depression, psychosomatic problems
- Diabetic circulatory problems
- Duodenal/gastric ulcers
- Eczema
- Edema
- Epicondylitis (tennis elbow)
- Ear conditions including: pain, hearing loss, tinnitus
- Eye conditions
- Gum inflammation
- Female frigidity (inability to climax)
- Fibrositis/fibromyalgia
- Gynecological problems
- Headaches, including migraine
- Hemorrhoids
- Herniated lumbar discs
- Herpes simplex I (lips); Herpes simplex II (genital)
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- Immune system (strengthening and balancing)
- Impotence
- Infertility (male and female)
- Lichen sclerosis (vulvodynia)
- Low back pain
- Lymphaedema (lymph congestion)
- Mucositis connected with cancer treatment
- Muscle regeneration
- Myofascial pain and tension (evaluated by FDA)
- Nerve dysfunction (numbness, tingling, weakness, etc.)
- Nerve pain
- Nerve regeneration
- Pain (acute or chronic)
- Plantar fasciitis
- Prostatitis and other urological conditions
- Psoriasis
- Rheumatoid and osteoarthritis
- Salivary gland disorders
- Sciatica
- Shingles (herpes zoster)
- Skin conditions (eczema, wrinkles, scars, burns, rashes, poison ivy, stings, etc.)
- Sinusitis
- Spinal cord injuries
- Sports injuries of all types
- Strains and sprains of all types
- Tendonitis
- Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
- Tonsillitis
- Trigeminal neuralgia
- Trigger point therapy
- Thrombophlebitis
- Tuberculosis
- Vertigo
- Warts
- Whiplash and associated disorders
- Wound healing regardless of the cause
- Wrinkles