Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT)
Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) is a safe and effective treatment that uses the therapeutic application of monochromatic light in the 600 to 950 nanometer (nm) wavelength range with a tissue penetrating depth of up to 10 cm. The proposed benefits for LLLT are accelerated healing, decreased inflammation, increase nitrous oxide, increase vasodilation and decreased pain.
LLLT uses photon light particles to stimulate the mitochondria within the injured cells. The stimulated mitochondria (power plant of the cell) absorb more glucose and convert it to ATP via the kerb cycle and electro transport chain. This increase of ATP is used as fuel by the injured cells to accelerate tissue repair.
Laser therapy decreases inflammation by increasing the production of nitric oxide (NO). When an injury occurs an inflammatory process is initiated that causes swelling and pain within the injured structure. NO has been shown to relax the lymphatic system increasing the removal of inflammatory products. NO has an added benefit of causing the blood vessels to dilate (vasodilation: increasing the diameter of the blood vessels). Vasodilation has a duel benefit of increasing the diffusion of oxygen, fuel and other metabolites that the cell needs to heal and regenerate. Vasodilation has also been shown to provide deep heat to the target structure by increasing the blood flow to that area.
Pain is the result of a noxious stimulus that is carried to the brain along a nerve fibre. Transduction of the painful stimulus requires action potentials to propagate along a nerve cell. This requires an influx of potassium ions and an expulsion of sodium ion (Na +), which depolarizes the membrane. The photons from the LLLT are absorbed by the bi-lipid membrane of the nerve cell increasing the porosity of the membrane. This allows for a re-absorption of the Na+ ions, resetting the sodium-potassium pump and removing the noxious stimulus.
LLLT is a safe, effective and painless treatment that is applicable for all ages and conditions. LLLT has been used clinically for over 35 years without a single serious side effect. Recent evidence has shown the benefits of LLLT for such conditions as:
- Acute cervical neck pain
- Chronic myofascial neck pain
- Trauma related injuries
- Lateral epicondylitis
- Fibromyalgia
- Osteoarthritis of the knee
Adapted from MedX
