Low-Level Laser Therapy
Dr. Wendy/Hayden Health | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 10 years, 10 months AGO
Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) is the use of red monochromatic light to enhance the body's natural healing processes. The light source is placed on the skin, allowing the light energy (photons) to penetrate tissue where it interacts to increase circulation and help restore normal cellular function. LLLT does not break the skin, as do surgical lasers.
The FDA approved LLLT (also known as cold laser) as an effective method for pain relief. One FDA study showed that LLLT caused tissues (muscle, skin, nerve) to heal 66 percent faster! The low-energy laser pulses pass through the skin to reach the injured cells and tissue. The light energy is then absorbed and converted to biochemical energy (ATP), which stimulates the cells. This activates the natural healing process of the cells, which reduces pain, increases blood flow, and stimulates repair of the tissue.
For inflammation, laser therapy causes the smaller arteries and lymph vessels of the body to increase in size, which is called vasodilation. Vasodilation allows inflammation, swelling, and edema to be cleared away from injury sites more effectively. Vasodilation in lymph nodes promotes lymphatic drainage, which also aids in the healing process. LLLT is also used to help heal wounds and to treat many types of musculoskeletal injuries and disorders.
LLLT is used to treat both acute and chronic pain. Some of the most common conditions treated by LLLT are sprains/strains, carpal tunnel syndrome, plantar fasciitis, arthritis, bursitis, tendonitis, and fibromyalgia. As research continues, the use of lasers is expanding.
The benefits of LLLT appear to be cumulative - in some cases, relief can begin immediately, but it may take several treatments for the results to become evident. The total number of treatments needed depends on the condition being treated, the severity of the condition, and each patient's individual response. In general, 4-12 treatments are usually necessary to begin the healing process of tissue. Maximum treatment is once per day per area, and minimum treatment would be once per week to see results.
LLLT is a proven, non-invasive, drug-free option for pain relief and healing.
For more information, contact Dr. Wendy at haydenhealth@gmail.com.
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