About Low Intensity Laser Therapy
Physiological Effects of Low Intensity Laser Therapy
What is Laser Therapy?
Laser therapy is the
use of monochromatic light emission from a low intensity laser diode
(250 milliwatts or less) or an 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 tissue, where it interacts with
various intracellular biomolecules resulting in the restoration of
normal cell function and enhancement of the body's healing processes.
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 Effect
ATP (adenosine triphosphate) production is increased resulting in improved cellular metabolism
DNA (desoxyribosenucleicacid) production, the protein building block of tissue is substantially increased.
Neurotransmission is facilitated due to elevated levels of serotonin and aceytylecholine.
Mitochondrial activity is stimulated resulting in cell replication, etc.
Modulation of macrophages, fibroblasts and other 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.
Summary
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 a
cumulative effect 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 symptomatology. Continued research in the Meditech and
other laboratories should further enhance the effectiveness of this
existing technology. After treatment the patient may have an
exacerbation of pain for a varying period of time. If this occurs,
utilize pain medication, and/or ice and let the therapist know prior to
the next treatment.
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