What is low-level
laser?
Unlike high power lasers
that use heat and destroy tissue, low energy lasers affect the cellular energy of the underlying tissue. Hot
lasers have a thermal effect and have an output of 1MW or above.
Cold (or) Low Level Lasers do not have a thermal effect on tissue, lasers that stimulate biological function
have an output below 10mw-milliwatts
(ten-one thousands of a watt).
Where
is this being used?
The Erchonia cold laser device has gained recent FDA
approval for the non-surgical treatment of neck and shoulder complaints and is being used widely in the NFL
and by the USPS tour de France team chiropractor.
The beneficial effects of the Erchonia laser are currently being researched by leading
plastic surgeons for use in liposuction procedures.
How does it work?
Many theories exist as to the mechanism of action for Low Level Laser Therapy(3LT™) but simply put, photonic
energy is absorbed by the photo acceptor sites on the cell membrane which trigger a secondary messenger to
initiate a cascade of intracellular signals that initiate, inhibit or accelerate biological processes such as
wound healing, inflammation, or pain management.
When the body has an
injury the cells are damaged and fail to function within normal parameters.
Low level lasers
penetrate deeply into the skin and work by restoring this abnormal cellular function.
Physiologic effects include improved metabolism, circulation and tissue healing.
Are there any side
effects?
There are over 1500 published studies and not one of them mentions any negative side effects of semi-conductor
diode lasers at the 5mW range like the Erchonia 3LT™ Lasers.
Low Level Lasers are safe, non-toxic and non-invasive; there has not been a recorded side effect in over 1700
publications.
There are some necessary common sense precautions that need to be considered, such as avoiding pointing the
laser beam directly into the eye and maintaining it there, which could prove to be damaging to the eye.
What makes one laser different from
another?
A laser can differ in its wavelength, power source or whether it is a continuous or pulsed wave form. The first
lasers were used to cut, cauterize or ablate tissue and were classified as "hot' lasers.”Cold", "Low Energy" or
"Low Level" lasers are used to enhance metabolic activity at the cellular level through non-thermal
reactions.
What is wavelength?
And do the different wavelengths matter?
Light is measured in
wavelengths and is expressed in units of nanometers
(nm). Different wavelengths have different energy levels and can have various effects on tissue.
For example, the Erchonia 3LT™ Laser is 635 nanometers, which is found within the "red" spectrum of visible
light (400-800 nm) and has anabolic tissue effects, whereas, radiation that has a wavelength shorter than 320
nm (ultraviolet (UV), gamma rays, x-rays) has ionizing effects on cells and can be harmful even in small
doses.
How long does the treatment
last?
A treatment plan may
vary, depending on the condition.
For instance, an acute soft tissue injury or open wound may require multiple short treatments initially then
the interval between treatments will lengthen as the condition improves.
Laser therapy may be useful in the following
conditions:
tendonitis
frozen shoulder
fractures
post-operative wounds
sprain-strains
scar tissue
autoimmune diseases
chronic or acute pain
wound healing
arthritis
migraines
disc herniations
minor nerve damage
carpal tunnel syndrome
heavy metal detoxification
Clinical Uses of LLLT in Our
Practice:
Pain Relief – by increasing levels of B-endorphins and reducing
the hyper-
irritability of nerve cells.
Anti-Inflammatory Effect – by decreasing the release of
bradykinins, histamines
and acetylcholine.
Muscle Relaxation – by increasing ATP production.
Reduces Swelling (Edema) – by increasing lymphatic
flow.
Reducing Trigger Points – by improving circulation to
them.
Balancing Acupoints in the ear and body.
Re-Balancing the Nerve System.