The idea that laser light can help reduce inflammation and pain and speed up healing of injured tissue, ease muscle tension, and trigger nerve regeneration appears to be a bit far-fetched. However, science tells that these effects are real. However, the question is to what extent , and is this dependent on the wavelength and power?
“Wavelength as well as power are the determining factors for ability of the laser to penetrate the body. When you’re in the infrared spectrum , and over 800 nanometers in wavelength laser energy is absorbed like x-rays however, to reach the depth you require a significant amount of power or energy.” Dr. Bruce Coren told SpineUniverse.
Two types of classes or classes are used in Physical Therapy
There are two types of lasers used in physical therapy: classes 3 and 4. “Class 3 lasers have less than 500 milliwatts (mw) in power, whereas the class 4 lasers have more than 500 milliwatts,” Dr. Coren stated. Class 3 lasers are often called cold lasers. The therapy could be referred to as LLLT which stands for low-level therapy. Contrarily the laser therapy for class 4 is often referred to as HPLT for high-power laser therapy.
“The majority of neuro-musculoskeletal conditions respond better to a higher power and a higher dosage, which is a function of power output and time,” Dr. Coren commented. “The most effective results are likely to be achieved with lasers that have 30 watts of power or greater. A treatment lasting 10 minutes with 30 watts of power will generate 18,000 joules of energy, which provides an impressive pain relief anti-inflammatory, healing and pain relief.”
Patients typically improve after one or two treatments, but five or more treatments may be required to fix the issue. “The more severe and chronic the injury, the more treatment is usually required,” he added.
The properties of high-power laser therapy
The Dr. Coren talked to SpineUniverse about the benefits that come from Laser Therapy:
The Pain Relieving: “Laser decreases nerve sensitivity by reducing bradykinin, an eliciter of pain chemical. It regulates ion channels, which are cellular gatekeepersand releases endorphins, the body’s natural painkiller] and the enkephalins (which are related to endorphins) which produce an analgesic impact. It also has a blocking effect on specific neural fibers.”
Anti-inflammatory/Healing: “Laser increases ATP, which is stored energy [ATP is the acronym for adenosine triphosphate]. The increased energy speeds up the healing processes within cells. Lasers also cause a widening of veins and arteries around the area of injury, which help to eliminate damaged cell debris and boost oxygen and nutrients. The activity of white blood cells increases, which results in an increased speed of repair. Additionally, certain molecules that cause inflammation are decreased, and beneficial antioxidants such as superoxide dismutase are elevated.
Accelerated cell growth and tissue repair: “Photons of light from lasers penetrate deep into tissues and speed up cellular reproduction and growth. In response to light from lasers, the tissues of ligaments, tendons muscles, nerves and muscles get repaired more quickly.”
Increased Vascular Activity “Laser light stimulates the growth of capillaries that are formed in damaged tissues, speeding the healing process and also closes wounds fast.”
Acupuncture and Trigger Points “Laser is especially effective in eliminating trigger points that are painful. It also provides a powerful method of stimulating acupuncture points without the discomfort that comes with needles.”
Reduction of Fibrous Tissue Formation “Laser therapy helps reduce the development of scar tissue after injuries to the tissue caused by repetitive motion injuries, cuts, scrapes, burns or surgeries.”
Speedier Wound Healing: “Laser light stimulates the collagen building blocks, which plays a crucial role in healing of wounds in damaged tissues. Collagen is the protein needed to replace damaged tissues or repair wounds. This is why the laser can be effective for burns and open wounds.”
Stem Cell Activation “Laser boosts the amount of stem cells. This improves healing.”
Where Laser Therapy is administered and the Conditions Cared for
Lasers with high power are usually used at physical therapy centers as well as chiropractic offices. Joint, back, or neck discomfort usually respond quickly to laser therapy.
“Lasers are also extremely efficient in treating inflammatory conditions such as peripheral neuropathy, bursitis, tendonitis, and the capsulitis. Strains, sprains and repeated motion-related injuries have all an inflammation component that can be effectively treated using lasers,” he commented. “There isn’t a specific condition that is more responsive to laser. However, certain patients react faster than others to similar conditions because the individual’s healing rate can differ.”
Laser therapy using a safe laser 500 is a great option as a standalone treatment or in conjunction with rehabilitative exercise therapy. “Rehabilitative exercise and laser therapy work together well,” explained Dr. Coren.
Laser Therapy Safety Precautions
There are some precautions when using laser therapy. Eye protection is essential to protect both patients as well as the therapist. Laser therapy is not recommended over malignancies or pacemakers, spinal stimulators, or on the midsection of women who are pregnant.
Recommendations
High-power laser therapy is among of the most rapid, efficient modalities available to therapists to treat inflammation and pain. “Unfortunately laser therapy isn’t insured by insurance companies, and high-power lasers are difficult to locate because they’re expensive. The most important thing is that results are produced through the amount of energy produced, with 18,000 to 30,000 J/treatment being the ideal amount,” Dr. Coren concluded.
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- October 5, 2024 7:10 pm