The notion that lasers emit light that can reduce pain and inflammation, accelerate healing in injured tissue, ease muscle tension and stimulate nerve regeneration seems farfetched. Science, however, tells us that these effects can be observed. The question is, however, to how much and is it determined by wavelength and power?
“Wavelength and power determine the capacity of the laser’s ability to penetrate the body. When you’re in the infrared spectrum and above 800 nanometers of wavelength, laser energy is absorbed like x-rays however, to reach the depth it requires a lot of energy or power,” Dr. Bruce Coren told SpineUniverse.
Two Types or Classes Used in Physical Therapy
There are two classes of lasers utilized in physical therapy; class 3 and 4. “Class 3 lasers don’t exceed 500 milliwatts (mw) in power, whereas the class 4 lasers can be more than 500 mw,” Dr. Coren said. Class 3 lasers are sometimes referred to as cold lasers. The therapy may be called LLLT for low-level laser therapy. In contrast the class 4 laser therapy is sometimes called HPLT for high-power laser therapy.
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“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 beneficial results are likely to be achieved with lasers that have 30 watts or more. A 10-minute treatment with a 30-watt laser will produce 18,000 joules of energy, which provides an impressive pain relief treatment, as well as an anti-inflammatory and healing effect.”
Patients usually begin to feel better after just one or 2 treatments, although 5 or more sessions may be needed to solve the problem. “The more long-term and severe 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 in Laser Therapy:
For pain relief: “Laser decreases nerve sensitivity by reducing bradykinin, one of the chemicals that trigger pain. It normalizes ion channel [cellular gatekeepersand releases endorphins, the body’s natural pain reliever] as well as enkephalins [related to endorphins] that produce an analgesic effect. Additionally, it has a pain-blocking effect on certain nerve fibres.”
Anti-inflammatory/Healing: “Laser increases ATP, which is stored energy [ATP is the acronym for adenosine triphosphate]. This boost in energy speeds up the healing processes within the cell. Lasers can also trigger a widening of veins and arteries around the site of the injury. This assists to eliminate damaged cells and increase oxygen and nutrients. White blood cell activity is enhanced leading to the speedier repair process. Furthermore, the molecules that cause inflammation are reduced, and beneficial antioxidants, such as superoxide demutase are increased.
Accelerated Cell Growth and Tissue Repair: “Photons of light from lasers penetrate deep into tissues and boost cellular reproduction as well as growth. Due to exposure to light from lasers, cells of ligaments, tendons muscles, nerves and muscles get repaired faster.”
Improved Vascular Activity “Laser light stimulates the growth of capillaries that are formed in damaged tissues, which speed up the healing process, and heals wounds faster.”
Acupuncture points and Trigger Points “Laser is especially effective at extinguishing painful trigger points. It is also an effective method to stimulate acupuncture points without the discomfort that comes with using needles.”
Reduction of Fibrous Tissue Formation “Laser therapy can reduce the development of scar tissue following injuries to the tissue caused by repetitive motion injuries, cuts, scrapes, burns or surgeries.”
Speedier Wound Healing: “Laser light stimulates the building blocks of collagen, which plays an important role in healing of tissues damaged by wounds. Collagen is the primary protein required to replace old tissues or repair injuries. As a result, the laser is effective on open wounds and burns.”
Stem Cell Activation “Laser boosts the amount of stem cells, which increases the healing.”
Where Laser Therapy is administered, and Conditions Treated
Lasers with high power are usually located inside physical therapy centres and chiropractic offices. Joint, back, or neck pain is usually quickly relieved by laser therapy.
“Lasers can also be very effective for inflammatory conditions which include peripheral neuropathy tendonitis, bursitis, and capsulitis. Strains, sprains, and mechanical injuries are all characterized by an inflammation element and can be successfully treated using lasers,” he commented. “There is no one specific condition that responds better to laser. However, certain patients be more responsive than others to the same condition as the individual’s healing rate can differ.”
Laser therapy can be utilized as a stand-alone treatment, or as a part of rehabilitative therapy. “Rehabilitative activities and laser therapy can complement one another effectively,” explained Dr. Coren.
Laser Therapy Safety Precautions
There are some precautions regarding laser therapy. Eye protection is necessary to protect both patients and the therapist. Laser therapy should not be done over malignancies such as pacemakers, spinal stimulators or on the midsection of women who are pregnant.
Recommendations
High-power laser therapy is one of the most rapid, effective treatments currently available for therapists to treat inflammation and pain. “Unfortunately it isn’t covered by insurance, and high-power lasers can be difficult to locate because they’re expensive. The most important thing is that results are produced by the amount of energy that is generated, with 18,000-30,000 energy per treatment being the sweet spot,” Dr. Coren concluded.