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Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) is a relatively new treatment that utilizes laser diodes that emitte light at specific wavelengths and have a specific effect on cellular functioning. Lasers are beams of light that are concentrated and are capable of focusing electromagnetic radiation. They can be regulated and modulated to the extent that they are able to drill holes through almost any hard substance. At the same time they can be used on people and animals for medical purposes to relieve pain and achieve other medical effects without being highly invasive. When utilized for pain relief, the intensity of the beam is lowered in order to stimulate healing properties that will allow for the relief of pain. Low level laser therapy for pain is effective due to how cells respond to the laser treatment. Lasers are targeted at an area, for example a place in the neck where the patient is experiencing pain and the focused beam of electron current is fired at between five and five hundred milliwatts. (Sunderland, 2011) When the laser is applied to cells it is called photo-biostimulation. Cells in the body are able to communicate to one another through the electric stimulation and the photo-biostimulation is able to initiate cell function to allow the beginning of healing and pain relief. (Sunderland, 2011) A laser will transmit approximately three inches below the skin when used to relieve pain. The photons from the beam of the laser hits mitochondria in the skin membranes that absorb the laser light and cause an increase in what is called adenosintriphosphat (ATP) production.(Sunderland, 2011) This chemical helps to heal cells. The more ATP that is release the healthier the cells become and healing can take place. (Horoshovitz, 2007) Photo-biostimulation also allows cell function that enhances collagen level increases and thus enzyme production and cell growth can occur. This also keeps skin from scarring as a result of low level laser treatment for pain. (Horoshovitz, 2007) Low level laser therapy stimulates cell growth and as a result pain relief is a major benefit of the treatment.(DiGangi, 2011) Laser treatment also has an anti-inflammatory capability that shrinks tissue swelling. This is one of the major benefits of low level treatment for pain with low level laser therapy. (DiGangi, 2011)It also stimulates vascular activity allowing more blood to reach areas of the body where the lasers are directed and thus promoting healing and pain relief. The combination of reduction of tissue swelling and added blood supply allows for an increase in auto-immune cells to an area of damage and as nerves are stimulated those who have numbness or pain are able to find relief. (DiGangi, 2011) Lasers referred to as "cold" lasers are used for precision when treating tissues that are causing pain in patients (DiGangi, 2011) As the reaction between cells and photons begins the photochemical release of the ATP is able to flow between cell, inflammation reduces, blood supply increases to the area and pain is reduced for the client. The cold laser enters the tissues, the cell membrane is permeated and rapid cell growth is able to occur. The process may have to be repeated, however; this type of lpw laser treatment is highly effective for treating pain in clients. This treatment can be utilized in treating muscle, joint and other types of pain. It is common for helping clients with rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis and other joint and tissue disorders. Success varies, however; palpable results are being seen in patients and the use of low level laser treatment is now a common and primarily successful protocol for these disorders. References DiGangi, P. (2011). Finding the light on lasers. RDH, , 67-71,115. Horoshovitz, J. (2007) Shedding new light on laser surgery. Sunderland, M. (2011). The "cutting" edge of medical technology. DPN : Design Product News, Elliott Hayes is a techniology evangelist in the field of lasers and LLLT, or Low Level laser Therapy. LLLT Laser products Elliott promotes the use of lasers and LLLT devices in medicine and Aesthetics and provides research based analysis on the latest products and treatment protocols.
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