The healing potential of low intensity laser therapy extends to a wide range of medical conditions. Some of the problems most effectively treated are listed below.
General
- repetitive strain injuries
- fibromyalgia
- carpal tunnel syndrome
- reflex sympathetic dystrophy
- rotator cuff tears
- temporo-mandibular joint dysfunction
- tennis/golf elbow
- achilles tendonitis
Injuries
- ligament and tendon tears
- contusions
- soft tissue injuries
- facet joint syndrome
- bulging/herniated discs
Inflammatory
- tendonitis
- bursitis
- myositis
- plantar fasciitis
- synovitis
- rheumatoid arthritis
Degenerative
- osteoarthritis
- numbness/nerve pain
- chondromalacia patella
- patello-femoral syndrome
- spinal stenosis pain
- pain from bone spurs
The beneficial physiological changes noted above are the result of tissue regeneration and cellular stimulation.
The Technology
This exciting new technology involves the application of light energy at specific power levels and wavelengths in order to penetrate the tissues of your body. These particles of energy are absorbed by a variety of small molecules within your cells, a process which initiates a number of positive physiological responses.
In essence, light energy is converted into biochemical energy. The result – normal cell structure and function are restored. Light in its various forms has been used for healing from the time of the ancient Egyptian and Greek civilizations.
The characteristics of the therapeutic light beam permit penetration of deep tissues without affecting normal cells. It should be noted that the treatment aims to cure the pathology, rather than control the symptoms which is the usual approach for the management of pain.
The advantages of low intensity laser therapy
- Non-invasive
- Highly effective
- Non-toxic
- No known negative side-effects
- Easily applied
Physiological effects of therapy
Short term effects
- Production and release of beta-endorphins (morphine like substances that inhibit the sensation of pain)
- Cortisol production is increased. 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 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 production – protein building blocks of tissue are greatly increased
- Communication between cells is facilitated
- Mitochondrial activity is stimulated resulting in cell regeneration and repair
- Angiogenesis (formation of new blood vessels)
- Regulates cell membrane activity and electrolyte balance
Other effects
• The immune response is stimulated
• Lymphatic drainage is improved
• The histamine response is positively altered
• Production of growth hormone is increased
• The body’s natural healing processes are enhanced