The idea that the light energy from a laser can help reduce inflammation and pain, accelerate healing in damaged tissues, relax muscle and promote nerve regeneration to be a bit far-fetched. Science, however, tells that these effects are real. The question is, however, to how much and is it is based on wavelength and strength?
“Wavelength and power determine the power of the laser to penetrate the body. Once you’re in the infrared spectrum and above 800 nanometers of wavelength, laser energy is absorbed like x-rays, but to achieve depth you need significant power or energy,” Dr. Bruce Coren told SpineUniverse.
Two types of classes or classes are used in Physical Therapy
There are two classes of lasers used in physical therapy; class 3 and 4. “Class 3 lasers do not exceed 500 milliwatts (mw) in power, while lasers in class 4 are more than 500 milliwatts,” Dr. Coren explained. Class 3 lasers may be referred to as cold lasers, and the treatment may be referred to as LLLT for low-level laser therapy. Contrarily the laser therapy for class 4 is sometimes called 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 beneficial results are likely to be achieved using an laser that is 30 watts or greater. A treatment lasting 10 minutes with 30 watts of power will generate 18,000 joules, which gives an impressive pain relief as well as anti-inflammatory and healing effects.”
Patients generally feel better after 1 or 2 treatments. However, 5 or more sessions may be needed to solve the issue. “The more extensive and long-lasting the injury, the more treatments will be required,” he added.
The Properties of High-Power Laser Therapy
The Dr. Coren talked to SpineUniverse about the positive properties in Laser Therapy:
The Pain Relieving: “Laser decreases nerve sensitivity by decreasing bradykinin; the chemical that causes pain. It regulates ion channels, which are cellular gatekeepers] and releases endorphins [body’s natural pain reliever] as well as the enkephalins (which are related to endorphins) that create an analgesic. Additionally, it has a pain-blocking effect on certain neuronal fibers.”
Anti-inflammatory/Healing: “The safe laser increases ATP, which is stored energy [ATP is the acronym for adenosine triphosphate]. This increased energy accelerates the repair processes of the cell. Lasers can also trigger a widening of veins and arteries around the area of injury, which help to eliminate damaged cellular debris and increase the amount of oxygen and nutrients. The activity of white blood cells is enhanced leading to an increased speed of repair. Furthermore, the molecules that cause inflammation are reduced. Likewise, beneficial antioxidants, such as superoxide demutase are elevated.
Accelerated Tissue Repair and Cell Growth: “Photons of light from lasers penetrate deeply into tissue and speed up cellular reproduction and growth. As a result of exposure to light from lasers, the cells of ligaments, tendons muscles, nerves and muscles get repaired more quickly.”
Improved Vascular Activity “Laser light increases the formation of new capillaries within damaged tissues, speeding the healing process and heals wounds faster.”
Acupuncture and Trigger Points “Laser is particularly effective in eliminating trigger points that are painful. It also provides a powerful method to stimulate acupuncture points without the discomfort that comes with needling.”
Reduced Fibrous Tissue Formation “Laser therapy can reduce the development of scar tissue after injuries to the tissue caused by repetitive motion traumas, cuts, scratches and burns as well as surgery.”
Speedier Wound Healing: “Laser light stimulates the collagen’s building blocks, which plays a crucial role in wound healing of damaged tissues. Collagen is the most important protein needed to replace damaged tissue or to repair wounds. Therefore, the laser works well on burns, open wounds and other burns.”
Stem Cell Activation “Laser boosts the amount of stem cells, which helps in healing.”
Where Laser Therapy is administered and conditions Cared for
Lasers of high power are often found inside physical therapy centres as well as chiropractic offices. Joint, back, or neck pain is usually quickly relieved by laser therapy.
“Lasers are also very effective in treating inflammation conditions which include peripheral neuropathy bursitis and tendonitis as well as capsulitis. Strains, sprains, as well as repetitive motion injuries all have an inflammation element and can be successfully managed with lasers,” he commented. “There isn’t a specific condition that is more responsive to laser. However, certain patients respond faster than others for the same problem, since their individual healing rates will differ.”
Laser therapy can be utilized as a stand-alone therapy or with rehabilitative exercise therapy. “Rehabilitative activities and laser therapy go hand-in-hand very well,” explained Dr. Coren.
Laser Therapy Precautions
There are a few precautions with laser therapy. Eye protection is required for both the patient as well as the therapist. Additionally, laser therapy should not be done over malignancies and pacemakers. It should not be performed over spinal stimulators or in the midsection area of women who are pregnant.
Recommendations
High-power laser therapy is among of the fastest, most effective modalities therapists currently have to treat pain and inflammation. “Unfortunately the laser treatment isn’t covered by insurance and high-power lasers are difficult to find since they’re expensive. Most importantly results are achieved by the amount of energy that is generated, with 18,000-30,000 Joules per treatment is the most effective range,” Dr. Coren concluded.
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