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High Intensity Laser Therapy (HILT) uses powerful beams greater than 500mW in order to penetrate deeper tissues. When the light source is placed against the skin, the photons emitted will be absorbed into the mitochondria where the energy fuels physiological responses. These responses include:
- Restoration of cell structure
- Efficiently restores cell function
There is also a photoacoustic effect, which is where the free nerve endings in the tissue are stimulated, this offers nearly instantaneous pain relief. HILT relives pain by slowing down the transmission of pain stimulus and increasing production of morphine.
High Intensity Laser Therapy is best suited for chronic conditions.(1)
(1) Ahmad, M.A., Hamid, M.S.A. and Yusof, A. (2021). Effects of low-level and high-intensity laser therapy as adjunctive to rehabilitation exercise on pain, stiffness and function in knee osteoarthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Physiotherapy. doi:10.1016/j.physio.2021.03.011.
Benefits of High Intensity Laser Therapy include:
- Prevents swelling
- Anti-inflammatory
- Elimination of chronic and acute pain
- Activates metabolic processes of cells
- Enhances the healing process through tissue regeneration
- Stimulates formation of new blood vessels
High Intensity Laser Therapy is suitable for the following conditions:
- Osteoarthritis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Shoulder impingement syndromes
- Hip or shoulder bursitis
- Low back disc degeneration
- Disc herniation
- Sciatica
- Tendonitis
- Tennis elbow
- Plantar fasciitis
- Joint sprains
- Degenerative joint diseases
- Endometriosis(2)
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome(3)
- Achillodynia
- Meniscus damage
- Cervical discopathy
- Cervical radiculopathy
- Calcaneal spur
- Intercostal neuralgia
- Trigeminal neuralgia
- Chondromalacia patellae
- Lumbago – lower back pain
- Tarsal tunnel syndrome
(2) Thabet, A.A.E.-M. and Alshehri, M.A. (2018). Effect of Pulsed High-Intensity Laser Therapy on Pain, Adhesions, and Quality of Life in Women Having Endometriosis: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Photomedicine and Laser Surgery, 36(7), pp.363–369. doi:10.1089/pho.2017.4419.(3) Ashour, A.A., Yehia, R.M., ElMeligie, M.M. and Hanafy, A.F. (2022). Effectiveness of high intensity laser therapy on pain, grip strength and median nerve conductivity in pregnant women with carpal tunnel syndrome: A randomized controlled trial. Journal of Hand Therapy. doi:10.1016/j.jht.2022.03.005.
FAQs:
1. Is this treatment painful?
The High Intensity Laser Therapy is painless, non-invasive and penetrates the skin without any side effects. Many patients feel a warm sensation where the laser is directed, providing a calm, relaxing and soothing feeling. It is normal to experience mild discomfort following treatment as the healing response is triggered via the laser. Discomfort usually resolves within 24 hours and is common during the early stages of treatment.
2. Is the procedure safe, and if any, what are the side effects?
High Intensity Laser Therapy is safe to expose to tissues, however safety eyewear is provided.
3. Who may not be suited to this treatment?
- Pregnant patients should not irradiate the abdomen area
- Should not be treated over any known primary or secondary carcinomas
- May trigger seizures in epileptic patients
- Children, especially over bone growth plates
4. What is the difference between Low Level Laser Therapy and High Intensity Laser Therapy?
Low Level Laser Therapy uses beams with a power less than 500mW, while High Intensity Laser Therapy is using powerful beams greater than 500mW. This allows High Intensity Lasers to penetrate deeper into the dermal layers.
5. How can High Intensity Laser Therapy help with my arthritis?
High Intensity Laser Therapy has shown to be the most effective treatment for arthritis. Patients experienced an improvement in symptoms from a visual aspect, increased knee flexion range of motion, and improving in total function of the whole body. These results were apparent after treatment and 12 weeks following treatment.(4)
(4) Nazari, A., Moezy, A., Nejati, P. and Mazaherinezhad, A. (2018). Efficacy of high-intensity laser therapy in comparison with conventional physiotherapy and exercise therapy on pain and function of patients with knee osteoarthritis: a randomized controlled trial with 12-week follow up. Lasers in Medical Science, 34(3), pp.505–516. doi:10.1007/s10103-018-2624-4.