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Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT), also known as ‘Photobiology’ or ‘Cold Level Laser Therapy’, is a non-invasive treatment involving the application of a single wavelength of light onto the affected area. The laser radiation generated has power in the range of 1-500mW. LLLT emits no heat, sound or vibration; but rather a photochemical effect. This means the light triggers biochemical changes within cells, and activates cells to:
- Enhance production of connective tissue
- Enhance production of new blood vessels
- Increase collagen production to aid in healing
- Increase inflammatory mediators
- Promote nerve regeneration
- Enhance cartilage production in joints
- Promote bone formation
- Repair damaged muscle fibres and regenerate muscle tissue
Benefits of Low-Level Laser Therapy include:
- Pain relief(1)
- Reduces inflammation(2)
- Enhanced immune response
- Accelerates the healing process(3)
- Improved joint functions
- Muscle regeneration
- Improved circulation
- Increased endorphin levels
(1) Turhani, D., Scheriau, M., Kapral, D., Benesch, T., Jonke, E. and Bantleon, H.P. (2006). Pain relief by single low-level laser irradiation in orthodontic patients undergoing fixed appliance therapy. American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, 130(3), pp.371–377. doi:10.1016/j.ajodo.2005.04.036.(2) Bjordal, J.M., Lopes-Martins, R.A.B., Joensen, J. and Iversen, V.V. (2010). The anti-inflammatory mechanism of low level laser therapy and its relevance for clinical use in physiotherapy. Physical Therapy Reviews, 15(4), pp.286–293. doi:10.1179/1743288x10y.0000000001.(3) Kazem Shakouri, S., Soleimanpour, J., Salekzamani, Y. and Oskuie, M.R. (2009). Effect of low-level laser therapy on the fracture healing process. Lasers in Medical Science, 25(1), pp.73–77. doi:10.1007/s10103-009-0670-7.
Low Level Laser Therapy is suitable for the following conditions:
- Sprains and strains
- Post-surgical pain
- Whiplash injury
- Muscular back pain
- Tendinitis
- Cervical or lumbar radiculopathy
- Osteoarthritis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Frozen shoulder
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Fibromyalgia
- Plantar fasciitis
- Diabetic neuropathy
- Degenerative spine changes
- Degenerative joint changes
- Neuralgia
- Subacute and chronic conditions of tissues
- Subacute and chronic conditions of joints
- Bedsores, ulcers and hematomas
- Lateral epicondylitis
- Gout
- Muscle pain due to injury
- Calcaneal spur
- Nerve paralysis
- Hard-to-heal wounds
FAQs:
1. How long are treatment sessions, and how often are treatments recommended?
The time for each session can vary between 25-50 minutes. The frequency of treatments and duration of treatment depends on the severity of symptoms.
2. Is this treatment painful?
LLLT is a non-invasive technique, with many patients generally not feeling any sensation during sessions.
3. Is the procedure safe, and if any, what are the side effects?
LLLT is safe to expose to tissues, however safety eyewear is provided. Healthy cells can absorb light, however damaged/stressed cells are more likely to receive the benefits of LLLT due to a lower absorption threshold. Some patients may feel lethargic following the treatment, however there are no documented adverse side effects. Some patients have reported a heightened sensation in the treated area following the session, however this only lasts a few hours, and is consistent with the healing process aforementioned.
4. Who may not be suited to this treatment?
- Pregnant patients should not irradiate the abdomen area
- LLLT should not be treated over any known primary or secondary carcinomas
- LLLT may trigger seizures in epileptic patients
- Children, especially over bone growth plates
5. 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.
6. How can Low Level Laser Therapy help with my wound healing and scars?
One of the main beneficial effects of Low-Level Laser Therapy is acceleration of the healing and repair process.
This can also be beneficial for caesarean scars.(4)
Furthermore, the heat produced from low level laser therapy acts to inhibit growth of bacteria and other microorganisms that can cause infection. Therefore, without infection, wounds can heal quicker.(5)
(4) A Khot, N Kulkarni (2019). Effectiveness of low-level laser therapy in post caesarean wound healing: a case report. pg. 330-333(5) Hussein, A., Alfars, A., Falih, M. and Hassan, A.-N. (2011). Effects of a low level laser on the acceleration of wound healing in rabbits. North American Journal of Medical Sciences, pp.193–197. doi:10.4297/najms.2011.3193.