Cold Laser Therapy
Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT), commonly known as “cold” laser, has been used in clinical practice all around the world for over four decades. Laser Therapy is FDA approved to reduce pain, reduce inflammation, and increase blood flow which is beneficial for a variety of clinical conditions that physical therapists treat.
How Does Laser Therapy Work? LLLT works at the cellular level. During treatment of the tissue with the laser beam, an interaction between cells and photons takes place, thus a photochemical reaction. Photons from the laser affect the tissue at the cellular level. The cold laser enters the tissue, alters cell membrane permeability, and at the cellular level is absorbed in the mitochondria of the cell creating the following physiological changes:
Rapid cell growth. The laser accelerates cellular reproduction and growth.
Faster wound healing. The laser stimulates fibroblast development in damaged tissue. The reduction in recovery time is an important consideration.
Increased metabolic activity. Helps the body increase output of specific enzymes, greater oxygen to blood cells and more effective immune response are induced by laser.
Reduced fibrous tissue formation. The laser reduces the formation of scar tissue following tissue damage from cuts, scratches, burns, or following surgery.
Anti-inflammatory action. The laser reduces swelling caused by bruising or inflammation of joints to give improved joint mobility.
Increased vascular activity. The laser stimulates lymph and blood circulation, to allow the affected tissue to have the best possible circulation.
Stimulated nerve function. Slow recovery of nerve function in damaged tissue can result in "dead" limbs or numb areas. Laser will speed the process of nerve cell reconnection to bring the numb areas back to life. Laser also increases the amplitude of action potentials to optimize muscle action.