Physiological
Effects of Low Intensity Laser Therapy
What is Laser Therapy?
Laser therapy is the use
of monochromatic light emission from a low intensity laser diode (250
milliwatts or less) or an array of high intensity super luminous diodes
(providing total optical power in the 1000-2000 milliwatt range) to
treat musculoskeletal injuries, chronic and degenerative conditions
and to heal wounds. The light source is placed in contact with the
skin allowing the photon energy to penetrate tissue, where it interacts
with various intracellular biomolecules resulting in the restoration
of normal cell function and enhancement of the body’s healing
processes. The following chart outlines the specific effects of Low
Intensity Laser Therapy.
Clinical information
Short Term Effects
- Production
and release of beta-endorphins (these are morphine like substances
produced by various cells in the body that inhibit the sensation of
pain)
- Cortisol production is increased (cortisol is the precursor of cortisone).
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 during or
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 (deoxyribonucleic acid) production, the protein building block
of tissue is substantially increased
- Neurotransmission is facilitated due to elevated levels of serotonin
and acetylecholine
- Mitochondrial activity is stimulated resulting in cell replication
etc.
- Modulation of macrophages, fibroblasts and other cells
- Angiogenesis (formation of new blood vessels)
- Regulates cell membrane potential, essential in Na, Cl and K ion
transfer (electrolyte balance)
- Cytokines and other chemicals enhancing cellular communications
are released
Other Effects
- The immune response is stimulated
- Lymphatic drainage is improved
- The histamine response is positively altered
- Production of growth hormone is increased
- Stimulation of the healing processes is accompanied by relief of
symptoms
It should be noted that many other positive physiological activities
are modulated and extensive research is currently in progress to fully
explore these changes.
Summary
Absorption as a result
of photon bombardment of various bio-molecules in the cell results
in the transformation of light into biochemical energy. This is a
cumulative effect and requires sufficient stimulation in order to
initiate response. Typically 5-20 treatments varying from 15-60 minutes
in duration are required. The end result of low intensity laser irradiation
is the restoration of normal function of the cell unit. Conversely,
worldwide research to date has failed to record any negative effects
from this process. It should be noted that normally functioning cells
are not adversely affected by the irradiation. In contrast to other
therapies, Low Intensity Laser Therapy is curative rather than simply
modulating symptomatology. Continued research at Meditech and other
laboratories should further enhance the effectiveness of this existing
technology.
For scientific data identifying
the physiological effects of Low Intensity Laser Therapy, Please select
the Research Section on this web site.
