The idea that the laser light can reduce pain and inflammation, accelerate healing in damaged tissues, relax muscle, and stimulate nerve regeneration seems to be a bit far-fetched. The science, however, informs us these effects do occur. But to how much and is it dependent on the wavelength and power?
“Wavelength and strength determine the ability of the laser to penetrate the body. When you’re in the infrared spectrum and are above 800 nanometers in wavelength, laser energy is absorbed like x-rays but to penetrate deep you require significant power or energy,” Dr. Bruce Coren told SpineUniverse.
Two Types or Classes Used in Physical Therapy
There are two types of lasers utilized in physical therapy; classes 3 and 4. “Class 3 lasers are less than 500 milliwatts (mw) in power, whereas the class 4 lasers have more than 500 milliwatts,” Dr. Coren explained. Class 3 lasers are sometimes called cold lasers, and the treatment may be referred to as LLLT for low-level laser therapy. On the other hand, 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 best results are going to be obtained using the use of a laser with 30 watts of power or more. In a 10-minute treatment, a 30-watt laser will produce 18,000 joules of energy, which provides the most significant pain relief as well as anti-inflammatory and healing effects.”
Patients typically feel better after 1 or 2 treatments, although up to 5 treatments could be required to fix the problem. “The more extensive and long-lasting the injury, the more treatments will be required,” he added.
Properties of High-Power Laser Therapy
“Dr. Coren talked to SpineUniverse about the positive properties in Laser Therapy:
For pain relief: “Laser decreases nerve sensitivity by decreasing bradykinin; an eliciter of pain chemical. It regulates ion channels, which are cellular gatekeepers] and releases endorphins [body’s natural pain reliever] and enkephalins [related to endorphins] that create an analgesic. Additionally, it has a pain-blocking effect on certain nerve fibers.”
Anti-inflammatory/Healing: “Laser increases ATP, which is stored energy [ATP is the acronym for adenosine triphosphate]. This increased energy accelerates the repair process of cells. Laser also causes a widening of the arteries and veins surrounding the injury. This helps to clear damaged cell debris and boost the amount of oxygen and nutrients. The activity of white blood cells is increased, leading to faster repair. Furthermore, the substances that trigger inflammation are reduced, and beneficial antioxidants like superoxide dismutase are elevated.
Accelerated Cell Growth and Tissue Repair: “Photons of light from lasers penetrate deeply into tissue and boost cellular reproduction as well as growth. Due to exposure to light from lasers, the tissues of ligaments, tendons muscle, nerves, and muscles are repaired more quickly.”
Improved Vascular Activity “Laser light enhances the formation of new capillaries within damaged tissues, which speed the healing process and also closes wounds fast.”
Acupuncture and Trigger Points “The safe laser 500 is especially effective in extinguishing painful trigger points. It also provides a powerful method to stimulate acupuncture points without the discomfort that comes with the needling.”
A reduction in the formation of fibrous tissue. “Laser therapy decreases the development of scar tissue after injuries to the tissue caused by repetitive motion traumas, cuts, scratches and burns as well as surgery.”
Faster Wound Healing: “Laser light stimulates the collagen building blocks, which plays an important role in wound healing of damaged tissues. Collagen is the protein needed to repair old tissue and to repair injuries. As a result, the laser is effective on burns, open wounds and other burns.”
Stem Cell Activation “Laser boosts the amount of stem cells, which enhances healing.”
Where Laser Therapy is administered and conditions treated
Lasers with high power are usually found in physical therapy clinics and chiropractic offices. Neck, back or joint pain typically respond quickly to laser therapy.
“Lasers are also very effective in treating inflammation which include peripheral neuropathy bursitis and tendonitis as well as capsulitis. Strains, sprains, and repetitive motion injuries all have an inflammation element and can be successfully treated using lasers,” he commented. “There is no particular condition that responds more quickly to laser. But, certain patients respond more quickly than others for the same issue, as their individual healing rates will differ.”
Laser therapy can be utilized as a standalone treatment or with rehabilitative exercise therapy. “Rehabilitative activities and laser therapy can complement one another well,” explained Dr. Coren.
Laser Therapy Precautions
There are some precautions with laser therapy. Eye protection is essential in both the patients as well as the therapist. Laser therapy is not recommended over malignancies such as pacemakers, spinal stimulators or over the midsection of pregnant women.
Recommendations
High-power laser therapy is one of the fastestand most efficient modalities available to therapists to treat pain and inflammation. “Unfortunately, laser is not covered by insurance, and high-power lasers are difficult to locate because they are expensive. Most importantly , the results are obtained through the amount of energy that is generated, with 18,000-30,000 J/treatment being the sweet spot,” Dr. Coren said.