Laser therapy provides painless and non-invasive safe treatment with controlled amounts of laser light to modulate natural biological processes in order to produce beneficial clinical effects. The positive effects of laser therapy include pain relief; resolving chronic and acute inflammation; reducing edema; healing and regenerating nerve tissue; promoting wound healing and tissue repair; and modulating an immune response. Laser therapy should not warm tissues more than 1-2oC and it is not considered a thermal modality. There are different levels of laser therapy machines, but the most commonly used range from 3b to Class IV. Laser therapy works on 4 levels. At the primary level, laser therapy is dependent on the actual interaction between light and tissue. These include the absorption of photons by photoreceptive molecules (chromophores) at the sub-cellular level. These interactions cause a photochemical and photophysical reaction that leads to a cascade of biological processes. On the secondary level, there is modulation of ATP (the molecule that carries energy within cells) production, which is dose dependent, as well as Nitric Oxide release and formation of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS). On the tertiary level, the products of the secondary mechanisms then produce effects including gene transcription, inter-cellular signaling, and vasodilation. Finally, on a quaternary level, the vasodilation increases cellular perfusion, which allows improved oxygenation and an influx of macrophages, neutrophils, and lymphocytes to affected areas that are undergoing repair and/or infection. It also brings blood supply or re-vascularization and proliferation of cells that aid in healing. Improved profusion or blood supply will also facilitate the removal of inflammatory cells, fluids, and debris (lymphatic drainage) more efficiently. All in all, laser therapy improves wound healing, reduces inflammation, promotes cellular reproduction, stimulates nerve regeneration, and provides pain relief.
The treatment protocol for laser therapy is variable depending on the injury and chronicity. Ideally, for laser therapy to be effective it must be performed 3 times a week for a month, then 2 times a week for 2 weeks, then once weekly for 2 weeks, and then as needed.
The treatment protocol for laser therapy is variable depending on the injury and chronicity. Ideally, for laser therapy to be effective it must be performed 3 times a week for a month, then 2 times a week for 2 weeks, then once weekly for 2 weeks, and then as needed.