We use the highest quality laser at our Clinic, a PowerMedic
Pain can take many forms, depending on the nature and strength of the pain. One of the methods that has proven very effective is pain relief with laser therapy. The pain-relieving effect occurs partly because the treatment reduces the problem that caused the pain in the first place. And partly because laser therapy stimulates the body’s production of enkephalins and endorphins.
Pain relief from cold laser has no known side effects. You could say that laser therapy helps the body heal but that the body is already programmed to heal itself. In addition to its pain relieving effect, laser therapy also helps reduce inflammation, in both acute and chronic conditions.
Moreover, there is an increase in the blood flow – even in areas of chronic muscle tension.
Low-Level Laser Therapy
Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) is a non-invasive treatment option that uses light energy to promote healing and reduce pain in musculoskeletal conditions. It has been used for various musculoskeletal conditions, including low back pain, neck pain, and osteoarthritis. In this article, we will explore the benefits of LLLT and cite some evidence supporting its effectiveness.
How does LLLT work?
LLLT works by stimulating cellular activity and promoting tissue repair. The light energy from the laser is absorbed by the cells in the body, which triggers a series of physiological responses. These responses include increased blood flow, improved oxygenation, and increased production of ATP (adenosine triphosphate), which is the energy source for cells. These responses help to reduce inflammation, increase tissue repair, and decrease pain.
What conditions can LLLT treat?
LLLT has been used to treat a variety of musculoskeletal conditions, including:
- Low back pain
- Neck pain
- Osteoarthritis
- Tendinopathy
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Plantar fasciitis
- Tennis elbow
- Fibromyalgia
Evidence for LLLT
A number of studies have investigated the effectiveness of LLLT for musculoskeletal conditions. Here are some of the findings:
- Low back pain: A 2019 systematic review of 30 randomized controlled trials found that LLLT was effective in reducing pain and disability in patients with chronic low back pain.
- Neck pain: A 2020 systematic review of 16 randomized controlled trials found that LLLT was effective in reducing pain and improving function in patients with chronic neck pain.
- Osteoarthritis: A 2018 systematic review of 16 randomized controlled trials found that LLLT was effective in reducing pain and improving function in patients with knee osteoarthritis.
- Tendinopathy: A 2019 systematic review of 27 randomized controlled trials found that LLLT was effective in reducing pain and improving function in patients with tendinopathy.
These studies provide strong evidence for the effectiveness of LLLT in treating musculoskeletal conditions.
Benefits of LLLT
One of the major benefits of LLLT is that it is non-invasive and does not involve any medication. This makes it a safe and effective treatment option for patients who cannot take medication due to allergies, side effects, or other reasons. Additionally, LLLT has been shown to have minimal side effects, which makes it a desirable treatment option for patients who are concerned about the potential side effects of other treatments.
Another benefit of LLLT is that it is quick and easy to administer. Treatment sessions typically last between 5 and 30 minutes, depending on the condition being treated and the size of the treatment area. This means that patients can receive treatment in a relatively short amount of time, which can be helpful for those with busy schedules.
Conclusion
In conclusion, LLLT is a safe and effective treatment option for musculoskeletal conditions, including low back pain, neck pain, and osteoarthritis. The evidence supporting the effectiveness of LLLT is strong, and it is a non-invasive, medication-free treatment option with minimal side effects. If you are suffering from a musculoskeletal condition, talk to your chiropractor about whether LLLT may be a suitable treatment option for you.
The principle of Accelerated Natural Healing™
Laser therapy is based on the principle of Accelerated Natural Healing, which is reflected in the following features and benefits:
- Biostimulating laser therapy accelerates all phases of the body’s natural healing process.
- Laser therapy provides energy to the cells by increasing the production of ATP, which leads to a significant increase in cell activity.
- This leads to, among other things, a quicker coagulation after acute injuries, which reduces edema.
- Laser therapy has a strong diminishing effect on inflammation, both in chronic and acute instances.
- Laser therapy increases the production of collagen tissue and thereby contributes to quicker wound healing.
- Laser therapy mobilizes the body’s natural immune system and increases its ability to fight bacteria, viruses and fungus.
- The blood flow is increased, even in areas with reduced circulation and/or chronic muscle tensions.
- Laser therapy has a pain relieving effect, partly by reducing the problem that caused the pain in the first place, and partly by stimulating the body’s production of endorphins and encephalin.
- Biostimulating laser therapy has no known side effects. It simply helps the body do what it is already programmed to do – only much faster.
All these factors, which have been documented in thousands of scientific studies over the past 35 years, lead to what we call: Accelerated Natural Healing™
*) When talking about biostimulating laser therapy, several words describe the same thing: soft laser, cold laser, low intensity laser. The internationally recognized name for it is Low Level Laser Therapy, LLLT.