Holistic Services: Laser Therapy

A laser is a device that emits a special form of light. The term LASER is an acronym for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation. Radiation in this case refers to the coherent light energy released, which produces the laser beam

Low level Laser Therapy (LLLT) means the use of low powered laser light, in the range of 1-1000mW, to stimulate a biological process. Just as plants exposed to normal sunlight synthesize carbohydrates in the process of photosynthesis, laser light stimulates the formation and release of the body’s own chemical compounds. In LLLT, the infrared laser energy has a stimulating effect on tissues because it increases cellular energy. The laser light energy becomes absorbed by the tissues, stimulating their metabolic processes.

Low level laser therapy is an effective therapy, working in harmony with the body’s own healing and relieving mechanisms. There are no harmful side effects reported from laser therapy.

Laser light causes five (5) actions on tissue, which have been documented as the basis for treatment benefits. They are listed below, summarized from medical and veterinary research articles.

The most common example of the conversion of light energy into chemical energy is photosynthesis, where plants manufacture food from carbon dioxide and water. Light energy from the sun is the essential item in that process. No reasonable person disputes photosynthesis, it is a well-known process that converts photons of light energy into chemical energy.

The action of laser light on tissue is quite similar to photosynthesis in plants. Photons of light from a laser penetrate deep into tissue and power the synthesis of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). ATP is a molecule that is a major carrier of energy from one reaction site to another, in all living cells. Increases in ATP, as a result of laser light, increases the energy available to cells so that the cell can take in nutrients faster and expel waste products. In straightforward terms, the cells of tendons, ligaments and muscles are repaired faster when exposed to laser light. How much faster? A good rule of thumb is that healing time is reduced by one-half to two-thirds the time it would normally take, all other factors remaining equal.

Collagen is the most common protein found in the body. It is estimated that 80% of an animal’s body is made up of this important, fibrous protein. Various types of tissue make up the body. Connective tissue is the most widely distributed, where fibroblast cells produce the tissue fiber. The “extra” energy produced by the laser light is used by fibroblasts to increase collagen production. Collagen is the essential protein required to replace old tissue or to repair tissue injuries. Perhaps the most common example of collagen is the clear, sticky substance found around open wounds. Wounds are healed, or closed over, very rapidly by the application of laser light. There is also less scar tissue formed when laser light is applied to the area, since the rate of healing is improved.

Laser light has a highly beneficial effect on nerve cells which blocks pain transmitted by these cells to the brain. Studies have shown that laser light increases the activity of the ATP-dependent NaK pump. In this case, laser light increases the potential difference across the cell membrane moving the resting potential further from the firing threshold, thus, decreasing nerve ending sensitivity. A less understood pain blocking mechanism involves the product of high levels of painkilling chemicals such as endorphins and enkephalins from the brain, adrenal gland and other areas, as a result of stimulation by laser light.

Everyone wants to reduce swelling in a horse’s leg. The problem is that the veins in the leg are capable of removing only one component of the fluid in the swelling. Blood vessels can remove the water, but not the dirty proteins that are present. If you have a treatment modality that accelerates the blood flow, you have not solved the problem. The lymphatic system is needed to carry away the dirty proteins found in edema. Laser studies conducted in 1987 and 1988 indicate that laser light is capable of doubling the size of lymphatic ducts in the area and rapidly removing protein waste. Another important aspect of the study showed that laser light was capable of “perfect” regeneration of the lymphatic system in the immediate area, no leakage, no confused networks of ducts. In the normal regeneration of lymphatic systems, the ducts are leaky and the duct network is complex and confused, leading to a tendency to have the same problem occur again in the same area.

Many types of therapy will increase blood flow, and laser light does this extremely well. What is not recognized, however, is that the laser will actually increase the formation of new capillaries in damaged tissue. This formation is responsible for speeding up the healing process, closing wounds quickly and reducing scar tissue.

At Tintagel we recommend and use Lasers from Respond Systems Inc. They have different attachments used for treating broad areas or fine heads for treating acupuncture points. We can also attest to their excellent customer service and sturdy long lived products.

We also have a smaller and weaker visible red pen used to stimulate acupuncture points while on the road. Visible red and infrared lights are not lasers but LEDs, Light Emitting Diodes. These are not nearly as powerful as a laser but do seem to have some benefits when the higher powered lasers are not available. This is probably mostly due to the LEDs ability to give off heat and increase circulation on the surface and increase the surface cells metabolism.