High Intensity Photobiomodulation Therapy
Biological Effects of Laser Therapy
Reduce Inflammation
Photobiomodulation is anti-inflammatory and increases inflammatory mediators such as macrophages, neutrophils, and lymphocytes that accelerate and resolve the inflammatory process. Research has documented effects at reducing inflammation producing cytokines such as Interleukin-1. At the same time, Photobiomodulation has shown to reduce damaging free radical levels by increasing super oxidase dismutase (SOD) levels. This helps get painful inflammation under control by targeting the cells and enzymes that make inflammation worse.
Long-Lasting Pain Relief
Photobiomodulation provides an analgesic (anti-pain) benefit. It decreases nerve sensitivity by decreasing bradykinin; a pain eliciting chemical. It normalizes ion channels
(cellular gatekeepers) and releases endorphins (the body’s natural pain reliever) and enkephalins from the brain and adrenal gland that produce an analgesic effect. Photobiomodulation also has a pain-blocking effect on certain nerve fibers and decreases nerve sensitivity.
Improve Vascular Activity
Photobiomodulation provides an antiedemic effect, causing the blood vessels and the lymphatic vessels to widen in a process called vasodilation. The treated area undergoes a process of angiogenesis, or the growth of new small blood vessels. This allows more nutrients to be supplied to the injured area and also aids removal of waste from dead or damaged cells. Improving the drainage through the lymphatic vessels and veins also helps with removing the excessive swelling.
Increase Metabolic Activity
Photobiomodulation creates higher outputs of specific enzymes, greater oxygen and food particle loads for blood cells. This results in energizing cells and stimulates the right molecules in the target area while increasing tissue oxygenation, ATP (adenosine-triphosphate) synthesis (energy creation), and intercellular exchanges. This process increases the energy available to the cell so that the cell can take on nutrients faster and get rid of waste products. As a result, the cells of tendons, ligaments, nerves and muscles are repaired faster.
Immunoregulation
Photobiomodulation has a direct effect on the immune system by stimulation of immunoglobulins and lymphocytes. Laser energy is absorbed by chromophores (molecule enzymes) that react to the laser light. The enzyme flavanone-nucleotide is activated and starts the production of ATP (adenosine-triphosphate), which is the major carrier of cell energy and the energy source for all chemical reactions in the cells.
Improve Nerve Function & Regeneration
Photobiomodulation increases the proliferation of growth factors that promote neuronal sprouting and myelin formation for optimal nerve recovery. Nerves allow your brain to communicate with your body and your body to communicate with your brain. When your body is in pain, particularly if the pain is chronic, the nerves stop working as well. Slow recovery of nerve functions in damaged tissue can result in numbness and impaired limbs. Photobiomodulation helps improve nerve signal transmission and speeds up the process of nerve cell reconnection, increasing the amplitude of action potentials to optimize muscle action.
Muscle Tissue Repair & Regeneration
Photobiomodulation penetrates deep into tissue and stimulates cellular reproduction and growth that result in the repair of damaged muscle fibers and activation of myogenic satellite cells that lead to regeneration of muscle tissue.
Reduce Formation of Scar Tissue
Photobiomodulation increases collagen production that allows proper alignment and remodeling of collagen, which reduces the formation of scar tissue following tissue damage from repetitive motion injuries, cuts, scratches, bums or surgery. By getting treatment early, it can prevent the buildup of scar tissue and is beneficial for torn ligaments, tendons or muscles, or post-surgery. With less tissue scarring, there is reduced chronic pain often associated with scars.
Increase Cartilage Production
Photobiomodulation produces an increase in chondrocyte and collagen production. This allows improved cartilage deposition and joint function.
Accelerate Wound Healing
Photobiomodulation stimulates fibroblast development in damaged tissue. Fibroblasts are the building blocks of collagen, which is predominant in wound healing. Collagen is the essential protein required to replace old tissue or to repair tissue injuries. Additionally, greater strength of new tissue (better tensile strength) occurs that protects against further breakdown or tissue damage.
Accelerate Bone Repair
Photobiomodulation creates proliferation of osteocytes and remodeling of bone extracellular matrix resulting in accelerated bone repair.
Stimulate Trigger & Acupuncture Points
Photobiomodulation is effective in eliminating painful trigger points. It is also another treatment option of stimulating acupuncture points without the discomfort associated with needling.
Resolve Acute & Chronic Pathologies
Both acute and chronic pathologies respond well to the photochemical mechanism of action provided by Photobiomodulation and are often resolved or made manageable resulting in a significantly improved quality of life.
Who Uses Laser Therapy?
Chiropractic
Physical Therapy
Sports Medicine