Laser Therapy Shines as an Alternative Complementary Treatment for Pain Management and Healing
How LLLT Works
Low level laser therapy traces its history back to the early 1960's when researchers
discovered that laser light could stimulate a response at the cellular level
of tissues in the body, resulting in increased energy levels (ATP, adenosine
triphosphate). This increase in energy enables the body's cells to metabolize
at a higher rate and speeds its natural ability to heal. In short, the body
converts the laser light into a form of energy that it can use (biochemical
energy) to repair itself and function at a higher efficiency level. This process
is similar to the human body using the sun's energy to manufacture Vitamin D.
FDA Approved
Researchers have since experimented over the decades to find out which intensities
and wavelengths of light work best to promote healing in the body. Laser therapy
has been successfully utilized in Europe, Asia, and Canada for years. In 2002,
the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the use of low level laser therapy
for use in the United States.
How Low Level Laser Therapy is Used
Low level laser therapy has almost endless applications because of its approach
to healing. Its low intensity does not burn or cut tissue like high-powered
surgical lasers and there are no known side effects in its over 40 year history
of use. Laser therapy is effective in treating many conditions that are prominent
today, such as chronic arthritis, tendonitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, fibromyalgia,
and sports injuries just to name a few. Many professional athletes utilize laser
therapy to reduce healing time to get them back into the game with less chance
of re-injury. Countless other people are reaping the benefits of laser therapy
by eliminating their dependence on pain medications, avoiding surgery, decreasing
or eliminating pain, and returning to a healthier lifestyle.
Conclusion
So, if you think LLLT may help you to cut back or eliminate certain pain medications
or avoid surgery, talk to your doctor or health care practitioner. Low level
laser therapy has been effective in my practice and is a treatment of choice
in providing safe, effective, lasting results for those looking for a better
approach to health.
References
1. Gur A, Karakoc M, Nas K, Cevik R, Sarac J, Demir E. Efficacy of low power
laser therapy in fibromyalgia: a single-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Lasers
in Medical Science (2002) 17(1):57-61.
2. Oezdemir F, Birtane M, Kokino S. The clinical efficacy of low-power laser therapy on pain and function in cervical osteoarthritis. Clinical Rheumatology (2001) 20(3): 181-184.
3. Simunovic Z, Ivankovich AD, Depolo A. Wound healing of animal and human body sport and traffic accident injuries using low-level therapy treatment; a randomized clinical study of seventy-four patients with control group. Journal of Clinical Laser Medicine and Surgery (2000) Apr;18(2):67-73.
