Cold Laser Therapy

Low Intensity Laser Therapy (LILT) produces radiation as photon energy in the visible and near infra-red regions of the electromagnetic spectrum. Worldwide research conducted over the past thirty years indicates that normally functioning cells are not adversely affected by this type of irradiation. Unlike other forms of radiation, i.e. x-ray, etc., this process is beneficial rather than harmful to tissue.

By affecting and reversing the offending pathology at the cellular level, laser therapy optimizes the restoration of injured tissues to function normally, thereby alleviating the symptom of pain. The beneficial effects of laser therapy are cumulative over the course of a series of treatments.

Short Term Effects

• Production and release of beta-endorphins (substances produced by various cells in the body that inhibit the sensation of pain)
• Cortisol production is increased (cortisol is the precursor of cortisone). This enables the body to combat the stress associated with trauma or the disease process
• The short-term effect is significant in 5-10% of cases during or after the conclusion of the initial treatment, but is not as important as the long term or cumulative effect

Long Term Or Cumulative Effect

• ATP (adenosine triphosphate) production is increased resulting in improved cellular metabolism
• DNA (deoxyribonucleicacid) production; protein building block of tissue is substantially increased
• Neurotransmission is facilitated due to elevated levels of serotonin and aceytylecholine
• Mitochondrial activity is stimulated resulting in cell replication etc. (i.e. replacement, regeneration and repair of abnormal cells)
• Modulation of macrophages, fibroblasts and other cells
• Angiogenesis (formation of new blood vessels)
• Regulates cell membrane potential, essential in Na, Cl and K ion transfer (electrolyte balance)
• Cytokines and other chemicals enhancing cellular communications are released

High power or thermal lasers can produce a substantial amount of heat. This destructive potential makes high power laser a key component in industrial applications such as cutting and welding. Thermal laser combines power and precision and therefore has many beneficial uses in surgical and ablative procedures.

Unlike thermal lasers, the low intensity laser beam is ‘soft power’, athermal and can stimulate cellular regeneration and natural healing. Red and infra-red lasers with power outputs in the range of 10 to 250 mW belong in this category, in addition to superluminous diodes up to the 3000mW level.

Low intensity laser energy stimulates cellular function at many levels including metabolism; in essence it promotes the initiation of multiple physiological and beneficial effects in the repair and function of human cells. LILT is widely used in the medical and cosmetic fields, principally because it is non-destructive to the target tissue­, while positively affecting many functions such as collagen formation, cellular metabolism, angiogenesis, lymphatic flow, etc.

The number of treatments will vary with regard to the individual problem. Just as every medical condition varies, so will the individual response to therapy. The onset of pain relief as a result of treatment varies depending on each patient's response to Low Intensity Laser Therapy.

In a recent clinical report on over 1,000 patients treated with the class 4 laser, patients averaged slightly less than 12 treatments to resolve their condition. In some patients one treatment is sufficient, in others up to 50 may be required.