An Introduction to Laser Therapy

Laser therapy, known in scientific terms as photobiomodulation, exposes the cells and tissues to a safe, low-level laser treatment that is used to treat both acute and chronic pain. Laser applications to the body have been studied and researched since the 1970s and the benefits are well-established in medical literature. Here are some of the healing effects of laser treatment on different tissues and systems of the body:

Reduced inflammation

Laser therapy has been shown to increase inflammatory meditators (white blood cells), which can accelerate and resolve the inflammatory process. It can also increase cytokines, which are secreted by immune cells, and which also have anti-inflammatory effects on the tissues. At the same time, it can reduce damaging free radical levels by increasing the release of enzymes that neutralize free radicals in the body.

Faster pain reduction with longer lasting relief

Laser therapy decreases nerve sensitivity by decreasing a pain-eliciting chemical in the body known as bradykinin. It helps the targeted cells to balance ion levels and release endorphins (the body’s natural pain reliever) that similarly work to reduce pain levels.  It can also help decrease nerve sensitivity and relieve nerve pain.

Vascular system benefits

Laser therapy has been shown to help in the development of new blood vessels, a process called angiogenesis, which aids the body in bringing increased blood flow to injured areas to expedite healing. The treatment also improves blood and lymph flow by causing a dilation of the vessels in the area being treated. This dilation allows more space for nutrients to pass to the injured area, which may result in faster healing and the removal of dead and damaged cells. This effect also results in less swelling and water retention in the treated area, known as edema.

Increase in cell growth

Synthesis of ATP, the cell’s fuel, is shown to be increased by exposure to the laser. This increases the energy that is available to the cell to carry out its functions, including carrying nutrients, oxygen, getting rid of waste products, etc. ATP is the energy source for all chemical reactions in the cell. As a result, the cells of tendons, ligaments, nerves, and muscles can repair faster.

Increased activity of stem cells

Laser therapy has also been shown to increase the number of stem cells, which enhances the healing process and the birth of new cells in injured areas.

Bone regeneration

There is evidence emerging in current research that bone regeneration may be stimulated by laser therapy. (See studies below!)

Immune system regulation

Laser therapy may also help with restoring immuno-competence to cells. Chromophores in the cell, which react to and absorb light, activate enzymes that increase ATP, the cell’s fuel, which we referenced earlier. This has a direct effect on the immune system, stimulating the immune system’s cells to higher activity levels. These higher-functioning immune cells may contribute to a more functional immune response.

Improved nerve function and regeneration

Laser therapy has been shown to increase the reproduction of nerve cells and the fatty sheaths that surround them, which can help nerves to recover from damage. Numbness, impaired limb usage, and chronic pain can be targeted by the treatment because of its effects on neural healing. It can speed up the transmission of information from nerve to nerve, nerve to organ, and nerve to brain.

Muscle repair and regeneration

Laser therapy penetrates deep into tissues and can stimulate cellular reproduction and growth in muscle cells, too. This expedites the healing process after a tear, strain, or any injury sustained to muscle.

Scar tissue reduction & collagen production

Laser therapy can help break up scar tissue from old wounds and prevent the formation of scar tissue in newer, more recently healed wounds. By expediting the healing process and encouraging cellular regeneration in the collagen fibers that make up scars, exposure to the laser light can have softening and shrinking effects on scars. This is especially beneficial for scar tissue that impedes one’s ability to move (think: scar tissue around knee replacement) and causes pain with movement and activity. It is also helpful for newer injuries, like torn ligaments and tendons, to prevent the development of scar tissue.

Joints

Laser therapy also has proven effects on the cells that make up our body’s joints, called chondrocytes. It has similar effects as detailed above on the cells: it speeds up their growth and reproduction, increases their capacity to carry nutrients and oxygen, and increases the production of ATP, the cell’s fuel. This expedites and improves cartilage deposition and joint function.

Here is some more reading on laser therapy:

• Effect of low-level laser therapy on mesenchymal stem cell proliferation: a systematic review
• Comparison of the in vitro effects of low-level laser therapy and low-intensity pulsed ultrasound therapy on bony cells and stem cells
• Immunomodulatory effects of laser therapy in the treatment of chronic tonsillitis
• Immune-modulating Effects of Therapeutic Laser
• Role of Low-Level Laser Therapy in Neurorehabilitation
• A systematic review of low level laser therapy with location-specific doses for pain from chronic joint disorders
• Low level laser therapy for sports injuries
• Limb Blood Flow After Class 4 Laser Therapy
• The Effectiveness of Therapeutic Class IV (10 W) Laser Treatment for Epicondylitis

Adapted from Justin Vorwaller, MBA: “How Photobiomodulation Technology Can Increase Your Clinical and Financial Outcomes,” in Chiropractic Products.