Low Level Laser Therapy
Low level laser therapy commonly known as LLLT is a form of phototherapy which involves the application of low power coherent light to injuries to stimulate healing. Low level laser therapy is used to increase the speed, quality and tensile strength of tissue repair, resolve inflammation, increase range of motion, and provide pain relief.Erchonia Medical is the leading research company on lasers and is the developer of the low level laser therapy technology. Low level laser therapy or commonly known as cold laser therapy is a major advancement in healing and is rewriting the medical journals on what is possible for chronic injuries, pain management, neurological impairments, and facilitating the healing process. Skyline Physical Therapy was one of the first clinics in the State of Nebraska to be awarded the use of the FDA approved Erchonia laser.
How does cold laser work? The effects of low level laser therapy are photochemical, which is not thermal. Hot lasers in the medical world are used during surgery, while cold lasers are used for healing. The cold laser is set at 635 nm, which causes an interaction between cells and photons to take place. Photons from the laser affect the tissue at the cellular level. The cold laser enters the tissue, altering cell membrane permeability, and at the cellular level is absorbed in the mitochondria.
The mitochondria are the "powerhouse" of the cell and makes ATP which is needed for the life enhancement process of every cell which facilitates:
- Rapid cell growth
- Increased wound healing time
- Increased metabolic activity
- Reduced fibrous tissue formation
- Anti-inflammatory action
- Increased vascular activity
- Stimulates nerve function
The Erchonia laser has been found to offer superior healing and pain relieving affects when compared to other electrotherapeutic modalities.
Low level laser therapy is used for the following conditions:
- Soft tissue injuries: Sprains, strains, hematomas, tendinitis, tenosynovitis, capsulitis, and bursitis
- Chronic neck and back pain
- Myofascial trigger points
- Reduction of inflammation
- Wound management: Open wounds, pressure sores, postsurgical healing, ulcers, diabetic ulceration, and burns
- Metatarsalgia
- Trigeminal neuralgia
- Brachial neuralgia
- Plantar fasciitis
- Frozen shoulder
- Carpal tunnel syndrome