K-Laser Therapy, also known as low level laser therapy or photobiomodulation, is a treatment that utilizes specific wavelengths of light to interact with somatic cells and tissues. Laser therapy provides an analgesic pain relief, an anti-inflammatory effect, and a regenerative effect on local tissues. Laser therapy accelerates the healing process of a variety of clinical conditions. By definition, this type of therapy uses light radiation intensities that induce minimal temperature elevation (not more than 0.1 to 0.5 degrees Celsius), if any. Low-energy lasers have been promoted as an effective way to produce pain relief for a wide variety of acute, subacute, and chronic health conditions.
The mechanism upon which its functionality is based revolves around the properties of light; more specifically, laser therapy makes it possible to concentrate and transfer a very high quantity of energy on a specific surface.Our body transforms this bright energy into chemical energy through cellular mechanisms. This chemical energy is essential to carrying out daily biological functions, in this case in a shorter timespan and with a very high efficacy.
This process translates into a reduction in healing time for the patient, who will see the benefits of laser therapy through a decrease in pain, inflammation, swelling, as well as in recovery time in general. This kind of treatment does not expose the patient to risks, provided that the professional has learned the basic knowledge through special training.
Benefits of Photobiomodulation (LLLT):
1. ANGIOGENESIS AND NEOVASCULARIZATION
The laser increases the oxygenation of damaged tissues, accelerating healing.
2. PRODUCTION OF CARTILAGE
The laser increases the production of chondrocytes and collagen, fostering a more efficient formation of cartilage and improving the articular functionality.
3. EDEMA AND INFLAMMATION
The laser calls upon the mediators of inflammation, e.g. macrophages, neutrophils and lymphocytes, accelerating the resolution of inflammatory processes.
4. NERVE REGENERATION
The proliferation of growth factors mediated by laser therapy fosters the neuronal regeneration and the development of myelin, which are essential processes for nerve-healing.
5. PRODUCTION OF COLLAGEN
The optimal alignment and remodeling of collagen fibers reduces the creation of keloids and increases the elasticity of tissues.
6. MUSCULAR REGENERATION
The laser repairs the damaged muscular fibers and activates the satellite and myogenic cells, fostering the regeneration of the muscular tissue.
7. BONE NEO-APPOSITION
The laser fosters the proliferation of osteocytes and the remodeling of extracellular bone matrix , accelerating the healing of the bone tissue.
Cold laser therapy is widely used for treatment of:
- Acute and chronic musculoskeletal pain
- Ligamentous sprains
- Muscle strains
- Soft tissue injuries, Swelling, and Microvascular trauma
- Tendonitis and Tendinopathy
- Primary and Secondary Arthritis
- Tennis elbow
- Neck and Back pain
- Bursitis
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Fibromyalgia
- Wound healing
- Peripheral Neuropathy
Cold lasers are handheld devices used by the doctor/physician or a trained/certified assistant under the doctor's instruction. The laser is placed directly over the injured area for 30 seconds to several minutes, depending on the size of the area being treated and the dose provided by the cold laser unit. A single treatment ranges from 2-6 minutes in length.
Cold laser therapy is one option among a variety of treatment approaches that can effectively health the cells and tissues which will alleviate pain symptoms. Laser therapy is a highly effective, non-invasive, and cost-effective treatment that does not require the use of surgery or drugs.
Research Articles:
1. The effect of photobiomodulation on chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy: A randomized, sham-controlled clinical trial
Peter A. Argenta, MD a,⁎, Karla V. Ballman, PhD b, Melissa A. Geller, MD a, Linda F. Carson, MD a, Rahel Ghebre, MD a, Sally A. Mullany, MD a, Deanna G.K. Teoh, MD a, Boris J.N. Winterhoff, MD a, Colleen L. Rivard, MD a, Britt K. Erickson, MD a
2. Class IV laser therapy as treatment for chemotherapy-induced oral mucositis in onco-haematological paediatric patients: a prospective study
MADDALENA CHERMETZ1, MARGHERITA GOBBO1, LUCA RONFANI2, GIULIA OTTAVIANI1, GIULIO A. ZANAZZO2, FEDERICO VERZEGNASSI2, NATHANIEL S. TREISTER3, ROBERTO DI LENARDA1, MATTEO BIASOTTO1 & SERENA ZACCHIGNA4