What is Low Intensity Laser Therapy?

Low Intensity Laser Therapy is the use of red and near infrared monochromatic light to enhance the body’s natural healing processes. The light source is placed in contact with the skin allowing the light energy (photons) to penetrate tissue, where it interacts with various molecules resulting in the restoration of normal cellular function.

The Technology

The BioFlex Low Intensity Laser Therapy System uses both super luminous and laser diodes to produce photons of light energy. These photons are absorbed by a variety of chromophores (light absorbing molecules) within the cell. When chromophores absorb these photons there is an increase in the amount of biochemical energy within the cells.  The resulting increase in energy results in improved cellular function.

Light in its various forms has been used for healing from the time of the ancient Egyptian and Greek civilizations.  The negative effects of the absence of light on the human body are also well known (Seasonal Affective Disorder, Rickets, etc.).  Recent advances in the engineering of laser therapy devices and the development of appropriate dosages for effective therapeutic application has dramatically improved the results of this therapy.

What you Feel as a Patient

You may feel a slight warming of the area being treated.  Other than the minor temperature increase you will feel nothing during the therapy.

The Advantages of Low-Intensity Laser Therapy

  • Non-invasive
  • Non-toxic
  • Easily applied
  • Highly effective
  • Virtually no side effects

Some of the physiological effects of low-intensity laser therapy

Short-Term Effects

  • Reduction in pain (Production and release of beta-endorphins)
  • Improvement in localized blood flow (Small localized increase in temperature)
  • 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

  • Increase in cellular energy
    • ATP (adenosine triphosphate) production is increased resulting in improved cellular metabolism
  • Faster healing of damaged tissue
    • Increased protein and DNA production results in higher cell replication rates
    • Stimulation of macrophages, fibroblasts, and other cells results in a quicker healing time
    • Regulates cell membrane potential, essential in Na, Cl and K ion transfer (electrolyte balance)
  • Better nerve conduction
    • Neurotransmission is facilitated due to elevated levels of serotonin and acetylcholine
  • Reduction in scar tissue
    • Increase in collagen synthesis results in healing with normal muscle-tendon matrix
  • More blood flow to the damaged area
    • Angiogenesis (formation of new blood vessels) brings more blood to the damaged area

Other Effects

  • Improved resistance to infection
    • The immune response is stimulated
  • Reduction in swelling
    • Lymphatic drainage is improved
  • The body’s natural healing processes are enhanced

 

For more research data on the effects and application of Low-Intensity Laser Therapy, Book Now.