Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) is a non invasive light treatment that can help with pain, inflammation and tissue repair. It’s called a cold laser as it doesn’t cause any heating on the skin so patients won’t feel any sensation at all during their treatment.
It emits light within a specific wavelength of 660nm to 905nm which has the ability to penetrate skin and hard/soft tissues and stimulate fibroblasts, keratinocytes, endothelial cells and lymphocytes which in turn reduces pain, inflammation and speeds up the healing process. The effects of LLLT are photochemical (like photosynthesis in plants).
One of the primary mechanisms is the effect of light on cytochrome c oxidase and the unbinding of nitric oxide and release of ATP leading to improved cellular function.
Using LLLT will help to activate the communication between the brain and the damaged cells, helping to restore the optimal performance of each cell. It has a wide range of medical applications and is used by many medical professions as a non-invasive treatment for musculoskeletal injuries.
It is very safe and can be widely utilised on a number of conditions, such as:
- Osteoarthritis
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Shoulder Impingement
- Bursitis
- Disc Degeneration
- Sciatica
- Neuropathic Pain
- Tendinopathies
- Lymphedema
Some patients feel results within the first session, some patients it can take between 4-6 sessions. LLLT may be added into your Physiotherapy Initial session and follow up’s can be booked to come in solely to continue the LLLT.
Contraindications:
- Eyes: Do not aim laser beams into the eyes and everyone present should wear appropriate safety spectacles.
- Cancer: Do not treat over the site of any known primary carcinoma or secondary metastasis unless the patient is undergoing chemotherapy when LLLT can be used to reduce side effects such as mucositis. LLLT however can be considered in terminally- ill cancer patients for palliative relief.
- Pregnancy: Do not treat directly over the developing fetus.
- Epileptics: Be aware that low frequency pulsed visible light (<30Hz) might trigger a seizure in photosensitive, epileptic patients. The adverse effects of LLLT have been reported to be no different from those reported by patients exposed to placebo devices in trials.
For more information on laser therapy, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us at info@bodyworksedinburgh.com or 0131 241 1833.