What is Laser Therapy?

Laser therapy is a form of physical therapy technique that is a relatively new form of alternative treatment to relieve pain and discomfort. Laser therapy can be used to treat chronic diseases such as arthritis pain or back pain, carpal tunnel, fibromyalgia pain, knee and neck pain, and tendinitis. Other conditions that can benefit from laser therapy are temporomandibular joint disorders, herniated discs, sprains or strains, and other inflammatory and musculoskeletal conditions. It is used to reduce pain, inflammation, and swelling, reduce spasms, and increase functionality in people suffering from chronic and acute medical conditions.

Laser energy is a purely scientific invention that showcases how to use light energy to reduce pain and inflammation, promote soft tissue healing, relax muscles, and stimulate nerve regeneration. Wavelength and power determine the capacity of the laser to penetrate into the affected area. Once crossing over to the infrared spectrums and above 800 nanometers in wavelength, laser energy can penetrate human skin through x-rays.

Who can benefit from Laser Therapy?

Low-level laser therapy is usually found in physiotherapy and chiropractic clinics as they are the best form of laser therapy that alleviates pain and restores functionality. They enable patients to get rid of neck, back, and joint issues quickly. Laser therapy is effective in managing inflammatory conditions such as peripheral neuropathy, bursitis, and capsulitis. 

Joint and muscle strains and sprains can be easily treated with the help of laser therapy. Laser therapy can be used as stand-alone physical therapy or in conjunction with stretching and strengthening exercises depending on the extent and complexity of the ailment.

The Types of Laser Therapy

There are two types of lasers that are used in physical therapy namely class 3 and 4. The types of lasers are categorized based on the power they use. Class 3 lasers use less than 500 milliwatts of power whereas class 4 lasers use power greater than 500 milliwatts. Class 3 lasers are known as low-intensity lasers or cold lasers or LLLT low-level laser therapy. Class 4 lasers are referred to as HPLT high-power laser therapy.

High-power laser therapy is used to treat the majority of neuromusculoskeletal conditions through surgery. The patient’s symptoms show significant improvement after a couple of 10 minutes of high-intensity laser therapy treatments depending on the intensity of the injury or discomfort.

Laser Therapy Mechanism

The mechanism of laser therapy entails using concentrated low levels of light energy in the form of lasers with specific power at the affected area to stimulate healing and conditioning. The technique that uses low levels of light is called cold laser therapy since the intensity of the lasers being used isn’t enough to provide heat to the body’s tissue. Laser therapy is used by clinicians and physiotherapists to relieve patients from various musculoskeletal and inflammatory issues. Other high-intensity lasers are used to destroy tumors and coagulate tissues by doctors.

The nonthermal photos of light emitted from the laser penetrate the skin – epidermis, dermis, and the subcutaneous tissue right below the skin. Varying wavelengths and outputs of low-level light are used to target and relieve discomfort. Once the light energy passes through the targeted area, light is absorbed by the body tissue which initiates a series of regeneration within the cell promoting healing of injured or damaged cells resulting in pain reduction and reduced inflammation.

Benefits of Laser Therapy

There are several known benefits of laser therapy such as immediate relief from pain and inflammation, boosting recovery rate and healing in patients, improving range of motion, strength, and overall functionality. Although you may feel the laser device touching your skin, the procedure is painless and non-invasive making it safe and an effective physical therapy technique. The treatment takes only a couple of minutes and shows immediate results.

The photons from lasers penetrate the skin increasing blood flow and circulation which results in oxygenation of the injured or damaged cells. The cells witness reproduction and faster healing as a result of exposure to light. Laser therapy is beneficial for people suffering from open wounds as well. Laser light helps in the formation and regeneration of new capillaries which speeds up soft tissue healing and myofascial release enabling the wounds to heal faster.

When a person suffers from an inflammatory condition, their nerve sensitivity gets increased which can be easily managed through laser therapy. Laser therapy can target trigger points which are knotted muscles responsible for aches and pains. It can be used as an alternative to dry needling and acupuncture to promote trigger point inactivation and release. Laser light promotes faster collagen production which plays a key role in healing damaged and injured tissues. Laser therapy enables stem cell activation which can help repair open wounds as well as scars from previous wounds.

Laser Therapy Precautions

There aren’t any substantial side effects to laser therapy but safety standards and precautions must be followed to minimize potential risks. Eye protection is important and required for both the patient and the therapist. Laser therapy should not be performed on people with pacemakers, spinal stimulators, or pregnant women. Laser therapy is a safe, effective, and non-invasive form of physical therapy. Cold laser therapy is widely used by physical therapists that aid in the elimination and management of painful medical conditions.