What is low-level laser?  

Unlike high power lasers that use heat and destroy tissue, low energy lasers affect the cellular energy of the underlying tissue. Hot lasers have a thermal effect and have an output of 1MW or above.

Cold (or) Low Level Lasers do not have a thermal effect on tissue, lasers that stimulate biological function have an output below 10mw-milliwatts
(ten-one thousands of a watt).

 

Where is this being used?
The Erchonia cold laser device has gained recent FDA approval for the non-surgical treatment of neck and shoulder complaints and is being used widely in the NFL and by the USPS tour de France team chiropractor.

 

The beneficial effects of the Erchonia laser are currently being researched by leading plastic surgeons for use in liposuction procedures.
 

How does it work?

 

Many theories exist as to the mechanism of action for Low Level Laser Therapy(3LT™) but simply put, photonic energy is absorbed by the photo acceptor sites on the cell membrane which trigger a secondary messenger to initiate a cascade of intracellular signals that initiate, inhibit or accelerate biological processes such as wound healing, inflammation, or pain management.

 

When the body has an injury the cells are damaged and fail to function within normal parameters.  

 

Low level lasers penetrate deeply into the skin and work by restoring this abnormal cellular function.  

 

Physiologic effects include improved metabolism, circulation and tissue healing.

Are there any side effects?

There are over 1500 published studies and not one of them mentions any negative side effects of semi-conductor diode lasers at the 5mW range like the Erchonia 3LT™ Lasers.

Low Level Lasers are safe, non-toxic and non-invasive; there has not been a recorded side effect in over 1700 publications.

There are some necessary common sense precautions that need to be considered, such as avoiding pointing the laser beam directly into the eye and maintaining it there, which could prove to be damaging to the eye.

What makes one laser different from another?

A laser can differ in its wavelength, power source or whether it is a continuous or pulsed wave form. The first lasers were used to cut, cauterize or ablate tissue and were classified as "hot' lasers.”Cold", "Low Energy" or "Low Level" lasers are used to enhance metabolic activity at the cellular level through non-thermal reactions.

What is wavelength? And do the different wavelengths matter?

Light is measured in wavelengths and is expressed in units of nanometers
(nm). Different wavelengths have different energy levels and can have various effects on tissue.

For example, the Erchonia 3LT™ Laser is 635 nanometers, which is found within the "red" spectrum of visible light (400-800 nm) and has anabolic tissue effects, whereas, radiation that has a wavelength shorter than 320 nm (ultraviolet (UV), gamma rays, x-rays) has ionizing effects on cells and can be harmful even in small doses.

 

How long does the treatment last?

A treatment plan may vary, depending on the condition. For instance, an acute soft tissue injury or open wound may require multiple short treatments initially then the interval between treatments will lengthen as the condition improves.

Ø       tendonitis

Ø       frozen shoulder

Ø       fractures

Ø       post-operative wounds

Ø       sprain-strains

Ø       scar tissue

Ø       autoimmune diseases

Ø       chronic or acute pain

Ø       wound healing

Ø       arthritis

Ø       migraines

Ø       disc herniations

Ø       minor nerve damage

Ø       carpal tunnel syndrome

Ø       heavy metal detoxification 
 

Clinical Uses of LLLT in Our Practice 

 

Ø       Pain Relief – by increasing levels of B-endorphins and reducing the hyper-
       irritability of nerve cells. 

 

Ø       Anti-Inflammatory Effect – by decreasing the release of bradykinins,
       histamines and acetylcholine.

 

Ø       Muscle Relaxation – by increasing ATP production.

Ø       Reduces Swelling (Edema) – by increasing lymphatic flow.

 

Ø       Reducing Trigger Points – by improving circulation to them.

Ø       Balancing Acupoints in the ear and body.

Ø       Re-Balancing the Nerve System.

 

 

The above effects can help us achieve faster results during detoxification, emotional stress, and stabilizing spinal dysfunction

(holding your adjustments longer).