Cold Laser Applications
The application of Low Level Laser Light works to support the natural healing process of the body by:
- Donating photons & electrons to weakened/injured cellular tissue, which stimulates the production of ATP (cellular energy) and the release of healing enzymes.
- Reducing inflammation by enhancing the release of anti-inflammatory enzymes and suppressing the inflammatory enzymes which caused the pain, swelling, heat and redness associated with inflammation.
- Releasing endorphins, (nature's painkillers); also encourages the relaxation of tight muscles responsible for decreased mobility, joint problems and chronic pain.
- Stimulating osteoblastic and fibroblastic production to hasten the healing of bones.
- Enhancing the processes of nerve regeneration and muscle relaxation.
- Enhancing the process of lymphatic drainage, which encourages healing by reducing edema and increasing circulation.
As described by authors Jan Turner and Lars Hode in the book, Low Level Laser Therapy (Prima Books) , Laser irradiation of tissue cultures has shown that units of light energy (photons) are absorbed by enzymes, which react to light within the cell. Visible red light is absorbed within the mitochondria and the infrared light is absorbed at the cell membrane.
In a mammalian cell, this results in a change in membrane permeability, increased ATP levels and increased DNA production. The photons picked up by the cell membrane result in improved membrane stability and increased activity of the ATP dependent Na/K pump. Because cell metabolism is influenced by Na/K movement across the membrane, increasing the gradient will affect the flow of ions and hence the overall metabolism of the cell.
On a tissue level, it has been shown that irradiation by laser light results in increased collagen and epithelial production and production of new capillaries and an increase in density of the capillary bed.
Reduction of pain and inflammation results from this treatment, as does the stimulation of nerve regeneration, muscle relaxation and atonicity (lack of muscle tone). There is also an indication that laser light therapy helps to increase the immune system response.
Red light aids in the production of ATP in cells, which increases cellular health and energy. The radiation (energy) in normal cells stimulates adjacent cells to divide in the normal process of regeneration and healing. Laser light stimulates abnormal tissue to activate normal inter-cellular radiation, thus stimulating the normal healing process to start again. The photons produced by laser light normalize tissue by activating enzymes within cells. Once activated, enzymes within a cell trigger a chemical reaction in which more enzymes are activated in a domino-type effect. Low Level Laser Therapy has no effect on normal tissue. Photons will only be absorbed by cells that need them.
Low Level Laser Therapy Provides New Treatment Possibilities,
Dr. Melyni Worth, Ph.D, World Equine Veterinary Review, Vol. 3, No.3, 1998
Osmosis (transfer) of essential nutrients cannot occur across the cellular membrane of a de-polarized (sick) cell. Consequently, delayed healing, chronic disease, scars, fatigue, and accelerated aging is observed! LLLT reenergizes (repolarizes) injured cell membranes and increases the mitochondria energy by 150%, which speeds and improves the healing process!