Low-Level Laser Therapy: Accelerated Recovery
Low-level laser therapy is a quicker way to get back on track after injury or surgery. It can enhance any of our other healing modalities.
Low level laser therapy is a form of alternative medicine that uses laser light at low levels. The light is applied to the surface skin of the body with the intentions of decreasing pain and inflammation. This prevents damage as it promotes healing of wounds, tissues and nerves.
This is in contrast to the high-level lasers that are used in surgical procedures to cut and destroy unhealthy tissue.
In our office we use the laser in pre and post- operative sessions to speed recovery and promote healing of cartilage and joints. We also use the laser in many conditions such as frozen shoulder, chronic sciatica and pain from arthritis.
How Does Low-Level Laser Therapy Work?
Low-level laser therapy is said to increase the speed of healing through a photochemical effect on a cell’s metabolism.
Mitochondria inside cells are the powerhouse of cell metabolism and need oxygen. They are essential to healthy tissue.
When cells inside tissue are stressed from disease or injury, mitochondria in the cells produce harmful nitric oxide displacing necessary oxygen. This causes inflammation or cell death.
When tissues absorb the light from low-level laser therapy, nitric oxide is irreversibly broken down allowing more oxygen back into the cells. In turn, tissues receive more oxygen.
Cell metabolism and mitochondria function is restored, allowing tissue to heal.
The absorption of light is also said to have other positive effects on cell regeneration and on inflammation.
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