Health First

Laser Therapy for Pain Relief

WHAT IS LASER THERAPY?BIOFLEX LOGO

Laser therapy is the use of monochromatic light emission from a low intensity laser diode (250 milliwatts or less) or an array of high intensity superluminous diodes (providing total optical power up to the 2000 milliwatt range). Conditions treated include musculoskeletal problems, the arthritides, sports injuries and dermatological conditions. The light source is placed in contact with the tissues allowing the photon energy to penetrate widely, where it interacts with various intracellular biomolecules resulting in the normalization of cellular components. This also enhances the body’s natural healing processes. The following chart outlines some of the specific effects of Low Intensity Laser Therapy.

The Technology

The technology utilizes superluminous and laser diodes to irradiate diseased or traumatized tissue with photons. These particles of energy are selectively absorbed by the cell membrane and intracellular molecules, resulting in the initiation of a cascade of complex physiological reactions, leading to the restoration of normal cell structure and function.

The process is curative and therefore results in the elimination of symptoms including pain. In addition, it enhances the body’s immune system response and facilitates natural healing.

The therapy is completely safe and has no adverse side effects.

The technology is highly effective in the treatment of musculoskeletal conditions, arthritis, sports injuries, wound healing and a wide range of dermatological conditions.

The Advantages of Low Intensity Laser Therapy

  • Non-invasive
  • Non-toxic
  • Easily applied
  • Highly effective
  • No known adverse effects

 

The Physiological Effects of Low Intensity Laser Therapy

        Short Term Effects

  • Production and release of beta-endorphins (these are morphine like substances produced by various cells in the body that inhibit the sensation of pain)
  • Cortisol production is increased (cortisol is the precursor of cortisone). This enables the body to combat the stress associated with trauma or the disease process
  • The short-term effect is significant in 5-10% of cases during or after the conclusion of the initial treatment, but is not as important as the long term or cumulative effect

       Long Term or Cumulative Effect

  • ATP (adenosine triphosphate) production is increased resulting in improved cellular metabolism
  • DNA (deoxyribonucleicacid) production; the protein building block of tissue is substantially increased
  • Neurotransmission is facilitated secondary to elevated levels of serotonin and aceytylcholine
  • Mitochondrial activity is stimulated resulting in cell replication etc. (i.e. replacement, regeneration and repair of abnormal cells)
  • Modulation of macrophages, fibroblasts and other cells occur
  • Angiogenesis (formation of new blood vessels)
  • Regulates cell membrane potential, essential in Na, Cl and K ion transfer (electrolyte balance)
  • Cytokines and other chemicals enhancing cellular communications are released

Other Effects

  • The immune response is stimulated
  • Lymphatic drainage is improved
  • The histamine response is positively altered
  • Production of growth hormone is increased
  • The body’s natural healing processes are enhanced

The beneficial physiological changes noted above are the result of cellular stimulation and tissue regeneration. Many other positive activities are modulated including the humoral and cerebral spinal fluid effects, which are highly significant and are currently under investigation in our research laboratory in order to accurately delineate the scientific aspects of this process.