LOW INTENSITY LASER THERAPY- (LILT) Meditech

Physiological Effects of LILT?

What is a Laser?

The word laser is an acronym for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation. A laser beam is an intense light source with specific characteristics. These include:

Monochromaticity: In laser light, all electromagnetic waves have the same wavelength and therefore, the same color.
Coherence: All the photons in laser light oscillate in the same phase.
Directionality: Laser light is highly directional.
Intensity: Because its radiation is coherently concentrated on one spot, laser light is very powerful. This factor gives it tremendous accuracy, making it highly valued in medical applications.

What is Low Intensity Laser Therapy?

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 super luminous diodes (providing total optical power in the 1000-2000 milliwatt range). Conditions treated include musculoskeletal injuries, chronic and degenerative conditions and wounds. The light source is placed in contact with the skin allowing the photon energy to penetrate tissue, where it interacts with various intracellular biomolecules resulting in the restoration of normal cell morphology and function. This also enhances the body's natural healing processes.

LASER TREATMENT

Absorption as a result of photon bombardment of various bio-molecules in the cell results in the transformation of light into biochemical energy. This is cumulative and requires sufficient stimulation in order to initiate response. Typically 5-20 treatments varying from 30-60 minutes in duration are required. The end result of low intensity laser irradiation is the restoration of normal function of the cell unit. Conversely, worldwide research to date has failed to record any negative effects from this process. It should be noted that normally functioning cells are not adversely affected by the irradiation. In contrast to other therapies, Low Intensity Laser Therapy is "curative" rather than simply modulating symptomatology. Continued research in the Meditech and other laboratories should further enhance the effectiveness of this existing technology. After treatment, the patient may have an exacerbation of pain for a varying period of time. If this occurs, utilize pain medication and/or ice and let the therapist know prior to the next treatment.

The BioFlex System combines numerous sophisticated engineering advances with the capacity to control all parameters such as frequency, duty cycle, energy density, duration, etc. An infinitive range of protocols can then be delivered to tissue in standard fashion or a customized basis.

ADVANTAGES of LASER THERAPY:

Non-invasive
Non-toxic
Easily applied

Highly effective
Cure rate > 95%
No known negative side effects

SOME of 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 CUMUMLATIVE EFFECTS (More Important than Short Term Effects)

ATP (adenosine triphosphate) production is increased resulting in improved cellular metabolism
DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) production; protein building block of tissue is substantially increased
Neurotransmission is facilitated due to elevated levels of serotonin and acetylcholine
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
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 tissue regeneration and cellular stimulation. Many other positive activities are modulated including the humoral and cerebral spinal fluid effects which are highly significant and are currently under investigation in research laboratories to accurately delineate the scientific aspects of this process.