Low-level Laser Therapy is a non-thermal physical therapy modality that uses light to stimulate chromophores in the injured tissue. It is the most well-known type of laser used for rehabilitation. It helps with cell signaling, decreasing pain (releases endorphins and decreases inflammation), decreases edema, and accelerates tissue healing. LLLT is indicated also used for wound management.
The application is pain-free, non-toxic, and safe. However, skin irritation might happen, but it is rarely reported.
Low-level Laser Therapy Treatment Option
LLLT is a treatment option for:
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- Muscle strain
- Ligament strain
- Wound management and scar tissue healing
- Tendonitis
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Rotator cuff tears
- Tennis/golfers elbow
Classification of Lasers
Lasers are widely used in medicine, and for rehabilitation providers such as dentists, aestheticists, and physiotherapists. Laser devices are classified based on their power output, measured in milliwatts (mW), and their risk of causing biological damage (class 1, 2, 3A, 3B, 4). For physiotherapy rehabilitation, 3B lasers (with wavelengths of 660nm & 905 nm) are commonly used to treat a variety of conditions with different tissue depths.
Wound Management
Promotion of wound healing was among the first observed benefits of low-dose light treatments (photo-biomodulation therapy). Longer wavelengths are mostly used to treat deeper muscle, tendons, and ligaments, and shorter wavelengths are best suited for the treatment of superficial tissues, such as skin and wound management.
Acceleration of inflammatory phase of healing allowing for earlier initiation of the proliferative phase of tissue healing:
• Stimulates increased fibroblastic activity leading to increased collagen synthesis
• Increases protein synthesis
• Promotes revascularization of wounds
Contraindications For Low-level Laser Therapy
• Haemorrhagic conditions: actively bleeding tissue or persons with untreated hemorrhagic disorders
• Regions with active deep vein thrombosis or thrombophlebitis
• Eyes
• Reproduction organs (testes)
• Over thyroid gland
• In patients with epilepsy
• Tissues infected with Tuberculosis or other forms of virulent bacteria
• Local malignancy
• Abdomen or low back during pregnancy
• Photosensitive diseases
Application Technique
After removing any lotion or oil from the skin, the client and therapist will wear protective glasses during the session. Treatment time is usually fast for small areas, and it should be repeated as long as needed or prescribed by your therapist. Chronic wounds might take from a few weeks to months to fully close if the area treated is large.
- In contact with intact skin: grid or point
- Non-contact: grid or scanning
If you are looking for low-level laser therapy treatment in downtown Vancouver, please contact our physio clinic.
References
Gallo JA, Wijting Y. Low Level Laser Therapy: Clinical Mentoring Series. Gulf Breeze:FL: CIAO Publishing; 2006.
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