What is LLLT?

LLLT (Low level laser therapy) is a painless, sterile, non-invasive, drug-free treatment which is used to treat a variety of pain syndromes, injuries, wounds, fractures, neurological conditions and pathologies. Laser therapy can be used any time a patient requests or needs a drug- less procedure for the control of pain, when conventional therapies have been ineffective, or when the acceleration of healing from in-juries is desired.

Around the world, laser therapy is rapidly becoming a medical therapy that can heal wounds and fractures up to 60% faster and also reduce the cost of treatment for many conditions.

In the U.K., LLLT has become the treatment of choice for soft tissue “whiplash” injuries and for the treatment of painful post-herpetic neuralgia (shingles pain).

How Does Laser Light Heal?

Healing with the use of light is not new. Light therapy was reported to be effective for many conditions by Hippocrates. With the development of the laser and its special properties, using light as a treatment has gained more popularity. This is because we can now use specific wavelengths of light and give accurately measured doses of energy directly to the appropriate treatment site, which was not possible with other light sources.

Laser therapy has been successfully used around the world

Low level lasers supply energy to the body in the form of non-thermal photons of light. Light is transmitted through the skin’s layers (the dermis, epidermis and the subcutaneous tissue or tissue fat under the skin) at all wavelengths in the visible range. However, light waves in the near infrared ranges penetrate the deepest of all light waves in the visible spectrum. When low level laser light waves penetrate deeply into the skin, they optimize the immune responses of our blood. This has both anti-inflammatory and immunostimulation effects. It is a scientific fact that light transmitted to the blood in this way has positive effects throughout the whole body, supplying vital oxygen and energy to every cell.

What to Expect During a Laser Therapy Treatment Session

For most people, laser therapy is quite passive. There are no pulsating shocks felt, as in forms of electronic stimulation, nor heat used as with ultrasounds. The most noticeable sensation is the touch of the probe head of the laser, as it comes in contact with the skin.

Some patients (3-5% of those undergoing light therapy) have reported a slight tingling or tapping in a nerve or along a nerve pathway. Some have noted that they are able to sense a slight feeling of warmth. But for the most part, the treatment, which may last from 2 to 20 minutes, is not noticed at all. Following (and even during) a laser therapy session, approximately 75-80% of patients being treated can notice an immediate improvement in their condition. This will depend primarily on the type of condition and the length of time the condition has been present.

Generally, the more chronic or severe the condition, the longer it takes to respond. The majority of conditions treated will take anywhere from 4-5 or 10-18 treatments. Once again, the number of treatments depends upon the severity of the condition and its duration. If your condition does not change immediately, it may take 3-4 sessions before a dramatic or marked change is perceived.

Carpal Tunnel & The ML830® Cold Laser

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is a problem that affects the wrist and hand. If you have CTS, tingling and numbness can make even simple tasks hard to do. However, CTS can be treated, and your symptoms can be controlled. Reading this will help you better understand how Low Level Lasers can help you.

Non-Operative Carpal Tunnel Treatment

One of the most fascinating and used healing advances is the ML830® low-level laser. On Feb. 11, 2002, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration cleared the ML830TM Cold Laser to be used in the non-surgical treatment and management of CTS.

The Physiological Effects of LLLT

• Biostimulation, including improved metabolism & increased cell metabolism
• Improved blood circulation and vasodilatation
• Analgesic effect
:. Anti-inflammatory and
• Anti-edematous effects
• Stimulation of wound healing

Benefits of LLLT to Users

• Relieves acute and chronic pains
• Increases the speed, quality and tensile strength of tissue repair
• Increases blood supply
• Stimulates the immune system
• Stimulates nerve function
• Develops collagen and muscle tissue
• Helps generate new and healthy cells and tissue
• Promotes faster wound healing and clot formation
• Reduces inflammation

Applications of LLLT

According to published Medical Reports

“The ML 830® Laser has been an important tool in my last 10 years of treating chronic pain patients in my practice.”

Dr. Tom Watson, DPT

Rebound Physical Therapy Bend, OR

“The ML830® is the best modality for sports injuries I have ever used.”

Donna Jones, Athletic Trainer Texas A&M University, College Station, TX

“Laser Trigger Point therapy is the future for treatment of acute and chronic pain. The ML830® has changed the way I practice medicine”

Dr. Bernard Filner, MD

Pioneer in Laser “Trigger Point” Therapy

I’ve found the ML830® to be extremely useful in treating trigger points, sprains /strains in muscles & joint pain.

Dr. Robert (Bob) Wilborn, DC

Parker Chiropractic College Dallas, TX