Laser Acupuncture
Laser acupuncture is a needle-less treatment for pain relief and promotes healing of muscle, tendon and ligament injuries.
The list of conditions that can be treated is endless.
It is particularly suited for people with needle-phobia, children, people on blood-thinners and in the presence of swelling or inflammation.
Biological Effects of Low Level Laser Therapy
Background Information
Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) is the application of a laser light beam to promote tissue regeneration, reduce inflammation and provide pain relief. The laser beam used for this purpose is of 660nm wavelength, which stimulates biological reactions. It leads to increased cell growth, wound healing, suppression of inflammation, tissue regeneration and repair. At this wavelength, it does not produce heat so as to cause tissue injury. Hence, this laser (LLLT) cannot be used for cutting, ablation or vapourising, such as required for hair, mole or tattoo removal.
The Science Behind
Light is absorbed by a mitochondrial enzyme cytochrome-c-oxidase, (COX) within the cell, to generate electrons, leading to production of energy packets called ATPs. Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) provides the energy for gene synthesis and chemical reactions ultimately leading to beneficial effects such as cell proliferation, wound healing and tissue regneration. Chronic pain reduces with suppression of inflammation.
Practical Applications
Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) has been shown to have pain relieving, anti-inflammation and bio-stimulation effects. These effects can lead to pain relief, nerve growth, decrease swelling and recovery from muscle, tendon, ligament and nerve injuries. This LLLT treatment has been used for open wound healing, TMJ dysfunction (temporomandibular joint), muscle strain and other soft-tissue injuries. Further advances in the future is expected to LLLT being used for serious diseases such as stroke, heart attack and degenerative brain diseases.
Scientific References
Jan Magnus Bjordal, Rodrigo Alvaro Brandão Lopes-Martins, Jon Joensen & Vegard Vereide Iversen (2010) The anti-inflammatory mechanism of low level laser therapy and its relevance for clinical use in physiotherapy, Physical Therapy Reviews, 15:4, 286-293, DOI: 10.1179/1743288X10Y.0000000001
Farivar S, Malekshahabi T, Shiari R. Biological Effects of Low Level Laser Therapy. J Lasers Med Sci 2014;5(2):58-62