How Does Low Level Laser Therapy Work?

Why Lasers?

Lasers are concentrated beams of light with electromagnetic radiation. Lasers can have their intensity levels modulated. High intensity lasers can drill holes inside thick steel. Lasers are typically monochromatic, with red being used for therapy. Fortunately for laser therapy, the intensity is dialed down to provide people healing properties that lead to pain relief.

Cell Reaction

The low level laser therapy works because of how cells react to it. Lasers are fired between 5 and 500 milliwatts; most surgical applications utilize 300 milliwatts of power. When lasers are applied to cells, it is called photo-biostimulation. Cells seemingly "talk" to each other more via laser therapy. Lasers transmit photons about 3 inches deep into the skin. Mitochondria in the skin membranes absorb the laser's red light, which causes an increase of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production. Increased ATP means healthier cells.

Photo-biostimulation also initiates some cell functions that promote healing. Collagen production, enzyme production and cell growth increase. With the collagen level increases, damaged skin cells become less prevalent, preventing scar tissue from forming.

Pain Relief

In addition to stimulating cell growth, pain relief is a major benefit of low-level laser therapy. Lasers also have an anti-inflammatory property that reduces tissue swelling. When the cells are stimulated, they also promote vascular activity, which cycles more immune cells to damaged areas. There is also nerve stimulation for people who have numbness.

Internal Therapy

Not all low level laser therapy takes place outside the skin. In some cases, endovenous laser therapy can be used for pain relief and healing. For example, varicose veins are enlarged veins typically found on the leg. Varicose veins do not allow blood to properly flow back to the heart. The bulging and swelling causes great pain.

Low level laser therapy for varicose vain involves inserting an optical fiber into the vein. Local anesthesia is applied to the affected area. The laser is fired inside the vein, causing it to contract. The heat from the laser destroys scar tissue forming inside the vein, allowing better circulation and size reduction. Although pain relief is possible, bruising and cellulitis are possible side effects.