Therapeutic Laser Treatments

Laser Therapy, Photo Medicine

Clinical Applications of Laser Treatments

Therapeutic laser treatments work by supplying energy to the body in the form of photons of light and allowing the body to effect its own repairs. The biostimulating effect or therapeutic laser treatments is in its anti-inflammatory, analgesic and anti-edematous effect on tissues. There is absolute increase in microcirculation, higher rates of ATP, RNA and DNA synthesis, and thus better tissue oxygenation and nutrition. There is also an increase in the absorption of interstitial fluid, better tissue regeneration and stimulation of the analgesic effect.

Rapid Cell Growth

Laser light accelerates cellular reproduction and growth.

Faster Wound Healing

Laser light stimulates fibroblast development and accelerates collagen synthesis in damaged tissue.

Increased Metabolic Activity

Higher outputs of specific enzymes, greater oxygen and food particle loads for blood cells and thus greater production of the basic food source for cells, Adenosine Tri-Phosphate (ATP).

Reduced Fibrous Tissue Formation

Laser light reduces the formation of scar tissue following tissue damage from cuts, scratches, burns or post surgery.

Anti-Inflammatory Action

Laser light reduces swelling caused by bruising or inflammation of joints to give enhanced joint mobility.

Increased Vascular Activity

Laser light induces temporary vasodilatlon increasing blood flow to damaged areas.

Stimulated Nerve Function

Slow recovery of nerve function in damaged tissue can result in "dead" limbs or numb areas. Laser light speeds the process of nerve cell reconnection to bring the numb areas back to life.

Current Search/Relevant Findings Specific to the Effects of Photo medicine - Laser Therapy

Cellular Effects of Therapeutic Laser Treatments

• enhances mast cell degradation (C, Diamantopoulos,'94)
• increased DNA synthesis (Mester et al, '85)
•  enhanced RNA production (Gam, '77)
•  increased ATP synthesis within mitochondria(Passarella, '94, Baxter, '94)
• stimulates phagocytic activity of neutrophils (Piller &Thelander, '98)
•  increases macrophage activity (Kitchen & Partridge, '91)
•  increase in cell proliferation (Baxter & Diamantopoulos,'94)
•  increase in number and degranulation of mast cells (El Sayed & Dyson, '94)
•  release of growth factor from mononuclear leukocytes(Shields et al, '92)
•  T-cell and B-cell inhibition (Mester et al, '85)

Tissue Effects of Therapeutic Laser Treatments

• accelerates fibroblast proliferation (Lam, '96)
• increase in fibroplasia (Baxter,'94)
• conversion of fibroblasts into myofibroblasts (Baxter,'94)
• increase in angiogenesis (Ghali & Dyson, '92, Baxter,'94)
• increased collagen synthesis and deposition (Enwermeka, '88, '90)
• increased lymph vessel diameter (Piller & Thelander, '98)
• accelerates angiogenesis (Ghali & Dyson, '92)
• reduced inflammatory cell infiltration of synovium

Systemic Effects of Therapeutic Laser Treatments

• prevention of traumatic nerve degeneration (Schwartz et al, '94)
• increased in nerve conduction latency, promoting analgesic effect (Baxter et al, '90)
• reduced formation of scar, hyperkeratotic lesions (Abergel et al, '84)
• stimulating effect on the formation of callous at fracture site (Kokino et al, '85)
• accelerates oedema resorption (Piller & Thelander, '94)
• regeneration of capillaries (Maier et al, '90)
• enhanced collagen synthesis and matrix/ tissue remodeling (Lam, '86)
• reduced response to painful stimuli (Baxter, '92)
• regulator of local tissue inflammation (Palma et al, '91)
• enhanced tissue repair (Lasers in science and medicine-supplement, '92)
• fracture consolidation accelerated (Trelles & Mayayo,’81)
• enhances lymphatic and vascular regeneration (Piller & Thelander, '94) Author: Elizabeth Reid, P.T., CAWC, 2002

Short Term Effects of Therapeutic Laser Treatments

• 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 Cumulative Effects of Therapeutic Laser Treatments

• ATP (adenosine triphosphate) production is increased resulting in improved cellular metabolism
• DNA (Desoxyribosenucleicacid) production, the protein building block of tissue is substantially increased
• Neurotransmission is facilitated due to elevated levels of serotonin and aceytylecholine
• Mitochondria1 activity is stimulated resulting in cell replication etc
• 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 chemical enhancing cellular communications are released

Other Effects of Therapeutic Laser Treatments

• The immune response is stimulated  Higher outputs of specific enzymes, greater oxygen and food particle loads for blood cells and a more effective immune system are induced by laser light.
• Laser light stimulates fibroblast development in damaged tissue.
• Lymphatic drainage is improved. Laser light activates lymph vessels to allow the affected tissue to drain interstitial fluids, reducing the inflammatory process.
• Vasodilatation of the circulatory system results in greater oxygen and fuel delivery to the affected area.
• Laser light reduces the formation of scar tissue following tissue damage from cuts, scratches, burns or following surgery.
• Laser light reduces swelling caused by bruising or inflammation of joints to give improved joint mobility.
• Slow recovery of nerve function in damaged tissue can result in ''dead' limbs or numb areas. Laser light will speed the process of nerve cell reconnection to bring the numb areas back to life. Laser light also increases the amplitude of action potentials to optimize muscle action.
• The histamine response is positively altered. Stimulation of the healing process is accompanied by relief of symptoms.
• Production of growth hormones is increased. Laser light accelerates cellular reproduction and growth.