With claims of multiple health benefits, low level laser therapy (LLLT) is one of the most talked about technologies in the health industry today. An incident low-level laser beam or a light emitting diode (LED) influences functioning of the human cells to cure several diseases. Here is a comprehensive lowdown of the therapy.
A Quick History of Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT)
The health benefits of LLLT were realized soon after the invention of lasers. In 1967, Endre Mester of Semmelweis University, Budapest laid the foundation for studies on biological effects of low level lasers after his conclusion that laser exposure stimulated hair growth in shaved mice. The Food and Drug Association (FDA) has granted 501(k) approval to several LLLT products, classifying them as “Lamp, Non-heating, for Adjunctive Use in Pain Therapy.”
What is LLLT?
LLLT uses lasers or LED’s whose intensity is much lower than surgical lasers. This form of light therapy uses light of wavelength 600-1000nm, lying in the red and near infrared regions of the photospecturm. This light can penetrate the cell membrane and stimulate production of cellular energy, adenosine triphosphate (ATP), consequently helping the cell to heal faster.
Procedure of a Low Level Laser Therapy Treatment
The light used (LED or laser) is administered through a handheld device that typically delivers 0.01-0.2 watts. A number of light-emitting probes are housed in an aluminum body. The treatment varies from person to person and according to the intent but sessions usually last up to fifteen minutes and are spaced out over a year. Laser therapy is either administered by a practitioner or by the individual at home.
Benefits of LLLT
This light therapy is hailed primarily for its potency in alleviating pain associated with a number of conditions including tendinopathy, chronic joint aches,neck pain, lower back ache, and rheumatoid arthritis. It is also known to help speed healing of wounds, especially the ones caused by periodontitis or dental implants. It is used in treating pattern balding and hair fall.
An Area of Research
Efficacy of LLLT in treating pain and speeding healing of wounds has not yet been established assertively. This is primarily due to the fact that the exact mechanism of LLLT’s effect on human cells is not yet known. As a result, most insurance companies don’t honor claims made against light therapy by health insurance policy holders. The results of the therapy rely greatly in the intensity and wavelength of the light used and tend to vary from person to person.
A painless and effective healing facilitator, low level laser therapy has helped several people around the globe. Many low level laser treatment devices have been approved by FDA and several have patents pending. Laser therapy may be the answer for anyone battling body aches or healing from wounds.