Laser Therapy! The Technology Behind How It Works!

There have been numerous scientific studies and research articles that discuss different aspects of LLLT or Low Level Laser Therapy and LED biostimulation, each with their own unique perspective. The simplest explanation about how it works is this:

LLLT promotes healing in many conditions because it penetrates the skin, increases the ATP and activates enzymes in the targeted cells.

• Growth factor response within the cells and tissue as a result of increased ATP and protein synthesis.
• Improved cell proliferation
• Pain relief as a result of increased endorphin release.
• Strengthening the immune system response via increasing levels of lymphocyte activity.

Below we have links to the NASA Web site with research articles highlighting on their research into bio-photonic light stimulation:

Light emitting diodes bring relief to young cancer patients; NASA technology used for plant growth now in clinical trials

NASA Space Technology Shines Light on Healing - Photos

NASA Space Technology Shines Light on Healing - Videos

NASA Space Technology Shines Light on Healing - Story

Tissue regeneration via improved cellular function. To paraphrase NASA research:

Low-energy photon irradiation by light in the red to near-IR spectral range with low-energy lasers and LED's has been found to modulate various biological processes in cell culture and animal models. This phenomenon of photo-biomodulation has been applied clinically in the treatment of soft tissue injuries and the acceleration of wound healing. The mechanism of photo-biomodulation by red to near-IR light at the cellular level has been ascribed to the activation of mitochondria respiratory chain components, resulting in initiation of a signaling cascade that promotes cellular proliferation and cytoprotection.

A growing body of evidence suggests that cytochrome oxidase is a key photoacceptor of light in the red to near-IR spectral range. Cytochrome oxidase is an integral membrane protein that contains four redox active metal centers and has a strong absorbance in the red to near-IR spectral range detectable in vivo by near-IR spectroscopy.

Moreover, 630-680 nm of irradiation has been shown to increase electron transfer in purified cytochrome oxidase, increase mitochondria) respiration and ATP synthesis in isolated mitochondria, and up-regulate cytochrome oxidase activity in cultured neuronal cells.

Photostimulation induces a cascade of signaling events initiated by the initial absorption of light by cytochrome oxidase. These signaling events may include the activation of immediate early genes, transcription factors, cytochrome oxidase subunit gene expression, and a host of other enzymes and pathways related to increased oxidative metabolism.

In addition to increased oxidative metabolism, red to near-IR light stimulation of mitochondrial electron transfer is known to increase the generation of reactive oxygen species. These mitochondrially generated reactive oxygen species may function as signaling molecules to provide communication between mitochondria and the cytosol and nucleus.

Therapeutic photo-biomodulation for methanol-induced retinal toxicity.

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences USA. 2003 Mar 18;100(6):3439-44

Click here for more information on ATP synthesis and Laser Therapy

Photo-biomodulation and photo-biostimulation

When studying the biological effects of Lasers and LED's on cells and tissue, the words photo-biomodulation and photo-biostimulation is often used. It refers to the stimulation of cells and tissue to to increase the levels of energy being produced in order to increase the cells function. The goal in photo-biomodulation is to stimulate the cells energy producing centers called the mitochondria in order to increase their energy production thus improving their function, doing so without exceeding or exhausting the cell or tissues ability to function properly.

Optimum Wavelengths

Research supports 630nm - 640nm as the optimum wavelength for surface tissue stimulation.

Research supports 660nm - 680nm as the optimum wavelength for deeper tissue stimulation.

Research supports infrared 808nm - 880nm as the optimum wavelengths for the deepest penetration as the Photonic Energy passes through the skin and does not begin absorption until it reaches the deeper tissues.

Optimum Power

The biological law known as Arndt-Schultz states that weak stimuli excite physiological activity, moderately strong ones retard it and very strong ones arrest it. A statement from Boyd's Textbook of Pathology-Sixth Edition states that there are two types of tissue changes in inflammation. (1) Degenerative and (2) Proliferate. If the irritant is intense, the effect is degeneration and destruction. If mild it acts as a stimulant and the effect is proliferation.

Growth will either be impaired or enhanced, the result depending on the intensity of the irritant. At the center of the inflammatory area the action of the irritant is severe, so that degeneration predominates; at the periphery the action is mild, so that the tissue may be stimulated to proliferate this part of the inflammatory process is known as healing.

This highlights the major difference between therapeutic Low Level Lasers and LED's vs Surgical cutting lasers.

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