Laser treatments is used for a variety of conditions in our clinics, these include wound healing, sports injuries, pain reduction, and Verruca.
History
It was Albert Einstein who first proposed the theory of laser radiation. However it was many decades before his theory came to fruition. The first working laser was seen in 1960 when Dr. Theodore Maiman published the first account of laser radiation.
Laser stands for
L - Light
A - Amplification by the
S - Stimulated
E - Emission of
R - Radiation
Initally laser in the medical field was used surgically, revolutionizing many surgical techniques. Benefits also began to emerge in the use of lasers for their therapeutic effects when applied at low power intensity. Dr. Andre Mester, Professor of Surgery at Semmelweiss Hospital in Budapest is widely referred to as the grandfather of low level laser therapy. It was him discovered that irradiation of tissue with low dose levels of laser increased the rate of healing. His subsequent work provided much of the initial volume of evidence for the efficacy of laser in healing and wound care. This application is known as Low Intensity Laser Therapy (LILT) or Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) also known as Cold Laser or Therapeutic Laser.
How does it work ?
Low Level Laser therapy works at a cellular level, basically improving the efficiency of the cells. For tissue repair it improves cell metabolism and motility, increases collagen (balanced) production. It increases mast cell arrival and degranulation (in the case of injury). Also improves macrophage arrival and activity, fibroblast, protein and ADP-ATP synthesis. There is increases cell membrane permeability to increase calcium uptake. It also stimulates vasodilatation and angiogenesis (improves local circulation and tissue nutrition). For pain relief LLLT increases endorphin release (the body’s own pain killers) increases serotonin metabolism, suppression of nociceptor activity (pain receptors).
These results in, faster healing of damage, increase in tensile strength of repaired tissue, a balance of collagen production and reduction of scarring. There is also stimulation of the body's immune system. LLLT also helps with resolution of infection and pain relief.
LLLT can also be used for acupuncture point stimulation for pain relief, healing and smoking cessation.
Treatment with LLLT is painless and non invasive, protective glasses are worn by the patient and practitioner. Treatments are either one off or a series of treatments usually more frequently initially then less as the treatment progresses.
What do we use it for ? - Well we use laser for:
- Sports Injuries (sprains and strains)
- Gout
- Painful arthritic joints
- Diabetic ulcers
- Venous ulcers
- Post surgical wound care
|
