How low-level laser therapy works

How does photobiomodulation reduce pain and promote healing?

Have you ever wondered how the body heals itself? When you injury yourself, a natural anti-inflammatory response jumps into action, and  the body activates an army of healthy blood cells to flow to the affected area to repair the dammaged tissue. Our immune response works in a similar way to fight infection.

Our bodies are truly remarkable at regenerating and repairing, but our bodies aren't invincible and can use some help. 

Low level laser therapy (LLLT) or Photobiomodulation works by promoting and accelerating the body’s natural healing mechanisms. The light energy is converted into cellular energy, fueling the body's cells to work more effectively in the healing process. 

The effects of low level laser therapy are photochemical. Cells in the body have light sensitive chemicals called cytochromes.  These chemicals are located in energy compartments in the cell called mitochondria. 

Holding the laser device directly on the skin over the injured area for a period of several minutes, a beam of light penetrates the tissue into muscles and joints.

When LLLT light penetrates deep into tissue it stimulates the cytochromes in the mitochondria to produce a natural chemical compound known as ATP (adenosine triphosphate). ATP stores the energy that fuels the body’s cells and heals tissue. The increased production of ATP brings oxygen-rich blood to the injured area, reducing stress and accelerating healing. As tissue is repaired, the patient experiences pain relief and reduced inflammation.

Physiological effects of low level laser light at the cellular level:

• Increased blood flow

• Decreased inflammation

• Stimulated healing