Low Level Lasers are a fantastic and easy way to accelerate the healing process of the body. While it may seem like magic it is actually a very simple process of giving the body the resources it needs to maximize results.
The first law of Photobiology:
For light to have an effect on a living biological system, the photons must be absorbed by some molecular chromophore. A molecular chromophore is a molecule that has atoms that can absorb light.
Photobiomodulation (PBM) uses endogenous chromophores to absorb light of specific wavelengths. In PBM, the commonly used wavelengths are visible and near infrared (400-1000 nanometers) light.
All wavelengths we work with are within the non-ionizing spectrum, this means they do not have enough energy to remove an atom or molecule like an ionizing wavelength would. This inability to remove atoms or molecules means it will not damage the body or DNA.
Photobiomodulation therapy is a photon therapy based on the principals of PBM. It involves the use of non-ionizing forms of light sources including lasers, LED's, and broadband light in the visible and infrared spectrum to cause physiological changes and therapeutic benefits.
Affect of low level lasers on the cells
These photo-receptors are now thought of to primarily exist in mitochondria. This light is absorbed by Copper (Cu) centers in Cytochrome-c Oxidase (a Mitochondial inner-membrane protein). Mitochondria is also known as "the powerhouse of the cell” and is responsible for producing the energy source known as “ATP”.
When cells are damaged due to inflammation, age, disease or other issues then the ability of the mitochondria is not as efficient and becomes hindered resulting in a lack of ATP which is the energy for the cells.
If the mitochondria are not operating at maximum efficiency, then low level lasers “Enhances Mitochondrial Activity” which can results in increased CcO, Increased Oxygen consumption, restoration of electrochemical gradients across mitochondria, increased ATP production.
It should be noted that if the mitochondria are operating at 100% efficiency and you add light on them you will not get an effect. But in reality, many serious diseases have a mitochondrial component and as we age our mitochondria slow down.
As a result of the energy being produced from the light there will be a chain reaction. This chain reaction can lead to the development of new cells.
When this process begins it can displace nitric oxide which results in dilation of the blood vessels and other vascular structures. This increases blood flow and lymphatics as well as control edema.
Benefits of ATP as it provides cells energy
· Enhances survival of cell.
· Enhances operating performance.
· Signals growth and repair.
An Increase in ATP results in:
An increase cell proliferation (a rapid increase in cells).
This stimulates fibroblasts which increases the production of collagen.
Stimulate chondrocytes which are cells that make cartilage.
Enhance the ability of bone cells (osteocytes) to regenerate bone.
Increase inflammatory mediators:
Enhance the white blood cells such as macrophages, lymphocytes, and neutrophils, and the role they serve in the inflammatory process.
This results in a decrease in the body's degeneration in the area, decreasing inflammation and promoting healing, and reducing pain.
Low level lasers are a phenomenal way to help with both acute and chronic injuries as well as overall help the body recover and maintain a state of homeostasis (body's ability to balance it's nervous system).
Consider adding this into a regular session as part of your treatment or schedule a micro session with a low level laser focus!
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