What is Cold Laser Therapy?
Cold laser also called low level laser therapy (LLLT) and photobiomodulation (PBM) uses low-powered laser light to to stimulate healing, relieve pain, and reduce inflammation (Hamblin, 2017). These lasers emit no heat, sound, or vibration. Instead of generating a heating effect, LLLT acts by inducing a photochemical reaction in the cell, a process referred to as biostimulation or photobiomodulation. The mechanisms of low level laser therapy are complex, but essentially rely upon the absorption of particular visible red and near infrared wave lengths in photoreceptors within sub-cellular components, particularly the mitochondria. Stimulation of the mitochondria of the cell stimulates greater amounts of ATP (adenosine tri-phosphate), our body’s primary molecular energy source. With more energy available at the cellular level, LLLT has a potent action that results in stimulation of the normal functions of the cell.
LLLT has now developed into a therapeutic procedure that is used in three main ways: to reduce inflammation, swelling, and chronic joint disorders; to promote healing of wounds, deeper tissues, and nerves; and to treat neurological disorders and pain.
We use the Multi Radiance MR4 Super Pulsed Laser with Multi Radiance Technology™ (MRT). MRT allows us to deliver the healing power of photons (or light) exactly where treatment is needed. A unique combination of radiances creates the perfect environment for optimal pain relief and accelerated healing without using any drugs or medications. MRT uses laser light and neurostimulation simultaneously or individually and it is non-invasive.
Multi Radiance Technology™ is the first of its kind to combine the entire range of the therapeutic light spectrum and deliver therapeutic energy in a synergistic manner. The syncing of the therapeutic wavelengths creates an optimal environment that reinforces the effects of the individual wavelengths to create the world’s most advanced pain relieving modality.
This FDA cleared device provides an effective non-surgical, drug-free treatment option. Multi Radiance Medical features a unique combination of radiances that work synergistically for optimal pain relief and healing. These include: super pulsed laser, pulsed broadband infrared SLDs, pulsed red light, static magnetic field and electrical stimulation.
The MR4 includes the patented LaserSweep technology which creates a constantly changing frequency to scan the selected target tissue from superficial to deep. This prevents biological adaptation to treatment for maximum impact.
Common Uses of Laser Therapy
Pain Management. Right now there is a modality available that can relieve acute and chronic pain and it is cleared by the FDA.
Today you could start living pain free with Multi Radiance Medical laser therapy treatments. The light is a non-invasive, drug-free and effective option. Reduce pain and accelerate healing naturally. Your answer may be laser therapy powered by exclusive Multi Radiance Technology™.
Sports Medicine is one of the most popular uses of laser therapy for training and recovery. Currently athletes in the NBA and NHL and National Teams are using Multi Radiance Technology™ for its unparalleled results.
There is more published clinical and physiological evidence supporting the use of Laser and LED photobiomodulation for soft tissue injuries and joint conditions than any electrotherapy modality as traditionally used by physiotherapists.
• It’s quick and simple to apply
• Can be used immediately after injury, over pins and plates
• It’s considered the safest “electrotherapy” available by research experts
• Has a proven worldwide track record of effective and safe treatments
What can Multi Radiance Technology do for you as an athlete?
• Increase Stamina
• Speed Up Recovery Time
• Prevent Seasonal and Chronic Injuries
• Accelerate Recovery Time After Injury (Get Back In The Game Faster)
• Increase Blood Supply and Energy Supply of Muscles
• Reach High Performance Goals Without Doping
• Get the Most Out of Your Training Regimen
What Does Laser Therapy Do?
For those of you wanting more technical details as to how laser works please keep reading…
The main effects of laser light which provide a scientific rationale for its clinical use in laser therapy are (1):
(i) Pain relief. Laser therapy has been used to provide pain relief from the symptoms of chronic arthritis, tendonitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, fibromyalgia, knee injuries, shoulder pain, and symptoms relating to nerve injuries (sharp pain, paraesthesia). One of the mechanisms for pain relief is the reduction of inflammation and swelling. A form of laser therapy, known as laser acupuncture, is also used for the treatment of musculoskeletal pain. The application of laser light to specific acupuncture points stimulates the release of endorphins and enkephalins which are natural pain-relieving chemicals (1).
(ii) Reduction of inflammation. Laser therapy can modulate acute inflammation by causing a reduction in the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-1 alpha (IL-1 alpha), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta), tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), and also an increase in the levels of anti-inflammatory growth factors and cytokines such as basic fibroblast growth factor, platelet-derived growth factor, transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta). Both red and infrared laser light have been shown to be effective in this regard. In addition, laser irradiation causes dilatation of blood vessels, which also leads to a reduction in swelling caused by inflammation (1). “Many patients have become disillusioned with traditional pharmaceutical approaches to a range of chronic conditions, with their accompanying distressing side-effects and have turned to complementary and alternative medicine for more natural remedies. PBM has an almost complete lack of reported adverse effects, provided the parameters are understood at least at a basic level. The remarkable range of medical benefits provided by PBM, has led some to suggest that it may be “too good to be true”. However one of the most general benefits of PBM that has recently emerged, is its pronounced anti-inflammatory effects.” (2).
(iii) Increase in blood flow to tissues. Laser light increases the proliferation of endothelial cells,
and the formation of new blood capillaries within damaged tissues. This is particularly important in enhancing wound healing, and also in improving the blood supply for covering areas of extensive injury. Increased production of nitric oxide, has been shown to be brought about by pulsed far infra-red laser irradiation. The vascular actions of nitric oxide (known formerly as endothelial-derived relaxing factor) include vasodilation, anti-thrombotic effect, anti-inflammatory effect, and inhibition of smooth muscle hyperplasia (1).
(iv) Stimulation of wound healing. Irradiation with red or infrared laser light has been shown to stimulate wound healing. The mechanisms involve stimulating the expression and release of certain growth factors and cytokines from the cells that have invaded the wound (including
fibroblasts, macrophages, lymphocytes, endothelial progenitor cells). Laser light also increases the vascularity of the regenerating tissue, resulting in more blood being brought to the injury site and an increased rate of healing (1).
(v) Stimulation of tissue regeneration. It is well established from in vitro and in vivo studies that
laser light can increase the proliferation of specific cell types and stimulate the production of growth factors and cytokines involved in healing and tissue regeneration. Recent studies have indicated that laser irradiation can be used to treat spinal cord injuries (1).
(vi) Reduced scarring and control of suppurative diseases of skin. Laser light stimulation of the healing process, improving blood flow to the injured area and more efficiently carrying away waste products, is associated with a reduction in scar tissue formation (1).
Reference:
1. Peplow PV, Chung TY, Baxter GD. Application of low level laser technologies for pain relief and wound healing: overview of scientific bases. Physical Therapy Reviews 2010;15(4):253-285.
2. Hamblin MR. Mechanisms and applications of the anti-inflammatory effects of photobiomodulation. AIMS Biophys. 2017;4(3):337-361.