Questions & Answers about Low Level Laser Therapy

1. How does Low Level Laser Therapy work?
2. Why the Erchonia™ Low Level Laser?
3. Are there any side effects?
4. How long does it take?
5. Does it hurt?
6. What are the clinical effects and benefits of LLLT?

1. How does Low Level Laser Therapy work?

The Erchonia™ low level laser emits a visible coherent light that is applied to the affected area. Bundles of light energy pass through the layers of the skin and are received within the cell membrane by specific receptors. This causes an increase in the energy in the cell and it jump starts changes that positively affect several biological processes. This in turn initiates increased blood circulation to the area and enhances tissue regeneration. The overall effects are decreased pain and inflammation, and increased range of motion.

2. Why the Erchonia™ Low Level Laser?

Low level lasers are known as “cold” lasers as they do not have a thermal effect and are used to stimulate rather than destroy tissue. These low level lasers have been in use for over 25 years and there has yet to be one recorded side effect. Studies have been done on low level lasers and have been proven to be effective in many cases, but it was the Erchonia™ laser that made history by becoming the first low-level laser in the world to gain market clearance for the treatment of chronic neck and shoulder pain. This was proven through two double-blind studies to prove the efficacy of the Erchonia™ laser on chronic pain.

3. Are there any side effects?

These low level lasers have been in use for over 25 years and there has yet to be one recorded side effect. The “cold” laser does not cause any tissue damage as a healthy cell will exhibit weak or no effects from the low-power laser while unhealthy cells will exhibit strong effects. The photons of the 635nm wavelength are strong enough to alter the shape of certain receptor proteins in the mitochondrial cell membrane, but weak enough not to damage crucial molecules such as DNA, enzymes (proteins), and lipids.

4. How long does it take?

The Erchonia™ low level laser has 8 laser beams which are programmable to 100,000 different frequencies. There is a different protocol for each condition or complaint with 4 different frequencies used and the treatment time can take anywhere from 90 seconds to 3 minutes.

Acute problems can be treated everyday for a few days while chronic complaints are usually best handled with 3-4 treatments per week.

5. Does it hurt?

No. People are receptive to LLLT to varying degrees – some can feel the laser right down to their toes and others are entirely impervious. Those that feel it mention slight warmth to the area being treated or a minimal tingling sensation.

6. What are the clinical effects and benefits of LLLT?

• increased protein synthesis
• increased bactericidal activity
• activation of cell proliferation
• accelerated and improved wound healing
• improvement of blood microcirculation
• regeneration of tissues
• improved modulation of immune system
• anti-inflammatory

Other benefits of the Low Level Laser:

• reduction of the formation of scar tissue
• may be useful in reducing the severity of chemotherapy or radiation therapy
• can enhance bone repair about two-fold
• can modulate immune responses