What is Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT)?
LASER is an acronym for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation. Low Level Laser Therapy or Cold Laser therapy is the application of specific wavelengths of coherent laser light to injuries, skin, cells and tissues to initiate a healing response. Frequency is measured in Hertz (Hz) and can be delivered in some of the better lasers in combination with the light. A lasers’ wavelength is measured in nanometers (nm) and a lasers’ power is measured in Milliwatts (mW). Select laser light wavelengths supply the tissues at a cellular level with photons and electrons. Many Low Level Lasers exist under the following names: cold laser, soft laser, stimulating laser, resonating laser, healing laser, therapeutic laser, quantum laser and so fourth. All of these Low Level Lasers are extremely safe non-cutting, non-heat producing, gentle, therapeutic lasers.
What is the difference between Low Level Laser Models, Stimulating Lasers and Resonating Lasers?
Choosing a laser that will serve your needs and fit into your budget is the key. All cold lasers or healing lasers are not created equal. You can not treat everything with one wavelength and expect great results. There are many factors to consider when investing in a laser and if you would like individualized help in making a wise choice for your particular needs, you can call one of our Laser Specialists for a free consultation at toll free 1-888-824-7558. This website is a good place to educate yourself. One laser that utilizes a single wavelength can be great for numerous applications, but it will not successfully treat all dis-eases and disorders. Owning multiple lasers or a laser that combines various wavelengths in one instrument provides for a greater treatment range. The difference between Low Level Laser Models boils down to the following 10 points:
Wavelength
Wavelength is the length of the light wave and is measured in millimeters (mm) most often expressed in nanometers (nm), which is 1/1000 of a millimeter. In the visible spectrum wavelength and color are basically the same. Laser light in the wavelength range of 600 – 700 nanometers (nm) results in visible red light, which penetrates up to 1/2″. In the wavelength range of 701 – 1000 nm, invisible infrared Laser Light results, with a penetration depth up to 3″. These two specific wavelength groups of coherent laser light are the most commonly used. They quickly help to activate the bodies innate cellular communication system and positive immune, enzyme and endorphin response. The most common red light wavelengths are 630-670 nm, and for infrared 780-905 nm. The 904-905 nm wavelength is the longest wavelength and delivers the deepest penetration, especially when combined with super pulsed laser technology.
Power Density
Power density is the power output of a laser or laser diode and is measured in milliwatts (mW) or 1/1000 of a watt. Maintaining a constant power density is critical in Low Level Laser Therapy and is best achieved with a microprocessor or mini-computer.
Penetration
Penetration is the depth a laser beam will penetrate into the body, dependant on the type of laser being used and the frequency range it applies (See above). Deeper penetraion means greater delivery of photons to target tissue if the target tissue is deep enough or hard enough to require it.
Polarization
Polarization is the body’s way of protecting itself against unpredictable energy, such as electromagnetic pollution. Polarization is also known as impedance of resistance. It is triggered by Low Level Lasers utilizing a high power density or by lasers that are not controlled by a mini-computer, which ensures the power density and frequency are constant. The success of many Low Level Lasers is compromised by these two factors and it is important to purchase a laser that is driven by the exactness of a mini-computer for optimal performance.
Stimulating Lasers
Stimulating Lasers operate between 10 mW and 500 mW of power. There are many Low Level Lasers manufactured around the world with many different power densities and wavelengths. Most lasers manufactured today are of a single wavelength powered by either AC or DC current. While AC (alternating 110V current) is okay for stimulating lasers, it is counter productive for Resonating Lasers. Some of the best Stimulating Lasers at reasonable prices are the AL500 Acupuncture Laser, the TerraQuant Pro series lasers, the MedX Laser 200mW probe, the Omega XP laser to name a few.
Resonating Lasers
Resonating Lasers emit subtle energy capable of relaxing muscles, relieving pain, healing wounds, and with the proper combination of frequencies, delivering energy into the organs and glands. Resonating Lasers operate at approximately 5 mW of power per diode in order to prevent polarization and to enhance energy delivery. The more laser diodes a Resonating Laser has, the larger the area that can be treated at one time. A good Resonating Laser is powered by a mini-computer, which allows for precise power density output. The mini-computer can also control the precise wavelength emitted, deliver therapeutic frequencies and allow for a series of specifically selected wave forms. The best resonating laser out there is the Scalar Wave Laser, which delivers energy to the body from a cluster of 36 diodes (5mW each) in 3 different wavelengths. It is also available with optional stimulating probes in 3 different wavelengths with power outputs of 100mW each.
Frequency
Frequency is the term used to explain the vibration of energy in all things. Everything we know and understand has a vibrational frequency, which is measured in Hertz (Hz). Royal Rife, Paul Nogier and Jack Swartz were all pioneers who dedicated their lives to discovering frequency medicine. Through great trial and error and with the help of powerful microscopes Mr. Rife found the frequencies that correspond to such things as: various diseases, bacteria, viruses and other disorders. Mr. Nogier discovered a detailed map of the entire body within the ear and specific frequencies to heal with. In diagnostic medicine, frequencies are well known: EKG’s for the heart, EEG’s for the brain, and MRI’s for injured cells.
Spread Area
The “Spread Area” of a laser is the diameter of the area that can be treated at one time. This depends on the type of laser being used and the number of laser diodes the laser is utilizing for treatment. Most common Stimulating Lasers utilize 1-3 laser diodes focused upon a single point about 3mm (1/4 inch). The 3mm spot area is surrounded by a larger diameter, which is the immediate effective spread of the Laser energy. The “spread area” is approximately 1/2″ (10mm in diameter). A few other lasers utilize more laser diodes to cover a larger area.
Joules
Joules is the term used to define the amount of energy delivered by one watt of power in one second. The formula for calculating joules is output x time ÷ area and is critical in determining if a laser is resonating or stimulating.
We are complex spiritual and energetic beings. Disease or dis-ease and illness are the result of imbalances in our unique energy systems, which compromises our immune, circulatory and muscular skeletal systems. Sickness is not necessarily caused by germs, bacteria and viruses, although these “bugs” are opportunists and they do interfere with our health when our inner terrain is compromised. When the immune system is inactive, overworked or suppressed and the cells are weak and unable to function at peak capacity, dis-ease and aging result.
Low Level Laser Light irradiation works to support the natural healing process of the body because it:
- Donates photons and electrons to the injured tissues and weak cells of the body, which supports the production of ATP (energy) that is needed by cells to carry out their duties.
- Reduces pain by causing the production of natural pain killer endorphins.
- Reduces inflammation by suppressing inflammatory enzymes that create swelling, redness, pain, and heat and enhance the release of anti-inflammatory enzymes.
- Enhances the process of nerve regeneration and muscle relaxation.
- Enhances lymphatic drainage, which increases circulation, reduces edema and speeds healing.
- Stimulate the release of helpful healing enzymes.
- Releases tight muscles (both smooth and striated) that create chronic pain, joint problems, and decreased mobility.
- Speeds bone repair by stimulating fibroblastic and osteoblastic proliferation.
- Appears to be antiviral, antifungal, and antiherpetic when applied in the correct frequency.
Laser irradiation of tissue cultures of a mammalian cell has been shown to result in a change in membrane permeability, increased ATP levels and increased DNA production. The photons picked up by the cell membrane result in improved membrane stability and increased activity of the ATP dependent Na/K pump. Because cell metabolism is influenced by Na/K movement across the membrane, increasing the gradient will affect the flow of ions and hence the overall metabolism of the cell.
Medical Uses Of Cold Lasers/ Low Level Lasers (Cold Laser Therapy In Medicine)
NOTE! The following reviews of low level lasers is taken from recently published international literature, much of which is available utilizing any good web search engine and the search terms “low level laser” or “low level laser therapy”. In most countries other than the United States, low level lasers are legal to use on human subjects by both medical practitioners and by the lay people themselves.
Low level laser therapy has been successfully utilized as alternative medicine for
Full List of Treatments
- Acupuncture
- Acute myocardial infarction
- Allergy
- Blood irradiation
- Bechterew’s disease
- Blood pressure control
- Bone regeneration
- Cancer
- Cardiac conditions
- Prevents restenosis after balloon angioplasty
- Decrease the number of angina attacks
- Eczema
- Alleviation of heart pain-cervicothoracic pain syndrome
- Suppression of lipid peroxidation
- Promotion of antioxidants
- Protection of erythrocyte membranes
- Reduction of fibrinogen level
- Normalization of antithrombin-III
- Reduction of arrthythmic deaths (two year follow up)
- Reduction of the activities of the hypophyseoaadrenocortical and aldosteron-renin-angiotensin systems
- Protective effect on erythrocytes caused by heart/lung machines
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Cerebral palsy
- Crural ulcers
- Depression, psychosomatic problems
- Diabetes
- Duodenal/gastric ulcers
- Epicondylitis (tennis elbow)
- Ear conditions including hearing loss and tinnitus
- Eye conditions
- Fibrositis/fibromyalgia
- Gynecological problems
- Headaches including migraine
- Hemorrhoids
- Herniated lumbar discs
- Herpes simplex (HSV1) of the lips as well as sexual herpes
- Immune system modulation
- Lichen
- Low back pain
- Microcirculation
- Mucositis connected with cancer treatment
- Muscle regeneration
- Nerve conduction
- Ophthalmic problems – stye MUST use less than 5 J/cm2
- Pain associated with any cause
- Rheumatoid and osteoarthritis
- Salivary gland disorders
- Sinusitis
- Spinal cord injuries
- Sports injuries of all types
- Strains and sprains of all types
- Tendonitis/bursitis and other locations on man and animals
- Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
- Tonsillitis
- Trigeminal neuralgia
- Trigger point therapy
- Thrombophlebitis
- Tuberculosis
- Urology problems including inflamed prostrate
- Warts
- Whiplash and associated disorders
- Wound healing regardless of the cause
- Zoster (shingles)