Low Level Laser Therapy
Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT), also known as cold laser therapy or photobiomodulation is the use of light to create biochemical changes in the human body. This treatment has the potential to accelerate healing and reduce pain. It has gained popularity due to its effectiveness in treating a variety of conditions, including chronic pain, wound healing, and hair loss.
One example of photobiomodulation is the treatment of neonatal jaundice. Babies that are born sometimes have yellow skin due to an increase in bilirubin. Using specific wavelengths of light causes a biochemical reaction in the baby. This reaction converts the bilirubin into a form that can be excreted from the body.
Delivering certain light wavelengths to the afflicted tissues is how low-level laser therapy works. After the cells' absorption of the light energy, a sequence of metabolic processes that support cellular repair and regeneration take place. This procedure stimulates tissue healing, enhances cell metabolism, and lowers inflammation.
Nitric oxide, a strong vasodilator that boosts blood flow and oxygenation to the afflicted region, is produced when LLLT induces nitric oxide synthesis. The faster the healing process, the more nutrients and oxygen are delivered to the cells thanks to the increased blood flow. Moreover, it has been demonstrated that LLLT increases collagen synthesis, a protein necessary for the healing of skin, bones, and connective tissues.
Many medical disorders, including as chronic pain, wound healing, hair loss, and skin diseases, have been successfully treated using LLLT. Moreover, it is used to treat oral mucositis, gingivitis, and other dental diseases including periodontitis. With no known adverse effects, LLLT is a non-invasive and secure therapeutic alternative. It is appropriate for all ages and can be used in conjunction with other medical procedures and drugs.
LLLT is a safe, non-invasive, and effective treatment option for various medical conditions. Its ability to stimulate tissue repair, reduce inflammation, and increase blood flow makes it a valuable tool for pain management, wound healing, hair loss, and skin conditions. LLLT is also a safe and convenient treatment option that can be used in conjunction with other medical treatments and medications.
Low-level Laser Therapy for Diabetic Neuropathy
A systematic review published in Diabetes & Metabolic Syndrome in 2019 evaluated the evidence on using low-level laser therapy on diabetic neuropathy. The researchers reviewed over 600 other scientific studies and only included 6 studies in the review. They concluded that LLLT was a promising treatment for patients suffering from diabetic neuropathy.
Sources
M A, Ummer V S, Maiya AG, Hande M. Low level laser therapy for the patients with painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy - A systematic review. Diabetes Metab Syndr. 2019 Jul-Aug;13(4):2667-2670. doi: 10.1016/j.dsx.2019.07.035. Epub 2019 Jul 13. PMID: 31405692.