What is low level laser therapy?
Dr. Paul Despres specializes in the use of Low-level laser therapy (LLLT), aka cold laser therapy, which is an FDA therapy. A session is typically 15-30 minutes and it consists of the application of low-level red or near-infrared light to the skin’s surface which causes numerous beneficial reactions at the cellular level. The absorption of photons stimulates many of the body’s natural healing mechanisms to restore cellular and tissue function.
What does low level laser do to the body?
- – Photons are absorbed by mitochondria (the powerhouse of the cell) upregulating electron transport, nitric oxide production, increasing reactive oxygen species, and activating other signaling pathways.
- – Reduces pain & inflammation by reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines
- – Stimulates blood flow by increasing vasodilation
- – Activates stem cells
- – Increases pigmentation by stimulating melanocyte proliferation and reduces depigmentation by inhibiting autoimmunity.
- – Broadly antimicrobial
- – Increases the rate of recovery by upregulating energy production, so used for regeneration and repair
What conditions does low level laser treat?
Low level laser is effective for the following conditions:
- – Acute and chronic pain
- – Major and minor injuries to ligaments, muscles, tendons, and bones.
- – Wounds and burns requiring tissue regeneration
- – Neuropathy– by stimulating blood oxygenation and circulation, promoting nerve repair and helping decrease pain and discomfort
- – Lung conditions – reduces fibrosis production, decreases interstitial thickening, increases pulmonary elasticity, downregulates pro-inflammatory cytokines
- – Acute and chronic infections – stimulates the immune system to fight an infection
- – Skin rejuvenation – beneficial effects on wrinkles, scars, UV damage
- – Post Covid-19 Syndrome – including lung fibrosis, fatigue, chronic cough.
- – Pigmentary disorders such as vitiligo
- – Joint conditions such as RA and OA