There are actually many names for low level light therapy and although the basic principles are
the same they will often be confused with many different types of treatments. The common names for low level light therapy include
Photobiomudulation, cold laser therapy, laser biostimulation, phototherapy or simple as lasertherapy and a whole host of other related names. The
principle of it is all the same where exposure to either lasers or light emitting diodes under the right frequencies can stimulate or inhibit
cell growth and death cycles thus leading to a host of clinical benefits. It should be noted that although this type of therapy has been around
almost as long as the laser has been in existence, it isn’t a clinically proven method as the benefits can’t be reproduced to exacting amounts.
The problem is obtaining the right combinations of duration, intensity, frequency and wavelengths which can produce the best results. The setting
of these parameters is done by the professional and is often a “black magic” art where different parameters will benefit different areas of cell
generation.
It all started circa 1967 when the first laser was invented and the laser was immediately taken
to experiment with skin cancer on lab mice. Although the expected affect of the laser exposure to the skin cancer wasn’t observed, another
side-affect was observed, namely the shaved hair grew back faster on mice group that were exposed to the laser compared to mice who were in the
control batch. This meant that the laser had somehow affected the growth patterns of the hair on the mice to somehow activate the follicles into
a growth stage prematurely. The exact mechanics of how the laser actually affects the cells is unknown however tests have shown that treatment
with similar lasers on humans also nets the same results.
In addition to hair loss treatments there are also other clinical applications which have shown
that laser treatments has been effective in enhancing tissue regeneration when treating injuries such as soft tissue traumas, pain caused by torn
ligaments and also healing of wounds along with nerve regeneration. An area where laser therapies have shown great promise is in the treatment of
inflammation caused by whatever means. Initial studies have shown that with the right combination of parameters laser therapy can be as effective
as normal anti-inflammatory drugs but without the obvious side-effects.
The exact mechanism of how laser helps still remains a mystery and that is why it has not
received approval to be considered a legitimate type of treatment for hair loss. It is known that certain wavelengths at certain intensities will
aid in tissue regeneration and also affect the growth cycles of tissue. It has been established that the effect of the laser is a combination of
photo chemical responses and also thematic absorption to stimulate the cells. Looked closely it can be seen under a microscope that lasers affect
cells both biologically and also physiologically.
The main problem is that there isn’t a set “best” parameter which can be regulated and used to
obtain a set result. Rather is up to the laser technician or the doctor to estimate what will be the best combination for the patient. This has
brought about some concerns about safety as the parameters used cannot be controlled. Overall treatment using lasers have shown that it is highly
effective with very minimal risks. The reason that the treatment hasn’t been given approval is down to its “black magic” setting of parameters
done by the doctors. We highly recommend this type of treatment although you should make a point to talk to people who have had this treatment
before so you can gauge the benefits for yourself.
|