How Low Intensity Laser Compares with other Electrotherapeutic Physiotherapy Modalities
Laser Therapy is also referred to as low intensity laser therapy (LILT), low level laser therapy (LLLT) and cold laser. Red light therapy is within the energy ranges for low intensity laser, and is a component of many low intensity laser systems. What differentiates low intensity laser from many red laser devices is direct application to the skin and the inclusion of infrared energy. These differences provide for greater therapeutic effect for specific pain conditions, beyond what red light alone is capable of. Both red light and the more therapeutic low intensity laser devices produce a photobiomodulation effect on our bodies, meaning that light energy is converted by specialized cells to achieve its specific function. For red and infrared light energy, the effect is biostimulatory (stimulates cell function). Other examples of photobiostimulation include the mechanisms by which our bodies convert vitamin D from sunlight and how our eyes have specialized photoreceptors to convert light energy into sight.
PBMT (photobiomodulation therapy) has become the preferred term for low intensity laser therapy in scientific and research papers. It better represents the effect on our bodies, and differentiates it from other laser uses, from pointer technology to laser surgery and beyond. Low intensity lasers or PBM devices differ from high intensity laser devices (HILT), also used within physiotherapy and chiropractic practice. High intensity lasers have more of an effect on blood & circulation, whereas low intensity lasers target the mitochondria in cells, providing direct stimulation of injured cells. Both are used clinically, but the accelerated healing effects reported in most research reports apply to low intensity laser devices.
Physical rehabilitation disciplines have always used a range of electrotherapeutic modalities… so, why another? The short answer: more effective pain management, accelerated healing, and better overall outcomes. A growing number of research studies support these findings.
Besides photobiomodulation systems, the electrotherapeutic modalities most commonly used within rehab disciplines include ultrasound, transcutaneous nerve stimulation (TENS), interferential current (IFC), extracorporeal shock wave treatment (ESWT). These modalities each offer different mechanisms of action, and therefore have different effects on the body. Ultrasound stimulates circulation; TENS and IFC offer temporary pain relief by interfering with nerves which transmit pain information to the brain; and ESWT causes micro-trauma in order to re-initiate an inflammatory response intended to stimulate a healing response.
All of these modalities depend upon a general systemic response, whether to the inflammatory, neural or circulatory systems. Photobiomodulation differs from these modalities. It has a systemic response because some photoreceptors stimulate immune system function. It directly stimulates injured cells, providing an infusion of ATP (cell energy) into their mitochondria to boost cell function.
LLLT treats at the cellular level, the very foundation of our bodies!
Low level laser has few contra-indications in comparison with the other modalities. Treatment over a cancerous site or a pregnant uterus are general contraindications for all modalities. Beyond that, PMBT practitioners do not treat the open eye or the thyroid. In comparison, there’s a much longer list of contra-indications for the other modalities. Most modalities require good tissue health and function in the area of injury; as can be seen when contraindications to their use include poor skin sensation, poor circulation and implants, etc.
Photobiomodulation therapy (PMBT) can be used for a broad range of health conditions because it can stimulate cells of all types, including muscle, connective tissue, nerves, blood, and bone. Within the physical rehab context, it is good for all muscle and joint pain conditions and injuries, including any and all painful back and neck conditions and injuries, tendonitis, bursitis, neuritis, arthritis, fasciitis, etc.
In a recent educational webinar presented by Bioflex Laser, a recent collaboration between the Cochrane Collaboration and the Ottawa Methods Group Panel was cited, which provided guidance in the conservative treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis. Their findings were documented in the Physical Therapy journal, and documented many of the physiological benefits attributable to low level laser. This is but one of many documented research reports that support the efficacy of low level laser as well as its supremacy within the electrotherapeutic world. It is remarkable because it stated that the technology is capable of cell regeneration.
Low intensity laser is an exciting modality if you’re leery of, or can’t tolerate pain medication; if an early or timely return to work or sport is important to you following acute injury; or if old pains have become chronic pain. It is an approved modality of both physiotherapy and chiropractic sections of most insurance plans, making it affordable.
If you’d like more information on the bioflex low level laser, or think you’d like to try it, we welcome your interest and will be happy to speak with you about it!