Laser Therapy

Low Level Laser Therapy utilizes light energy from a laser source to effect physiologic processes within cells. Laser is an acronym for "light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation." The light produced by a laser is monochromatic (that is, of a single wavelength) and coherent (meaning that all waves peak at the same time). Unlike surgical lasers, therapeutic or “cold” lasers produce far less power and do not cut or heat tissue. Low level lasers produce less than one watt of energy and use light in the visible and infrared spectrum of 400-1200 nanometers.

Photons, packets of light energy, are absorbed by chromophores, molecules within the cell which react to light. As a result of enzyme activation, reactions occur producing changes in membrane permeability, increased ATP levels and DNA synthesis. This leads to increased cellular metabolism and protein production, the basis for repair and regeneration of damaged tissue.

Laser therapy may be used to treat a variety of painful conditions, scar tissue, non-healing wounds and as an alternative to needles at acupuncture points.