Certain wavelengths of light have the ability to penetrate high-water content material such as animal tissue. This penetration allows the process of photobiostimulation on animal cells which is similar to photosynthesis in plant cells whereby light sets in motion a chain of chemical reactions. In human tissue the resulting photochemical reaction produces an increase in the cellular metabolism rate which expedites cell repair and the stimulation of several systems: the immune, lymphatic and vascular. In short, it helps the body heal at a faster rate.




MOST COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT LOW LEVEL LASER THERAPY (LLLT)

What is Low Level Laser therapy?
Light or photon energy with the unique property of being able to penetrate up to two inches below the skin surface causing an increase in cellular metabolism with no tissue damage whatsoever.

What is Low Level Laser being used to treat?
Low Level Laser is being used to treat a variety of painful and inflamed conditions of the soft tissues and joints such as disc herniation, carpal tunnel syndrome, arthritis, back pain, sport injuries.

Why did my doctor recommend Low Level Laser Therapy?
Southwest Spine Center is one of a limited number of doctors in the country using this laser under an approved protocol. You may have a condition that he feels falls within the criteria of being an acceptable candidate for this therapy.

Will it be painful or will I feel anything?
No, the therapy is painless and totally non-invasive.

Is Low Level Therapy safe?
Yes, the FDA has ruled that the therapy is safe. The only contraindication (warning) is for use directly in the eye.

Is the laser FDA approved?
Yes, the laser was approved on Feb. 11, 2002 for the treatment & management of many conditions including Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

Other Terms used for Cold Laser:
LLLT ( Low Level Laser Therapy ) is the dominant term in use today. In the literature LPLT ( Low Power Laser Therapy ) is also frequently used. " Therapeutic laser ", " low level laser " or " low power laser ", " low-energy laser " are also used for laser therapy. The term " soft laser " was originally used to differentiate therapeutic lasers from " hard lasers ", i.e. surgical lasers. Several different designations then emerged, such as " MID laser " and " medical laser ". " Biostimulating laser " is another term, with the disadvantage that one can also give inhibiting doses. The term " bioregulating laser " has thus been proposed. Other suggested names are " low-reactive-level laser ", "low-intensity-level laser", " photobiostimulation laser " and " photobiomodulation laser