Laser Therapy
P H O T O B I O M O D U L AT I O N
(PBM) THERAPY
A proven way to regenerate tissue at the cellular level
Photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) is a form of light therapy based on the photochemical process called photobiomodulation (PBM). In photobiomodulation therapy, a light source is placed near or in contact with the skin, the light energy penetrates the skin reaching the mitochondria of damaged or diseased tissue leading to photobiomodulation. This process results in beneficial therapeutic outcomes such as the alleviation of pain, the regulation of inflammation, immunomodulation, and the promotion of tissue regeneration. (1-3)
PBM Mechanisms of Action
The application of a therapeutic dose of light to impaired or dysfunctional tissue leads to a cellular response mediated by mitochondrial mechanisms that reduce pain and inflammation and speed healing. (2)
The primary target (chromophore) for the process is the cytochrome c complex which is found in the inner membrane of the cell mitochondria. Cytochrome c is a vital component of the electron transport chain that drives cellular metabolism. As light is absorbed, cytochrome c is stimulated, leading to increased production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the molecule that facilitates energy transfer within the cell. (2-4)
In addition to ATP, laser stimulation also produces free nitric oxide and reactive oxygen species. Nitric oxide is a powerful vasodilator and an important cellular signaling molecule involved in many physiological processes. Reactive oxygen species have been shown to affect many important physiological signaling pathways including the inflammatory response. In concert, these molecules have been shown to increase growth factor production and promote extracellular matrix deposition. The resultant increase in cell proliferation and motility leads to pro-survival pathways for the cell. (2-4)
Physiological Effects
• Anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and anti-edematous (5,6,7)
• Increased tissue oxygenation and nutrition
• Increased synthesis of ATP
• Increased rate of tissue regeneration • Increased microcirculation
Treatment Solutions
Photobiomodulation is used to treat acute and chronic conditions as well as enhance post- activity recovery. It can also be used as a non-invasive option to control pain which can reduce the need for NSAIDs (20), in some cases delay the need for orthopedic surgeries (21), and serve as a valuable treatment tool for pre- and post-surgical patients.
​
Clinically Used For:
APPLICATIONS & DELIVERY
Versatile applications, maximum results
​
Use photobiomodulation therapy in conjunction with other modalities and treatment techniques with a low risk of side effects.
• Acute Conditions
• Chronic Conditions
Multiple Tissues:
• Nerves
• Tendons
• Ligaments
• Joint Capsules • Muscles
• And More
12 Benefits of Laser Therapy:
-
Reduction of inflammation
-
Relaxation of muscle spasms
-
Reduction of pain, aches, and stiffness
-
Decreased arthritis symptoms
-
Increased blood circulation
-
Recovery from acute and chronic injuries
-
Stimulation of nerve regeneration
-
Reduction of fibrous formation
-
Accelerated tissue repair and cell growth
-
Increased metabolic activity
-
Treatment of symptoms associated with neuropathy
-
Faster wound healing
Deep Tissue Laser Treatment is an innovative treatment that helps to offer pain relief through a process known as photo-bio stimulation.
​
Deep tissue Laser treatment delivers deep penetration photonic (light) energy to bring about physiological changes. ATP (Adenosine-triphosphate) production is increased, inflammation and pain may be reduced, and circulation is increased at the site of pain.
​
There is no pain or discomfort during the laser treatment and treatment time is around 15 minutes.
Science
Laser therapy is a medical treatment that uses focused light to stimulate a process called photobiomodulation (PBM). During PBM, photons enter the tissue and trigger a biological cascade of events that leads to an increase in cellular metabolism, decrease in pain, reduction in muscle spasm, and improved microcirculation to injured tissue.
Technology
LightForce® seeks to push the envelope through our development of laser technology. Our in-house team of innovators rigorously researches and tests to innovate technology that impacts the world of photobiomodulation.
Our exclusive innovations in laser technology include: • LightForce® Massage Ball Treatment Head
• Empower IQTM Deliver System
• Influence® Technology
Research
LightForce® leads the way in the field of photobiomodulation through our commitment to research. LightForce® actively collaborates with teaching institutions, clinicians, and scientists around the world to validate current and discover new applications for
laser use.
References
​
1. Anders JJ, Lanzafame RJ, Arany PR. Low-level light/laser therapy versus photobiomodulation therapy. Photomedicine and Laser Surgery. 2015; 33(4):183-184. doi:10.1089/pho.2015.9848
2. Karu TI. Low power laser therapy. In: Vo-Dinh T, editor. Biomedical Photonics Handbook. Boca Raton (FL) CRC Press; 2003: 48-1-48-25.
3. Hamblin MR, Demidova TN. Mechanisms of low level light therapy. Proc. of SPIE Photonics. 2006; 6140: 614001-01-12. doi: 10.1117/12.646294.
4. Chung H, Dai T, Sharma SK, Huang Y-Y, Carroll JD, Hamblin MR. The nuts and bolts of low-level laser (light) therapy. Ann Biomed Eng. 2012; 40(2): 516-533. doi:10.1007/s10439-011-0454-7.
5. Holanda VM, Chavantes MC, Wu X, Anders JJ. The mechanistic basis for photobiomodulation therapy of neuropathic pain by near infrared laser light. Lasers Surg Med. 2017 Jul;49(5):516-524. doi: 10.1002/lsm.22628. Epub 2017 Jan 11. PMID: 28075022.
6. Albertini, R, Bjordal, JM, Faria Neto, HC, Lopes-Martins, RA, Martins, PS 2005, ‘Spontaneous effects of low-level laser therapy (650 nm) in acute inflammatory mouse pleurisy induced by Carrageenan’, Photomedicine and Laser Surgery, vol. 23, no. 4, pp. 377-381. 7. Greco M, Marra, E, Moro, L, Passarella, S, Perlino, E, Petragallo, VA, Vacca, RA 2001, ‘Helium-Neon laser irradiation of hepatocytes can trigger increase of the mitochondrial membrane potential and can stimulate c-fos expression in a Ca2+- dependent manner’, Lasers Surgery and Medicine, vol. 29, no. 5, pp. 433-441.
8. Abbasgholizadeh ZS, Evren B, Ozkan Y. Evaluation of the efficacy of different treatment modalities for painful temporomandibular disorders. Int J Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2020 May;49(5):628-635. doi: 10.1016/j.ijom.2019.08.010. Epub 2019 Sep 21. PMID: 31547949. 9. Khairnar S, Bhate K, S N SK, Kshirsagar K, Jagtap B, Kakodkar P. Comparative evaluation of low-level laser therapy and ultrasound heat therapy in reducing temporomandibular joint disorder pain. J Dent Anesth Pain Med. 2019 Oct;19(5):289-294. doi: 10.17245/ jdapm.2019.19.5.289. Epub 2019 Oct 30. PMID: 31723669; PMCID: PMC6834715.
10. Chow RT, Johnson MI, Lopes-Martins RA, Bjordal JM. Efficacy of low-level laser therapy in the management of neck pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised placebo or active-treatment controlled trials. Lancet. 2009 Dec 5;374(9705):1897- 908. doi: 10.1016/S0140-6736(09)61522-1. Epub 2009 Nov 13. Erratum in: Lancet. 2010 Mar 13;375(9718):894. PMID: 19913903.
11. Santamato A, Solfrizzi V, Panza F, Tondi G, Frisardi V, Leggin BG, Ranieri M, Fiore P. Short-term effects of high-intensity laser therapy versus ultrasound therapy in the treatment of people with subacromial impingement syndrome: a randomized clinical trial. Phys Ther. 2009 Jul;89(7):643-52.
12. Kim SH, Kim YH, Lee HR, Choi YE. Short-term effects of high-intensity laser therapy on frozen shoulder: A prospective randomized control study. Man Ther. 2015 Dec;20(6):751-7. doi: 10.1016/j.math.2015.02.009. Epub 2015 Mar 2. PMID: 25770420.
13. Awotidebe AW, Inglis-Jassiem G, Young T. Low-level laser therapy and exercise for patients with shoulder disorders in physiotherapy practice (a systematic review protocol). Syst Rev. 2015 Apr 30;4:60. doi: 10.1186/s13643-015-0050-2. PMID: 25925768; PMCID: PMC4423144.
14. Roberts DB, Kruse RJ, Stoll SF. The effectiveness of therapeutic class IV (10 W) laser treatment for epicondylitis. Lasers Surg Med. 2013 Jul;45(5):311-7. doi: 10.1002/lsm.22140. Epub 2013 Jun 3. PMID: 23733499.
15. Panton L, Simonavice E, Williams K, Mojock C, Kim JS, Kingsley JD, McMillan V, Mathis R. Effects of Class IV laser therapy on fibromyalgia impact and function in women with fibromyalgia. J Altern Complement Med. 2013 May;19(5):445-52. doi: 10.1089/ acm.2011.0398. Epub 2012 Nov 23. PMID: 23176373.
16. Alayat MS, Atya AM, Ali MM, Shosha TM. Long-term effect of high-intensity laser therapy in the treatment of patients with chronic low back pain: a randomized blinded placebo-controlled trial. Lasers Med Sci. 2014 May;29(3):1065-73. doi: 10.1007/s10103-013- 1472-5. Epub 2013 Nov 2.
17. Yousefi-Nooraie R, Schonstein E, Heidari K, Rashidian A, Pennick V, Akbari-Kamrani M, Irani S, Shakiba B, Mortaz Hejri SA, Mortaz Hejri SO, Jonaidi A. Low level laser therapy for nonspecific low-back pain. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2008 Apr 16;(2):CD005107. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD005107.pub4. PMID: 18425909.
18. Holanda VM, Chavantes MC, Silva DF, de Holanda CV, de Oliveira JO Jr, Wu X, Anders JJ. Photobiomodulation of the dorsal root ganglion for the treatment of low back pain: A pilot study. Lasers Surg Med. 2016 Sep;48(7):653-9. doi: 10.1002/lsm.22522. Epub 2016 May 2. PMID: 27135465.
19. Jovicić M, Konstantinović L, Lazović M, Jovicić V. Clinical and functional evaluation of patients with acute low back pain and radiculopathy treated with different energy doses of low level laser therapy. Vojnosanit Pregl. 2012 Aug;69(8):656-62. PMID: 22924260. 20. Dima R, Tieppo Francio V, Towery C, Davani S. Review of Literature on Low-level Laser Therapy Benefits for Nonpharmacological Pain Control in Chronic Pain and Osteoarthritis. Altern Ther Health Med. 2018 Sep;24(5):8-10. PMID: 28987080.
20. Looney AL, Huntingford JL, Blaeser LL, Mann S. A randomized blind placebo-controlled trial investigating the effects of photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) on canine elbow osteoarthritis. Can Vet J. 2018 Sep;59(9):959-966. PMID: 30197438; PMCID: PMC6091142.
21. Ip D. Does addition of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) in conservative care of knee arthritis successfully postpone the need for joint replacement? Lasers Med Sci. 2015 Dec;30(9):2335-9. doi: 10.1007/s10103-015-1814-6. Epub 2015 Sep 29. PMID: 26420240.
CAN LASER THERAPY HELP YOU?
CALL OUR TEAM TODAY TO FIND OUT!
​
Dr. Mike Digrado, along with the rest of his team, wants everyone from our community to experience the difference that holistic, comprehensive, and non-invasive care can make for back pain and more. If you’re curious about spinal decompression or would like to learn about our other services, call us today at (969) 640-1470