How Did Interest In Red Light Therapy Evolve
NASA originally began experimenting with red light therapy on plant growth in space and then to help heal wounds in astronauts. Like many developments, other potential uses began to be investigated.
In fact, red light therapy is already widely medically accepted in its use in . In this therapy, low-power red laser light is used to activate a photosensitizer drug. The interaction creates a chemical reaction that destroys cells. Its used to treat some skin conditions, including skin cancer and psoriasis, acne and warts and other types of cancer.
Now, RLT is being investigated for treating a wide array of health conditions. Whats confusing and controversial is the effectiveness of the treatment for the purposes its being promoted.
What Is Laser Therapy
Laser therapy is a medical treatment that uses focused light to stimulate a process called photobiomodulation . During PBM, photons enter the tissue and trigger a biological cascade of events that leads to an increase in cellular metabolism, which can decrease pain and inflammation and accelerate the healing process. This lasting pain relief treatment has been cleared by the FDA since 2003 and offers a safe alternative to medicine and surgery. Laser therapy is endorsed by the World Health Organization, the American Physical Therapy Association and the International Association for the Study of Pain®.
Hypothyroidism Induced By Autoimmune Thyroiditis
In a RCT, Hofling and colleagues examined the efficacy of LLLT for hypothyroidism induced by chronic autoimmune thyroiditis . These researchers evaluated the safety and actions of LLLT 6 years after completion of the RCT. A total of 43 participants were invited to participate in this study 6 years after completion of the RCT 25 were subjected to LLLT , and 18 were subjected to placebo . Primary outcome measure was frequency of thyroid nodules, which were subjected to fine-needle aspiration biopsy. Secondary outcome measures included dose of levothyroxine needed to treat hypothyroidism, thyroid peroxidase antibodies , and anti-thyroglobulin antibodies . In group L, a nodule was observed in 3 patients, who all had a Bethesda II classification. In group P, a nodule was also observed in 3 patients, with 2 classified as Bethesda II and 1 as Bethesda III. The levothyroxine dose needed by group L was significantly lower than that required by group P . The anti-TPO and anti-Tg levels did not differ between the 2 groups. The authors concluded that the findings of this study suggested that LLLT was safe for the treatment of patients with CAT-induced hypothyroidism under the specified conditions, and thus, subsequent applications may be considered for the purpose of maintaining or improving the obtained results. These researchers stated that future research will be important to corroborate these findings.
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What Can Therapeutic Laser Do For Me
Diminished pain, reduced inflammation, decreased edema, faster healing times and relief from neuropathy symptoms. Laser therapy heals a wide range of conditions including, sprains and strains of muscles, tendons and ligaments like bursitis and tendinitis along with degenerative conditions like arthritis and peripheral neuropathy.
Laserstim Cold Laser Therapy
LaserStim is FDA cleared and the first hybrid emitter that provides both Laser treatment and Electrical stimulation.
At Onion River Chiropractic, we use LaserStim cold laser therapy with patients who suffer with pain associated with a variety of conditions: Tendonitis bursitis, rotator cuff injuries, plantar fasciitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, tarsal tunnel syndrome, neck and back pain, muscle strains, soft tissue injuries, myofascial pain syndrome, peripheral neuropathy. It is helpful, safe and effective for those who have artificial knees or hip replacement or other metal implants. It is the only physiotherapy modality that can treat joint replacements as it does not cause vibratory insult or heating of the metal implant as is the case with ultrasound treatment.
Laser works by emitting photons into the mitochondria and cell membrane of the body’s tissues. It uses both red, visible light and infrared light which can penetrate the tissues from the surface of the skin up to a depth of 5 inches with a peak power of up to 25W.
Physiological changes affecting the body’s immune and nervous systems include:
Visible red light, at a wavelength of 660nm, is beneficial in treating problems close to the surface such as acne, eczema, psoriasis, wounds, cuts, scars, trigger and acupuncture points, and is particularly effective in treating infections. Infrared light penetrates deeper than visible light and is effective for treating ailments of bones, joints, and deep muscle tissue.
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Laser Therapy For Skin Regeneration
Mayo Clinic is taking a new approach to bolster the body’s ability to heal scar tissue after serious burns. Mayo Clinic dermatologists are using laser treatments to unleash the regenerative power of burned skin and to try to improve appearance and function.
Mayo Clinic’s Center for Regenerative Medicine is a driver of new regenerative therapeutics that transform the practice of medicine and offer new options that address unmet patient needs.
“The skin is the largest organ of the body, and it has remarkable regenerative potential,” says Elika Hoss, M.D., a dermatologist who practices at Mayo Clinic in Arizona. “With laser treatments for scars, we are aiming to restore skin to the condition it was in before the injury. We’re hoping to make the skin less disfigured, softer and more pliable. We are working to normalize the texture, thickness and color of the skin.”
Nearly a half-million people in the U.S. suffer serious burns every year that require medical attention, according to the American Burn Association. Skin grafts are commonly performed to cover and heal severe burn wounds. However, sometimes the tissue in the grafts shrinks or contracts, severely restricting flexibility around injury.
“The severity of a burn scar depends on the time it takes for the skin to heal and how severe the inflammation is at the wound site. In some patients, prolonged inflammation and healing can lead to thick, itchy and painful scars,” says Dr. Hoss.
An alternative to surgery
Cons Of Cold Laser Therapy For Knee Pain
Results from cold laser therapy may vary, depending on the cause of your knee pain, any other health conditions you have, or the exact laser treatment or device used. Thereâs no standard cold laser therapy dose or approach, so results can vary.
Some doctors are skeptical about cold laser therapy and may not recommend it. In the past, it wasnât clear how light changes damaged tissues. Many doctors felt cold laser therapy was a sham. As new research proves that it does relieve pain, more doctors are in favor of it.
Setup has to be exact. For cold laser therapy to be work, your doctor or technician must adjust the light dose, intensity, frequency, position, and length of treatment. If any of these is off, it may not work at all.
Over-the-counter options may not work. Although you can buy a laser device online to use at home, it isnât a good idea. The tool may be safe, but you need to be trained to use it correctly or it wonât ease your pain.
Cost. Cold laser therapy could drain your wallet. One treatment session could cost up to $200. You might need up to 30 sessions to get the full benefits. Some insurance policies may not cover cold laser therapy
Risks to eyes. Avoid exposing your eyes to the laser light during treatments. Youâll wear special goggles to protect your eyes.
Some people canât do cold laser treatments. Donât have cold laser therapy if you have any of these conditions:
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Is Red Light Therapy Safe
Red light therapy appears to be safe and is not associated with any side effects, at least if used short-term and as directed. This therapy is not toxic, not invasive and not as harsh as some topical skin treatments. Unlike the cancer-causing ultraviolet light from the sun or tanning booths, RLT doesnt use this type of light.
However, if products are misused perhaps used too often or not according to directions theres a chance your skin or eyes could be damaged. The long-term safety of devices that use red light therapy is not yet known.
Your safest option is to see a dermatologist or qualified, trained, cosmetic therapist. A dermatologist can make sure your skin condition is what you think it is and can discuss the merits of red light therapy and other treatment options.
Laser Treatment For Neuropathy
I think I remember that some of you posted about laser treatment for neuropathy but I have looked through 6 months of topics and cant find anything about it. Have any of you had it and how did it go? I have acute sensory neuropathy and restless leg syndrome in case that matters. There is a doctor here who does it, I have an appointment on Friday to discuss it. Thanks ! Peggy
Hi Peggy @pfbacon, Here is a link to a post in a discussion and then a link provided by another member in a post.
Low Level Laser Therapy Notes/Posts
I have had low level laser therapy about 4 times beginning March of 17 , June 17 , September 17 and January of 19 . It helped me quite noticeably the first session. After that it was maintenance to keep the neuropathy in my feet and not let it start traveling up my ankles and lower legs. It seems that about 3 times per year of 4 to 6 sessions work for me. My neuropathy now consists of numbness in the bottom of my feet and a tenderness in the top of my feet that requires only the most comfortable and loose shoes.
I had over 2 months of daily laser for Atrophy Blanche *. I had enormously high hopes,and it may have helped a little, but nowhere near enough. If anyone else had wounds that wouldn’t heal = please help. Sorry about the laser maybe it will do better for you. Supermom57
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Is Cold Laser Therapy For You
The use of cold laser therapy is growing in traditional medical practice and as a complementary or alternative therapy. Its approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for a number of conditions.
Cold laser therapy is considered safe when performed under the care of a doctor or qualified practitioner. On the plus side, its also noninvasive and painless. It doesnt require medication or other preparation either.
That being said, cold laser therapy shouldnt be used on carcinomas or cancerous lesions. It should also be avoided on the thyroid or eyes for home use. Since the effect of cold laser therapy on unborn children is unknown, its suggested that pregnant women avoid this type of treatment.
One of the drawbacks of this therapy may be time. While each cold laser therapy session only takes a few minutes, it may take as long as a month before you can gauge its effectiveness.
It also may not be covered by your insurance.
What Other Medical Conditions Is Red Light Therapy Being Promoted For
Other potential medical uses being investigated include:
- To reduce cancer chemotherapy side effects, including oral mucositis.
- To relieve pain and inflammation associated with ankle tendonitis, rheumatoid arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome and osteoarthritis of the knee.
- To prevent cold sores from herpes simplex virus from recurring.
Lots of other uses are being touted on the internet. Theres no scientific evidence to support red light therapy use in weight loss, cancer, cellulite removal or mental health concerns like depression and seasonal affective disorder .
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Why Am I Experiencing Foot And Ankle Pain
Your feet and your ankles are complex mechanical structures that must work together in harmony in order to function at their optimal level. The ankle joint consists of three bones that all must interact with one another correctly, along with the various connective tissues that hold the assembly of the joint together, according to the Arthritis Foundation.
The foot is even more complex, containing approximately two dozen bones, 30 joints, and over 100 muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Because there are many complicated structures that make up your feet and ankles, pain in those areas is a very common affliction. An injury to your foot or ankle can result in pain so severe that you avoid putting weight down on your foot. This leaves you with only two options hopping around, risking injury to your other foot, or worse, being stuck in a chair, unable to go anywhere and take care of yourself or others. Even mild pain can cause physical limitations to your daily life, and burden those around you.
Low Back Pain And Neck Pain
In a clinical practice guideline on Management of neck pain and associated disorders from the Ontario Protocol for Traffic Injury Management Collaboration, Cote et al concluded that For neck pain and associated disorders grade III of less than or equal to 3 months duration, clinicians may consider supervised strengthening exercises in addition to structured patient education. In view of evidence of no effectiveness, clinicians should not offer structured patient education alone, cervical collar, low-level laser therapy, or traction.
In a clinical practice guideline for Physical therapy assessment and treatment in patients with nonspecific neck pain stated that The physical therapist is advised not to use dry needling, low-level laser, electrotherapy, ultrasound, traction, and/or a cervical collar.
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Feel Better With A Deep Tissue Massage Therapy In Ontario Canada
If you are experiencing pain or discomfort in your muscles, joints, fascia, and tendons that prevent you from living life fully, it may be time to contact a professional deep tissue massage therapist.
A professional deep tissue massage therapy can help alleviate chronic pain symptoms as well as provide relief from those occasional aches and pains. Richmond Hill, Ontario, residents have been turning to the services of our skilled local massage therapist, who offers one-on-one sessions for all of their needs. We also offer sports massage, reflexology, lymphatic drainage, hot stone massage, prenatal massage, and more.
A session with our RMT will offer pain relief and help improve overall health and wellness by reducing stress levels and boosting immunity through increased blood flow. If you are ready to start feeling better, get in touch with the Richmond Hill Massage Therapy team today and experience the many benefits of professional massage therapy treatments.
Ethics Approval And Consent To Participate
Ethical approval was obtained from the Institute Ethics Committee , All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India , and was in compliance with the 1964 Declaration of Helsinki and its later amendments or comparable ethical standards. Individuals fulfilling the inclusion criteria were recruited into the study after obtaining informed written consent.
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Laser Treatment For Spinal Stenosis
Does anyone have any information on laser treatment for spinal stenosis?
Hi @leslie324,
I wasnt able to find much on laser treatment for spinal stenosis. However, here is an article by Paul Huddleston, III, M.D., Orthopedic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN about nonsurgical treatment for spinal stenosis- .Also, I have included at podcast from the Mayo Clinic news network on research and treatment for spinal stenosis that may be of interest to you.
@sandytoes14, @predictable do any of you have any insight about laser treatment for spinal stenosis?
Hi @leslie324,
I wasnt able to find much on laser treatment for spinal stenosis. However, here is an article by Paul Huddleston, III, M.D., Orthopedic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN about nonsurgical treatment for spinal stenosis- .Also, I have included at podcast from the Mayo Clinic news network on research and treatment for spinal stenosis that may be of interest to you.
Aphthous Stomatitis / Ulcers
Vale et al noted that recurrent aphthous ulcers are the most common lesion found in the oral cavity. There is no definitive cure for RAUs and current treatments are aimed at minimizing symptoms. Since LLLT modulates inflammatory responses, and promotes pain reduction and cellular bio-stimulation, LLLT can be suggested as an alternative treatment for RAUs. The literature concerning the potential of LLLT in the treatment of RAUs was evaluated. A systematic literature review identified 22 publications, of which only 2 studies were adopted. The eligibility criteria consisted of RCTs. Both RCTs achieved significant results concerning LLLT and pain-level reductions and reduced healing times. Despite the variance in irradiation conditions applied in both studies, very similar wavelengths were adopted. There is accordingly strong evidence that wavelength plays an important role in RAU treatment. Taking into account the different parameters applied by selected RCTs, it is not possible to suggest that a specific protocol should be used. However, in light of the significant results found in both studies, LLLT can be suggested as an alternative for RAU treatment. The authors concluded that additional RCTs should be performed in order to reach a clinical protocol and better understand the application of LLLT in RAU treatment.
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How Can Physical Therapy Treat Foot And Ankle Pain
Whether you are suffering from an acute injury or chronic condition in your foot or ankle, you can find relief at Taylor Rehab Physical Therapy. Our Mooresville physical therapists will conduct a thorough examination to find what is causing your pain, and then a personalized treatment plan will be created for you specifically.
Your treatment plan will typically include a combination of specialized hands-on manual therapy techniques, possibly Class 4 Deep Tissue Laser or dry needling or electro dry needling for pain and inflammation, exercises and stretching, in order to restore joint mobility, improve balance, and strengthen the foot and ankle muscles. Your treatment plan may also include exercises on a balance board, as well as other specialized services. Taylor Rehab Physical Therapy will do all we can to ease your pain quickly and boost your circulation. We will also evaluate and recommend lifestyle changes or orthotic footwear to prevent more problems in the future.