The future of medicine is here with:
Low Level Laser Therapy
Low level laser therapy, aka “cold laser therapy” or “photobiomodulation,” is an FDA approved treatment for healing wounds, reducing inflammation, regenerating cells, killing infections, reducing pain, and much more. There are currently more than 3,500 published peer reviewed articles worldwide proving the effectiveness of photobiomodulation therapy with no reports of any negative side effects. At Aspen Integrative Medical Center, Paul Despres, NMD, and Alexandra Mele, ND both specialize in low level laser therapy and have seen remarkable treatment results. Call our office to schedule a low level laser treatment today.
How does low level laser therapy work?
Low-level laser therapy is emits non-ionizing electromagnetic energy (photons) to trigger photochemical changes within cellular structures. Mitochondria (the powerhouse of the cell) are particularly receptive to this process as they absorb photons and increase their production of ATP, which is the energy currency of the cell. The increase in energy stimulates many of the body’s natural healing mechanisms to restore cellular and tissue function. It also increases nitric oxide production and and reactive oxygen species.
At Aspen, we apply either low-level red, near-infrared, or ultra-violet light to different parts of the body to accomplish our treatment goals. The lasers of choice are the Avant LZ30-Z and Avant REVI lasers because it allows us to select a specific wavelength and pulsation frequency based on the area of the body we are treating. Each wavelength and frequency can activate different cell types simultaneously. Therefore, our physicians can treat pain, inflammation, lymphatic, and immune system all at the same time.
Low level laser therapy operates on the principle that:
“Each molecule, cell, tissue, and organ has an ideal resonance frequency which coordinates its activities. By manipulating and balancing the vibratory circuits, laser therapy can directly influence the body’s systemic defense and repair mechanisms.”
What are the health benefits of low level laser therapy?
Peer reviewed research supports 630-640nm red light and 808nm infrared light as optimal wavelengths. They have the following health benefits:
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- Rapid cell and DNA repair – accelerates cellular reproduction and growth
- Broadly antimicrobial – acute and chronic infections
- Faster wound healing from injury and surgery – stimulates fibroblast and collagen synthesis in damaged tissue. Typically see rate of recovery increase by 30%.
- Decreases pain and inflammation – reduces pro-inflammatory cytokines and swelling in bruised/inflamed joints for enhanced joint mobility
- Increases muscle regeneration and reduces muscle atrophy
- Increases metabolic activity – via great output of enzymes, oxygen, and ATP.
- Regeneration of nerve tissue – recovery of nerve function and
- Promotes proliferation of skin growth
- Increases circulation – via stimulating vasodilation
- Increases enzyme activity
- Increases antioxidant activity
- Activates stem cells
What conditions are commonly treated with low level laser therapy?
Common conditions treated with lasers:
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- Acute and chronic pain syndromes, fibromyalgia
- Acute infections such as colds, flus, bladder infections, strep throat, pharyngitis, sinusitis, lung infections, and other localized or systemic infections of the body.
- Chronic infections such as Lyme disease and other tick-borne co-infections, HIV, Hepatitis, Herpes, Shingles, Candida, and EBV.
- Major and minor injuries to ligaments, muscles, tendons, and bones
- Wound and burns
- Post-surgery recovery
- Lung conditions
- Chronic fatigue
- Headaches and migraines
- Skin conditions – such as eczema and psoriasis
- Acute and chronic inflammatory conditions
- Joint conditions like RA and OA
- Auto-immune disease
- Neurological disease
- Chronic bladder conditions like interstitial cystitis
- Gastrointestinal disorders – dysbiosis and SIBO
- Stroke, traumatic brain injury, and concussions
- Neuropathy
- Dementia
- Plantarfasciitis
- Bites
- TMJ
- Elbow and carpal tunnel syndrome
- Disc injuries
- Pigmentary disorders like vitiligo
- Low back pain
- Neck pain
How long is a low level laser therapy treatment and is it painful?
The frequency, dose, and length of treatment is always individualized to the patient’s particular clinical needs. Treatment typically is 15 – 45 minutes in duration. There is never any pain or discomfort with treatment.
