Low level laser therapy (LLLT) is known under many names, including:
Laser Biostimulation
Laser Phototherapy
Photobiomodulaiton
Photobiostimulation
Monochromatic infrared light energy (MIRE)
Low power laser irradiation
Low power laser therapy (LPLT)
Red light therapy
Near infrared or infrared light therapy
Cold laser therapy
Soft laser therapy
Low intensity laser
Low energy laser
Therapeutic laser
Low level lasers are different than high level lasers, which are used in surgery to cut and destroy. Low level lasers utilize light waves at very specific wavelengths that penetrate the body and cause a chemical reaction inside us. This reaction leads to healing, pain relief and reduced inflammation.
Understanding Red Light
Red light has a spectrum. This means there is a range of wavelengths within the "red light umbrella". The "red light umbrella" includes:
Red light
Near infrared light
Infrared light
Each of these types of red light have their own specific wavelength. The difference in wavelength determines how deep into the body the red light can travel and determines the chemical reactions in the body.
Wavelengths of lights are measured in nanometers (abbreviated nm). Our eyes can see wavelengths between 400nm - 700nm, this is known as the visible light spectrum. Wavelengths outside this range may be seen by other animals, but is invisible to the human eye.
The wavelengths of red light are as follows:
Red Light: 600nm-650nm
Deep Red - Near Infrared (NIR): 650nm-950nm
Near Infrared and Infrared: 950nm-1200nm
In addition to wavelength, red light therapy can range in irradiance. Irradiance is the intensity of the light. The deeper into the tissue the light travels, the more is diffuses. As the light diffuses it becomes less effective. Higher irradiance is not needed when treating ailments of the skin or surface layers, however, when treating deeper tissue layers such as nerve and bone, it is helpful to have more intensity (irradiance).
Red light diffusion may also be effected by the pigment of the skin. This means that the shade of skin, as well as heavily tattooed areas, should be considered when determining the level of intensity.
What is LLLT Used For?
Different types of red light are used for different conditions. This is why we have multiple types of red light, near infrared light, and infrared light available at our clinic. Not all conditions require the same depth of penetration or the same intensity/irradiance.
For skin conditions, anti-aging effects, or issues just below the surface, use of a red light lamp or near infrared light sauna may be most beneficial. The heat offered by the red light lamps and sauna is also soothing as well as detoxifying.
Low level laser therapy (LLLT) has a much deeper penetration and is commonly used to reduce pain and treat musculoskeletal issues deeper in the body, such as (but not limited to):
Sprains/strains
Tendonitis
Plantar Fasciitis
Low back pain
Arthritis/Osteoarthritis/Rheumatoid Arthritis
Wound healing
Joint Pain
Disc Herniation/Bulging
Sciatica
Nerve/Bone Regeneration
Nerve Pain
Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ)
Bursitis
Chronic Pain
How Does LLLT Work In the Body?
Skin is the largest organ in our body. Everything it comes in contact with is absorbed into our bodies, including light. While not all light is good for us (like UV), some light is incredibly beneficila (red lights). When our skin is exposed to red, NIR, and infrared light, the photons are absorbed by mitochondrial chromophores in our skin cells.
This absorption produces a chain reaction by accelerating electron transport. By transporting electrons to the proper molecules, these molecules can then create the chemical source of energy in the body, ATP.
When Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) nitric oxide is release into the body our cells are all given an energy boost. As a result there is increased blood flow, which floods our bodies oxygen and nutrients, promotes reactive oxygen species to increase and diverse signaling pathways get activated. Stem cells are also be activated, allowing increased tissue repair and healing.
All of these chemical and microbiological reactions greatly reduce inflammation, which is the underlying cause for most diseases as well as pain. These chemical reactions also accelerate tissue regeneration.
LLLT Precautions
When using Low Level Laser Therapy it is important to protect your eyes. At our clinic we provide glasses that are specifically made for blocking red light wavelengths. Direct (unprotected), long term exposure of red light to the eye could cause floaters or other damage.
Patients who have cancer should also avoid red light, NIR, and infrared light exposure to the cancer sight. While studies are still researching this, it is thought that since red light "makes everything better", it will also make the cancer growth stronger and more proliferative.
If you suffer from seizures, specifically epilepsy, you should avoid exposure to LLLT. The photo sensitivity that often accompanies epilepsy could be triggered by these red light wavelengths.
Finally, women who are pregnant should not expose the developing baby to red light, NIR, and/or infrared light, as it has not been determined how it might effect the infant during development.
What Does Low Level Light Therapy Cost?
Red light, near infrared light, and infrared light are extraordinarily effective. Unfortunately, insurance will not pay for these treatments. Most red light treatments are considered a self-pay service that is due the day services are received.
The cost of LLLT is determines by many factors, including:
Size of area being treated
Number of sessions needed for treatment
Amount of time for treatment
Cost of living
Geographical location
Place of service
Provider type
With all of these factors taken into consideration, a single LLLT session ranges between $50-$150 per session.
At Therapy Pros our priority is to see people get pain relief and heal from their ailments. This is why we strive to keep our prices as low as possible.
For Low Level Light Therapy we charge:
$50 for 1-2 body parts
$25 for each additional body part
$45 for 1-2 body parts, when you purchase 5 sessions or more up front
$25 for each additional body part
In addition to Low Level Light Therapy, we also offer our near infrared light therapy and our infrared light sauna.
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