Low-Level Laser Therapy: What Is It and How Does It Work?

Low-level laser therapy, AKA cold laser therapy, is a low-intensity/non-invasive treatment approved by the FDA. Unlike other lasers used to make incisions during surgeries, these treatments use negligible heat to treat the tissues.

It is worth mentioning that exposure to red and borderline infra-red light results in quick wound healing, decreased inflammation, and reduced musculoskeletal and other chronic pains.

In some cases, lower-level laser therapies are also used as alternatives to liposuction for fat reduction.

Benefits of Lower-Laser Therapy

Promotes Detoxification and Weight Loss

The fat cells in the human body contain fatty content. Lower-level laser therapies liquify fatty content while disrupting cell membranes.

As a result, transitory pores are formed, flushing the liquefied fatty content into a space so the lymphatic system can remove it from the body.

Reduces Pain

Lower-level laser therapies alleviate pain in several different ways.

To begin with, these therapies block signals between the brain and the nerves. As a result, nerve sensitivity decreases, which results in reduced inflammation.

Furthermore, they contribute to the production of painkilling chemicals from the brain and the adrenal glands. These chemicals include endorphins, opioids, and enkephalins.

Moreover, lower-level laser therapies stimulate acupuncture points and muscular trigger points, thus relaxing contracted muscles in a non-invasive fashion.

Some common examples of musculoskeletal pains and injuries include tendonitis, bursitis, neck pains, tennis elbows, joint swelling, muscular spasms, and lower back pain.

Lower-level laser therapies are a viable alternative for individuals that are uncomfortable with the use of needles. 

Fights Inflammation

Let’s build on the point mentioned above. Lower-level laser therapy minimizes inflation by dilating blood vessels.

It also activates the lymphatic system, thus draining areas swollen by trauma or inflammation, which eases pain.

Lower-level laser therapies help people with issues like inflamed gums, inflammation from autoimmune systems, and carpal tunnel syndrome.

Accelerates Tissue Growth and Cell Repair

A low-level laser can penetrate deep into your tissues, resulting in cell growth. As a result, energy availability to cells also increases.

Moreover, lower-level laser therapy increases cell metabolism by increasing adenosine triphosphate (ADP) production. ADP not only increases cell nutrition, but it also improves waste elimination.

Quick waste elimination results in the faster repair of muscles, tendons, and ligaments. It also increases the development of fibroblasts in damaged tissues.

If you didn’t know already, fibroblasts serve as building blocks to collagen. Collagen is a protein needed to repair damaged tissues or replace them with new ones. This is why lower-level therapy is also used to treat burns, as the increased collagen production speeds up the healing process.

Improves Vascular Activity

Lower-level laser therapies contribute to healing and closing wounds in two major ways. First of all, they enhance the formation of capillaries within damaged tissues.

Secondly, they dilate blood vessels and increase vessel diameter. Dilated blood vessels increase blood flow to the damaged areas, which results in quicker healing.

Enhances Metabolism

Another benefit of lower-level laser therapies is the stimulation of special pro-healing enzymes in the blood cells.

Furthermore, they improve oxygen and nutritional activity, which results in better metabolism, thus keeping our gut in good shape.

Discourages Formation of Scar Tissues

It is common for scars to develop due to cuts, burns, wounds, and surgeries. Cold laser therapies discourage the formation of scar tissues, protecting your skin.

It also speeds up the process of axonal regeneration and nerve cell reconnection.

Supports Your Immune System and Its Functions

One of the best things about LLLT is that it improves your immune system. These therapies stimulate the production of immunoglobulins as well as lymphocytes.

Moreover, it also makes it easier for white blood cells to penetrate the damaged tissues, boosting your immune system functions.

Makes You Rely Less on Medication

Lower-level laser therapies are safer alternatives to other advanced medical procedures. Besides avoiding surgeries and other procedures, they help you rely less on medication.

Because these therapies don’t produce many side effects that require further medication, you find yourself less dependent on analgesics, opioids, and anti-inflammatory medicines that may have unfavorable side effects on your health.

Is Lower-Level Laser Therapy Safe for Pregnant Women?

People often ask if lower-level laser therapy is safe for pregnant women.

Let’s look at some research to answer this question.

Vascular Lesions like telangiectasias and hemangioma are common in pregnant women. These issues usually arise during pregnancy and go away after the child is delivered.

Flashlamp-pumped pulsed dye laser and neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd: YAG) laser are the standard treatments for such lesions.

Not too long ago, doctors tested these treatments on a 19-year-old pregnant female. No complications were recorded after the treatment, and the woman gave birth to a fairly healthy child.

It goes to show that such laser treatments are safe for the mother as well as for the fetus. However, studies are scarce on the impact of lower-level laser therapies on pregnant women, but the existing studies have had promising results.

It will still take time and considerable research before experts can conclusively vouch for the impacts of lower-level laser therapies on pregnant women.

J & Company Chiropractic is the Place for You

Are you looking for a trustworthy chiropractor? Look no further than J & Company Chiropractic.

Headed by Jessica Cho, J & Company is the place to be for all your chiropractic needs. We provide various services like lower-level laser therapies, chiropractics for injuries, and prenatal chiropractics.

To get in touch with us, please visit our website today or call us at (847) 665-9722.

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If you have questions about the benefits of chiropractic care, we are here to help. Dr. Jessica can answer your questions and help you understand your chiropractic treatment options and the benefits of chiropractic care. She spends time with each patient to develop a relationship and fully understand each patient’s symptoms, needs, and goals. After a thorough examination, she will develop a comprehensive treatment plan. Contact J & Co. Chiropractic today to schedule your initial consultation and learn more about how we can support you with natural and effective care.

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