Phototherapy Laser
How Does Light Therapy Work?
Releases Nitric Oxide from Hemoglobin
NO Increases Blood Flow (1998 Nobel Prize)
- Powerful vasodilator (arteries, veins, lymphatics)
- Mediator of angiogenesis
- Controls blood pressure
NO Improves Neural Function
- Direct mediator of the analgesic effect of morphine
NO is Critical for Wound Healing
- Signaling molecule for collagen synthesis; collagen fibril alignment
- Anti-inflammatory
- Anti-bacterial/Anti-viral/Anti-fungal
NO Mediates Osteoblastic Proliferation for Bone Healing
- Fracture – non union
History of Photo Energy and Nitric Oxide
- 1998 Nobel Prize for nitric oxide
- 1955 R. Furchgott (light relaxes vessels)
- 1970’s Only in endothelium intact vessels
- 1980’s EDRF
- 1988 EDRF is Nitric Oxide
- 1990’s NO produced in brain and nerves, endothelium, muscle, arteries, veins, lymphatics, bone, macrophages, dermis, and RBC
Sensation Improvements – Active vs. Placebo
# Points Insensate to 10 Gram (5.07) Monofilament
46% Improvement in Sensation with Active Therapy
Placebo Impact was Not Statistically Significant (NS)
Arthritis Cases
Published in Journal of Orthopedic Sports and Physical Therapy – 2001
3 Patients with OA Knees (Ages 62, 63, 78)
- Pain on VAS was 8-10
- Difficulty walking and ascending stairs in all three
Intervention
- LEPT 2-3 times per week (one obtained home unit)
- Physical Therapy, education and home exercises
Results:
- Pain significantly reduced to 3-4
- 2 of 3 were able to ascend stairs
- All 3 ambulating better
- None required surgery
- Only occasional use of OTC NSAIDs
Responsive Conditions
Inflammation/Infection – Bursitis – Osteoarthritis – Tendonitis – Plantar Fasciitis – Lateral Epicondylitis – Neuritis – Synovitis – Bell’s Palsy – Cellulitis – Osteomyelitis (IV Antibiotics)
Range of Motion Deficits – Frozen Shoulder – Contractures • Orthopedic – Non-Union/Jones Fractures – Degenerative Disc
Chronic Wounds – Venous, Pressure Ulcers (Arterial)
Pain – Neuralgia – Fibromyalgia – Neuropathic Pain – Ischemic Pain – Chronic Pelvic Pain
Nerve Entrapments – TMJ – Carpal Tunnel Syndrome – Tarsal Tunnel
Swelling – Edema – Lymphedema – Sprains and Strains
Post-Operative – Reduce Swelling and Pain – Speed Healing – Reduce Adhesions/Scarring