Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) is highly effective and U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved for reducing pain and inflammation. It is backed by years of research, has zero side effects and is also painless and safe for all ages. It is beneficial for the following: muscle, tendon and ligament pain; arthritic joint pain; bruises; fractures and bone breaks; carpal tunnel and tennis elbow; fibromyalgia pain; plantar fasciitis; wounds (post-surgical and injuries); burns and skin ulcers; TMJ and dental pain.

LLLT is also known as cold laser therapy because it produces no heat. It uses light energy and works by utilizing the acupoint meridian system to stimulate the same acupoints as done in acupuncture. In addition to stimulating the body’s natural endorphins to lessen pain, low level laser therapy stimulates (ATP) energy that our cells use as fuel to function and operate more efficiently.

This process is done through photobiomodulation, which is essentially using specific wavelengths of light energy to influence the flow of energy between acupoints to facilitate healing. This promotes cell regeneration and tissue healing, while improving blood and lymph flow so oxygen and nutrients can better circulate throughout the body. This is how it reduces pain and inflammation and why it is helpful for a variety of conditions. LLLT helps the body repair and heal itself rather than masking or just reducing pain temporarily.

Low level laser therapy has mainly been used in Europe and Asia and is just starting to gain popularity in the U.S. Fortunately, thousands of studies have shown how beneficial LLLT has been on a wide variety of conditions. Also, this light therapy is only utilized by cells and tissues that are not functioning normally. It has no effect on healthy cells. It gives what is called a natural physiological dose of care, which means the body only takes what it needs. People cannot get too much of it and there are no side effects. This makes it a safe, complementary therapy for those managing both short term and chronic pain.

Brain imaging studies on this type of laser acupuncture have also measured various physiological affects locally and simultaneously in the brain, similar to needle acupuncture. Measurable effects on the brain have been detected when the laser was turned on and no effects detected when the laser was turned off.

LLLT has also been proven to inhibit the growth of most known infection-causing bacteria when using a laser that utilizes a 635-nanometer laser light. In addition to providing pain relief from its analgesic effects, it reduces swelling, redness, heat and speeds healing time. Laser therapy is cumulative, and most sessions take under 30 minutes. Most people begin to see results after one to three sessions.