There are actually many names for low level laser therapy and although the basic principles are the same they will often be confused with many different types of treatments. The common names for low level laser therapy include LLLT, low level light therapy, Photobiomudulation, cold laser therapy, laser biostimulation, phototherapy or simple as laser therapy and a whole host of other related names. The principle of it is all the same where exposure to either lasers or light emitting diodes under the right frequencies can stimulate or inhibit cell growth and death cycles thus leading to a host of clinical benefits.
It should be noted that although laser light therapy has been around almost as long as the laser has been in existence, it isn’t a clinically proven method as the benefits can’t be reproduced to exacting amounts. The problem is obtaining the right combinations of duration, intensity, frequency and wavelengths which can produce the best results. The setting of these parameters is done by the professional and is often a “black magic” art where different parameters will benefit different areas of cell generation.
It all started circa 1967 when the first laser was invented and the laser was immediately taken to experiment with skin cancer on lab mice. Although the expected affect of the laser exposure to the skin cancer wasn’t observed, another low level laser therapy side effects was observed, namely the shaved hair grew back faster on mice group that were exposed to the laser compared to mice who were in the control batch. This meant that the laser had somehow affected the growth patterns of the hair on the mice to somehow activate the follicles into a growth stage prematurely. The exact mechanics of how the laser actually affects the cells is unknown however tests have shown that treatment with similar lasers on humans also nets the same results.
In addition to hair loss treatments there are also other clinical applications which have shown that laser treatments has been effective in enhancing tissue regeneration when treating injuries such as soft tissue traumas, pain caused by torn ligaments and also healing of wounds along with nerve regeneration. An area where laser light therapy have shown great promise is in the treatment of inflammation caused by whatever means. Initial studies have shown that with the right combination of parameters laser therapy can be as effective as normal anti-inflammatory drugs but without the obvious side-effects.
The exact mechanism of how laser helps still remains a mystery and that is why it has not received approval to be considered a legitimate type of treatment for hair loss. It is known that certain wavelengths at certain intensities will aid in tissue regeneration and also affect the growth cycles of tissue. It has been established that the effect of the laser is a combination of photo chemical responses and also thematic absorption to stimulate the cells. Looked closely it can be seen under a microscope that lasers affect cells both biologically and also physiologically.
The main problem is that there isn’t a set “best” parameter which can be regulated and used to obtain a set result. Rather is up to the laser technician or the doctor to estimate what will be the best combination for the patient. This has brought about some concerns about safety as the parameters used cannot be controlled. Overall treatment using lasers have shown that it is highly effective with very minimal risks. The reason that low level laser therapy hasn’t been given approval is down to its “black magic” setting of parameters done by the doctors. We highly recommend laser hair therapy although you should make a point to talk to people who have had this treatment before so you can gauge the benefits for yourself.
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