Low Level Light Therapy is a continuous laser or light emitting diode (LED) applied for the purpose of analgesia, stimulating tissue repair, and decreasing inflammation. LLLT is known as “cold laser therapy” because it does not cause the temperature to rise in the treated tissues. Therefore, LLLT does not change the architecture of the tissues in contrast to ablative lasers such as the CO2 and YAG which induce heat related changes in the tissues and are often employed in applications such as scar revision.
LLLT has been proven over the last 40 plus years of clinical research to deliver powerful therapeutic benefit to tissues of various types. Light therapy triggers cellular stimulation known as Photo-Biostimulation analogous to the mechanism of how plants convert sunlight to energy through chlorophyll. This was first discovered in Europe in the 1960’s when scientists used light to treat arthritis, pain and soft tissue injuries.
LLLT has been cleared by the FDA for many years now. Studies done by NASA aboard the space shuttle proved that infra-red light and other LED frequencies provided pain relief and wound healing
Multiple mechanisms have been proposed to explain the observed clinical effects of LLLT also called photo biomodulation. The widely accepted hypothesis is that light therapy stimulates tissues due to the absorption spectra between oxidized cytochrome oxidase which is the terminal enzyme of the electron transport chain. It is thought that the CCO acts as a photo acceptor and accelerates cellular metabolism and the production of ATP. Additionally, the nitric oxide that LLLT promotes as a result of dissociation from the cytochrome oxidase, increases ATP production and vasodilation. Nitric oxide release modulates reactive oxygen species (ROS) and this promotes growth and repair of tissues while stimulating the immune system.
LLLT reduces the concentration of signaling molecules involved in the inflammatory response such as prostaglandin, tissue necrosis factor, cyclooxygenase and interleukin (IL-1).
These anti-inflammatory mechanisms and the non-invasive nature of LLLT suggest that it would be a desirable therapeutic option for any disease pathology defined by an inflammatory state or requiring stimulation of growth and repair.
LLLT has been shown to be effective against nociceptive and neuropathic pain. LLLT inhibits the action potential in peripheral nerves equating to a 30% neural block within 20-30 minutes of application. This block is reversible within 24 hours. This gives pain relief from a decrease in oxidative stress and reduces edema. LLLT also affects serotonin and endorphin release diminishing pain signaling.
Low Level Light Therapy treats various disorders by exposure to specific wavelengths of light called photons. LLLT dramatically increases circulation, reduces inflammation and promotes healing. The photons emitted are absorbed by the damaged tissue cells including the skin, blood, muscle and bone and creates a cellular response which reduces pain and begins the overall healing.
LLLT Penetration
- Blue spectrum penetrates the epidermis and dermis to the upper subcutaneous layer.
- Red spectrum penetrates the epidermis, dermis, subcutaneous layer into muscle.
- Infra-red spectrum penetrates the epidermis, dermis, subcutaneous layer, muscle into the bone and joints.
Medical Use
Blue spectrum of light is used to treat acne and acne related issues. The light reduces follicle size and activity of the sebaceous glands so there is less oil production. The light also kills the acne causing bacteria. Benefit seen in Psoriasis, Rosacea, Eczema and Herpetic Infections.
Red light therapy treats skin issues such as wrinkles, scars and wounds. Same skin conditions as blue light can also be treated.
Infra-red light therapy is used for wound healing, pain relief, arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, neurological and psychiatric disorders. It can also stimulate the proliferation of mesenchymal and cardiac stem cells. Pain and most musculoskeletal conditions can be treated.
Conclusion
LLLT is a therapeutic modality that can be used in the realm of inflammatory diseases particularly those of skin and joints that are accessible to treatment. It has little side effects and is non-invasive. LLLT has the potential to be a stand -alone therapy or it can be used in conjunction with other therapies. The mechanisms of LLLT are anti-inflammatory and stimulate both growth and repair of tissues.
Platelet Rich Plasma
Platelet Rich Plasma is an autologous blood derived product that consists of a concentrated growth factors, cytokines and bio-active proteins that are used to repair and regenerate damaged or diseases tissues.
Platelet Rich Plasma has become popular due the continuous medical research and studies performed since the 1970’s. PRP has been applied in the fields of orthopedics, dermatology, plastic surgery, dentistry, podiatry, sports medicine and veterinary medicine.
The platelets present in PRP contain granules with a broad range of active biomolecules which upon activation, release these biomolecules and therefore stimulating the natural healing cascade.
As there are thousands of published articles and studies proving the effectiveness of PRP in various medical applications, the validity of this treatment is without question.
However, could PRP be used with other modalities? Studies has shown PRP to be effective and LLLT also to be effective, was there a synergistic effect when both were used together?
Lasers Med Sci 2016 Dec;31(9): 1891-1898 PMID 27649962
Purpose-This study aimed to evaluate the effects of photobiomodulation associated or not with PRP on the treatment of muscle injury.
Conclusion- It is concluded that either PBM or PRP and the association of both was able to reduce the oxidative stress promoted by injury and modulate collagen production at the site of injury. Furthermore, although both treatments individually were effective for repairing the damage caused by muscle injury, the association of both demonstrated a better histological aspect.
Braz J Phys Ther 2017 Nov-Dec;21(6):425-433 PMID 28733091
Objective- Platelet Rich Plasma and Low-Level Laser Therapy have been shown to be affordable and easy to use. The aim of this study was to evaluate the associated benefits of LLLT and PRP on the treatment of soleus muscle injury.
Conclusion- The association of LLLT and PRP produced better results on muscle injury compared to the isolated use of either treatments.
Lasers Med Sci 2019 Jun;34(4):759-766 PMID 30317401
Healthy tendons play an important role in joint movements and subjected to a group of pathologies called tendinopathy due to multiple factors. Tendons have a slowly repairing process due to low vascularity and cellularity. Treatment options are aimed at potentiating the healing process and relieving symptoms. Phototherapy and Platelet Rich Plasma were novel treatment modalities in tendon therapy based on photobiomodulation and growth factors during healing. This study utilizes cell culture to explore the potential effect of light emitting diode and growth factors in the form of platelet rich plasma on the activity of tenocytes isolated from sheep Achilles tendons.
Conclusion- Results suggest that using Platelet Rich Plasma or combined with light emitting diode might have potential to enhance healing response at the conditions applied. PRP could enhance proliferation while LED could enhance migration and proliferation.
Juventix Regenerative Medical is an industry leader in the regenerative medical field. Our Platelet Rich Plasma Kits are FDA cleared and are designed for safety and effectiveness. They are mildly leukocyte rich allowing the regenerative process to proceed after activation. The kits are cost effective and easy to use.
Juventix Regenerative Medical offers a patent pending LED Activator to activate the platelets and begin the regenerative process. The activation, a critical step in the release of cytokines and growth factors, is accomplished with light and not with the addition of other chemicals such as Calcium Chloride or Thrombin.
Juventix Regenerative Medical is proud to announce the newest member of our regenerative product line, the LLLT. The Low-Level Light Therapy or Light Emitting Diode allows therapeutic activation of cells which then accelerates the natural regeneration and repair process. Juventix LED Phototherapy uses various wavelengths of light for both superficial applications and deeper conditions. It is extremely portable yet has an enlarged canopy for large anatomic areas of treatment. Red, Blue and Infrared wavelengths with three intensity settings for each supplies multiple options needed for many disease therapies.
RESTORE, REVIVE, REGENERATE- JUVENTIX REGENERATIVE MEDICAL
Regenerative Regards,
Dr. Robert McGrath
