For more information & appointments call us on 01623 847468 or 07946 302614
About Laser Therapy (LLLT)
Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) has been used for many years on sports injuries, arthritic joints, and neuropathic pain. It is used in the British and US military, Premier League football teams, Olympic teams, Formula 1, and in specialist pain clinics in the UK and USA. It is backed up by science, numerous clinical trials, and excellent individual results. One of the visions of Phoenix Physiotherapy and Laser Clinic is to make this highly effective treatment more widely available to the general public.
At Phoenix Physiotherapy and Laser Clinic, we use Laser Therapy for:- Pain relief and decreased inflammation for a wide variety of musculoskeletal injuries
- Wound healing
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Application on energy points in the body which can raise endorphin levels and increase metabolic function. This is used for:
- Smoking Cessation (see www.annepenman.com)
- Stress Management
- Weight Management
The Science
LLLT has a photochemical effect (like photosynthesis in plants). One of the main mechanisms of action occurs in the mitochondria (the cellular power plant inside every cell). It restores normal mitochondrial function, thus improving cell metabolism. When cells get stressed (due to disease or injury) the mitochondria produces nitric oxide (NO). This displaces oxygen from cytochrome c oxidase (a protein within the mitochondria), which reduces ATP (an essential intracellular energy and extracellular signalling molecule) and causes an over-production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). This leads to oxidative stress, which leads to inflammation and cell death (via the gene transcription factor NF-Kb). LLLT at the correct wavelength and density dissociates NO, allowing oxygen back in, so ATP is restored and oxidative stress is reduced. Once normal mitochondrial function is restored, then cell metabolism improves. In simple terms, LLLT helps the patient to get better more quickly by aiding the healing process. It reduces pain, reduces inflammation, and improves wound tissue regeneration.The Evidence
In an ever-growing field of interventions for pain and inflammation, LLLT has a very strong evidence base. There are over 200 randomised clinical trials that have been published on LLLT, half of which are on pain. In the last three years, five systematic reviews have been favourable towards LLLT.-
BMJ Sports Medicine Journal (2010)
Systematic review of surgical and conservative interventions for frozen shoulder found strong evidence for LLLT. -
The International Association for the Study of Pain (2010)
Found strong evidence for LLLT on myofascial pain syndrome. -
American Physical Therapy Association (2010)
Guidelines recommend LLLT for Achilles tendonitis. -
Lancet (2009)
Systematic review of neck pain. Concluded that “LLLT reduces pain immediately after treatment in acute neck pain and up to 22 weeks after completion of treatment in patients with chronic neck pain”. This review was in Lancet’s top 20 most downloaded papers for 2010. -
World Health Organisation (Bone and Joint Task Force) (2008)
Found LLLT more effective than no treatment, placebo, or alternative interventions for neck pain.