What Is Lower-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT)?
Low-level laser therapy, or LLLT, is a type of treatment that is becoming really popular because it can help with a bunch of different health issues. It uses a special light to help the body heal, reduce pain and swelling, and make things work better. Lower-level laser therapy is also known as cold laser therapy, low-level light therapy, or photobiomodulation. It is a non-invasive medical treatment that utilizes low-level lasers or light-emitting diodes (LEDs) to stimulate cellular function, promote tissue repair, and reduce inflammation. It was developed in the 1960s and has gained increasing attention in various medical fields due to its potential therapeutic effects.
How Does Lower-Level Laser Therapy Work?
LLLT uses non-thermal light to change how the bodies work. This light can come from lasers or other sources, like special lamps or LEDs. Cold laser therapy exposes cells or tissues to low near-infrared and red light levels. It is called low-level because the energy levels are much lower than those used in other laser treatments that cut or burn tissues. Researchers have found that this therapy can either boost or slow down different cellular processes, depending on its use.
One of the key ways LLLT works is by hitting specific molecules, like cytochrome c oxidase (CCO) found in the mitochondria, with red and NIR light. This kickstarts a chain of events inside the cells, leading to better energy production and changes in how the genes are read. This can help with cell growth, tissue repair, and overall regeneration.
There is still a lot that still needs to be understood about how exactly cold laser therapy works on a molecular level, and there is a wide range of ways it can be applied, from the type of light used to how much is given and for how long. The wrong parameters can make the treatment less effective or even harm tissues.
Different light wavelengths have different effects on tissues. Shorter wavelengths are good for treating superficial tissues, while longer wavelengths can penetrate deeper. There are various light sources used in LLLT with different wavelengths. While lasers are sometimes used for focused treatments, LEDs are becoming more popular in dermatology because they can easily cover larger areas.
What Is Low-Level Laser Therapy Used For?
LLLT Therapy for Skin Conditions
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Skin Rejuvenation - LLLT is a safer, more effective alternative for improving skin texture and appearance by increasing collagen production. LED therapy has shown promise in reducing wrinkles and improving skin laxity without damaging the skin.
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Acne - Acne vulgaris treatment includes topical and oral medications, but some patients respond inadequately or experience adverse effects. Phototherapy, particularly with blue and red light, offers an alternative with fewer side effects. Blue light effectively targets bacteria associated with acne, while red light helps to decrease inflammation and control oil production in the skin.
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Photoprotection - UV exposure damages the skin, leading to premature aging and skin cancer. Infrared (IR) exposure may protect against UV-induced damage by triggering protective responses. LLLT has shown promise in protecting the skin from UV-induced damage by enhancing cellular defense mechanisms.
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Herpes Virus Lesions - Herpes simplex virus (HSV) infections cause recurrent lesions that are challenging to treat. LLLT has shown promise in reducing the frequency of outbreaks and shortening remission intervals.
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Hypertrophic Scars and Keloids - These are challenging to treat and may require surgical or laser interventions. LLLT has shown promise in preventing and reducing scar formation by modulating cytokine expression and helping wound healing processes.
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Vitiligo - Vitiligo causes skin depigmentation due to the loss of melanocytes. LLLT, particularly with HeNe laser therapy, stimulates melanocyte proliferation and migration, promoting repigmentation. It may also modulate cytokine expression and improve cell attachment to facilitate repigmentation.
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Burns - Cold laser therapy with LED, has been beneficial in accelerating wound healing and reducing inflammation in burn injuries. It can promote faster reepithelialization and decrease levels of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), which are involved in tissue breakdown.
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Psoriasis - Preliminary studies suggest that LLLT, using a combination of near-infrared and visible red light, may be effective in treating plaque psoriasis.
LLLT Therapy for Androgenic Alopecia
LLLT has shown efficacy in promoting hair growth in animal and human studies. In clinical trials, LLLT effectively treated androgenetic alopecia or pattern baldness. Patients used devices like specialized helmets emitting red light for specified durations. Results showed increased hair density, thickness, and tensile strength, with some studies reporting satisfaction rates of over 80 percent among patients. Combining LLLT with other treatments like Minoxidil or Finasteride showed even better results. Overall, LLLT is a safe and promising treatment option for hair loss.
LLLT for Pain Relief
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Low-level laser therapy has shown promise in treating various acute and chronic orthopedic conditions such as sprains, strains, post-surgical pain, and arthritis.
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It is also effective for dental issues like sensitivity and after-tooth extraction.
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Cold laser therapy can even help with neuropathic pain from conditions like diabetic neuropathy and neuralgia.
What Are the Adverse Effects of Low-Level Laser Therapy?
LLLT has shown few side effects during its extensive use for different medical conditions. Adverse effects of low-level laser therapy may include temporary eye damage if the laser is directed into the eyes, leading to issues like blurred vision or discomfort. Improper use of LLLT devices can also result in skin burns, especially if the treatment is administered at high power or for an extended duration. Also, some individuals may experience minor side effects such as headaches, tingling sensations, or skin irritation.
Regarding its use for promoting hair growth, the only reported adverse effects in people were temporary hair shedding within the first one to two months of starting the treatment. However, this shedding stopped with continued use. Other considerations of cold laser therapy include limited evidence for long-term effectiveness and variability in treatment protocols.
Conclusion
Lower-level laser therapy holds great potential in the field of medical therapeutics. It provides a non-invasive, targeted, cost-effective approach to addressing various health conditions. Using photobiomodulation, LLLT effectively promotes tissue repair, reduces inflammation, manages pain, and enhances neurological function. Continuous research endeavors are focused on gaining a deeper understanding of its mechanisms, refining treatment protocols, and broadening its scope of clinical applications.
