Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) is a treatment that uses light to help reduce pain and improve healing in your body.
This treatment uses a specific kind of light called near-infrared light, which is different from regular sunlight or the light bulbs in your home.
When this light is applied to the affected area, it helps to reduce inflammation, which is your body’s way of reacting to injury. It can also boost your body’s natural healing processes by improving blood flow and helping your cells repair themselves more quickly.
You won’t feel any heat or pain during the treatment because the light is very gentle. It’s a non-invasive therapy, meaning nothing will go into your skin, and there’s no need for needles or surgery.
LLLT is often used to treat conditions like muscle strains, joint pain, and injuries from sports or accidents. The goal is to help you heal faster and feel less pain, making it easier for you to move and do the activities you enjoy.
Benefits of Low-Level Laser Therapy
Pain Relief
LLLT helps reduce pain by lowering inflammation and swelling in the affected area. It does this by reducing the sensitivity of pain receptors and calming the body’s pain response1.
Faster Healing
This therapy speeds up your body’s natural healing process by boosting cell activity. It helps your cells repair themselves faster, leading to quicker recovery from injuries like muscle strains, ligament sprains, and joint damage1.
Lower Inflammation
LLLT helps to reduce inflammation, which is often the main cause of pain and discomfort in many muscle and joint problems. By reducing inflammation, it helps restore normal function and relieves ongoing pain2.
Better Blood Flow
This therapy improves blood flow to the treated area, bringing more oxygen and nutrients to the damaged tissues. This helps the healing process and reduces swelling and stiffness3.
Non-Invasive and Painless
LLLT doesn’t involve surgery or needles, and it’s painless. This makes it a good option for people who want to avoid more invasive treatments or who are sensitive to other forms of care.4
Helps with Many Conditions
LLLT can treat a wide range of muscle and joint issues, including arthritis, tendonitis, back pain, neck pain, and sports injuries. Its versatility makes it useful for managing different types of pain and injury.5
Reduces Muscle Spasms
This therapy helps relax muscles, which can reduce spasms and the discomfort they cause, especially in conditions like chronic back or neck pain6.
Good for Chronic Conditions
For people with ongoing conditions like osteoarthritis or fibromyalgia, LLLT offers long-term pain relief and can help improve quality of life by better managing symptoms.7.
Improves Joint Movement
LLLT can improve how well your joints move, especially in areas affected by injury or chronic conditions, helping you move more comfortably.8
Safe for Long-Term Use
Unlike some medications or invasive treatments, LLLT has very few side effects and is safe to use over a long period, making it a good option for ongoing pain management.9
What is Low-Level Laser Therapy?
Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) is a treatment that uses light to help your body heal and reduce pain. It’s a simple, non-invasive method, meaning nothing enters your body, and it doesn’t cause any pain during the process. Here’s how it works in your body.
How Does LLLT Work on Your Body?
LLLT uses a special type of light, known as near-infrared light. This light penetrates your skin and reaches the tissues underneath. Here’s what happens during LLLT:
Boosts Cellular Energy
Inside your cells, there are tiny structures called mitochondria that produce energy for the cells to work and repair themselves. When LLLT light reaches these mitochondria, it stimulates them to produce more energy. This extra energy helps cells repair damage more quickly, whether it’s in muscles, ligaments, or other tissues.1
Reduces Inflammation
Inflammation is your body’s response to injury, but too much inflammation can cause pain and slow down healing. LLLT helps by reducing the production of substances that cause inflammation, leading to less swelling, less pain, and a quicker recovery.2
Improves Blood Flow
LLLT also enhances circulation in the treated area. Better blood flow means more oxygen and nutrients are delivered to the injured tissues, helping them heal faster. It also helps remove waste products from the area, which can reduce pain and swelling.3
What Happens During a Treatment Session?
When you come in for an LLLT session, here’s what you can expect:
Getting Ready
You’ll need to expose the area that needs treatment. For example, if it’s your knee, you’ll wear shorts or pull up your pant leg.
Applying the Light
The physiotherapist will use a handheld device that emits the therapeutic light. They will move the device over the area that needs treatment. The light penetrates through your skin, but you won’t feel much, maybe just a little warmth.
Time Required
Each session usually lasts about 5 to 20 minutes, depending on the size of the treatment area and the condition being treated. You might need several sessions over a few weeks to get the best results.
After the Session
There’s no recovery time needed after LLLT. You can go back to your normal activities right away. Some people notice relief after the first session, but it often takes a few treatments to see the full benefits.
Who is Low-Level Laser Therapy For?
Low-Level Laser Therapy can be helpful for many people, especially those dealing with pain, inflammation, and slow healing. Here are some of the conditions and types of patients who can benefit the most from this treatment:
Chronic Pain Sufferers
If you have ongoing pain in areas like your back, knees, or joints, LLLT can help. It works by reducing inflammation and promoting healing, which can provide long-term pain relief.
People with Arthritis
Arthritis causes joint pain and stiffness. LLLT helps by reducing swelling and improving movement in the joints, making it easier to perform daily activities.
Athletes
Whether you’re a pro athlete or just enjoy staying active, LLLT can help you recover faster from injuries like sprains or strains. It reduces pain and swelling, allowing you to get back to your sport sooner.
People Recovering from Surgery
If you’ve had surgery, especially on your joints or muscles, LLLT can be a key part of your recovery. It helps to reduce post-surgery pain and speeds up the healing process.
Individuals with Nerve Pain
Conditions like sciatica or carpal tunnel syndrome can cause nerve pain. LLLT helps by calming the nerves and reducing the pain and discomfort associated with these conditions.
People with Muscle Injuries
If you’ve injured a muscle, LLLT can help it heal faster. It boosts cell activity, reduces inflammation, and helps your muscle recover more quickly.
Those Seeking Non-Invasive Pain Relief
If you prefer to avoid medications or surgery for pain relief, LLLT is a safe, non-invasive option. It provides relief from pain without the need for needles or drugs.
What Does LLLT Help With?
LLLT is used for different musculoskeletal conditions, especially those involving pain and inflammation:
Joint Pain
It’s effective for reducing pain and swelling in conditions like arthritis.7
Muscle Injuries
LLLT helps muscles heal faster after strains or sprains.1
Back and Neck Pain
It can ease pain and stiffness, helping you move more comfortably.3
Wound Healing
LLLT speeds up the healing of wounds and other soft tissue injuries.8
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Laser Therapy
Is Low-Level Laser Therapy painful?
No, Low-Level Laser Therapy is not painful. The light used during the treatment is gentle and doesn’t cause discomfort. Most people feel a slight warmth or tingling, but it’s completely comfortable.
How many sessions will I need?
The number of sessions you’ll need depends on what we’re treating and how severe it is. Generally, most conditions require between 8 to 12 sessions.
These sessions are usually spread over a period of 4 to 8 weeks, with treatments typically scheduled 2 to 3 times a week. We’ll work together to create a treatment plan that fits your specific needs.
Can Low-Level Laser Therapy be combined with other treatments?
Yes, Low-Level Laser Therapy can be used alongside other treatments like physical therapy, massage, or medication. Combining treatments often leads to better and faster healing.
What should I wear to a Low-Level Laser Therapy session?
Wear comfortable clothing that makes it easy to access the area we’re treating. For example, if we’re treating your knee, wearing shorts or loose pants that can be rolled up would be ideal.
How soon will I feel the results of Low-Level Laser Therapy?
Some people feel relief after just one session, but for most, it takes several sessions to notice a significant improvement. The timing depends on what we’re treating and how your body responds to the therapy.
Is Low-Level Laser Therapy safe for everyone?
Low-Level Laser Therapy is generally safe for most people. However, it may not be suitable if you’re pregnant, have cancer, or have certain skin conditions. It’s always best to talk with me or your healthcare provider to make sure this therapy is the right choice for you.
How often should I have Low-Level Laser Therapy sessions?
Typically, sessions are scheduled 2 to 3 times a week. The exact frequency depends on your specific condition and needs. We’ll find the best schedule that works for you.
Can I continue my regular activities after a Low-Level Laser Therapy session?
Yes, you can go back to your regular activities right after your session. There’s no downtime, and some people even feel better movement right after treatment.
Will my health insurance cover Low-Level Laser Therapy?
Insurance coverage for Low-Level Laser Therapy varies, so it’s a good idea to check with your insurance provider to see if it’s covered under your plan.
How do I know if Low-Level Laser Therapy is working for me?
You should start noticing less pain and inflammation after a few sessions. Improved movement and reduced discomfort are signs that the therapy is working. I’ll monitor your progress and make any necessary adjustments to your treatment plan.
What should I do if I feel sore after a session?
It’s uncommon to feel sore after Low-Level Laser Therapy, but if you do, applying ice or taking an over-the-counter pain reliever can help. Let me know if you experience any unusual soreness so we can address it.
Can Low-Level Laser Therapy help with sports injuries?
Yes, Low-Level Laser Therapy is effective for treating sports injuries like muscle strains, ligament sprains, and tendonitis. It helps reduce pain and inflammation, speeding up the healing process so you can get back to your activities sooner.
Related Treatments
Here are some other treatments that can work well with your Low-Level Laser Therapy sessions:
- Orthopedic Manual Therapy:
This involves hands-on techniques to help improve joint movement, reduce pain, and increase flexibility. It can be a great addition to Low-Level Laser Therapy for treating joint and muscle issues. - Rehabilitation Exercises:
These exercises are designed to help you regain strength, balance, and function after an injury. Doing them alongside Low-Level Laser Therapy can speed up your recovery and help you get back to your normal activities faster. - Neural Mobilization:
This technique helps improve the movement and flexibility of your nerves, especially if they’re trapped or pinched. Combining it with Low-Level Laser Therapy can enhance nerve function and reduce pain. - Strapping and Taping:
Using tape to support injured muscles or joints can help stabilize the area and reduce pain during movement. This can be especially useful when combined with Low-Level Laser Therapy to keep you active while you heal.
These treatments can be combined with Low-Level Laser Therapy to provide a more complete approach to your recovery and pain management.
References:
- A. Afzal and M. H. Ramlee, “Low Level Laser Therapy and It’s Effects on Different Musculoskeletal Conditions,” 2020 4th International Symposium on Multidisciplinary Studies and Innovative Technologies (ISMSIT), Istanbul, Turkey, 2020, pp. 1-4, doi: 10.1109/ISMSIT50672.2020.9254421.
- Clijsen, R., Brunner, A., Barbero, M., Clarys, P., & Taeymans, J. (2017). Effects of low-level laser therapy on pain in patients with musculoskeletal disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis. European journal of physical and rehabilitation medicine, 53(4), 603–610. https://doi.org/10.23736/S1973-9087.17.04432-X
- Yousefi-Nooraie, R., Schonstein, E., Heidari, K., Rashidian, A., Pennick, V., Akbari-Kamrani, M., Irani, S., Shakiba, B., Mortaz Hejri, S. A., Mortaz Hejri, S. O., & Jonaidi, A. (2008). Low level laser therapy for nonspecific low-back pain. The Cochrane database of systematic reviews, 2008(2), CD005107. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD005107.pub4
- Gallamini, M., D’Angelo, G., & Belloni, G. (2015). Biolite: A Patented Ultra-Low-Level Laser-Therapy Device for Treating Musculoskeletal Pain and Associated Impairments. Journal of acupuncture and meridian studies, 8(4), 167–174. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jams.2015.02.001
- Abrisham, S. M., Kermani-Alghoraishi, M., Ghahramani, R., Jabbari, L., Jomeh, H., & Zare, M. (2011). Additive effects of low-level laser therapy with exercise on subacromial syndrome: a randomised, double-blind, controlled trial. Clinical rheumatology, 30(10), 1341–1346. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10067-011-1757-7
- de Carvalho Pde T, Leal-Junior EC, Alves AC, Rambo CS, Sampaio LM, Oliveira CS, Albertini R, de Oliveira LV. Effect of low-level laser therapy on pain, quality of life and sleep in patients with fibromyalgia: study protocol for a double-blinded randomized controlled trial. Trials. 2012 Nov 21;13:221. doi: 10.1186/1745-6215-13-221. PMID: 23171567; PMCID: PMC3543348.
- Harada T, Miyagi M, Izukura H, Endou G, Ushigome N, Tsuruoka H, Mizutani A, Ohshiro T, Ebihara S. The effect of low level laser therapy for pain in major muscles controlling two joints. Laser Ther. 2019 Jun 30;28(2):111-115. doi: 10.5978/islsm.19-OR-07. PMID: 32921909; PMCID: PMC7456648.
- Huang, Z., Ma, J., Chen, J., Shen, B., Pei, F., & Kraus, V. B. (2015). The effectiveness of low-level laser therapy for nonspecific chronic low back pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Arthritis research & therapy, 17, 360. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13075-015-0882-0
- Stausholm, M. B., Naterstad, I. F., Joensen, J., Lopes-Martins, R. Á. B., Sæbø, H., Lund, H., Fersum, K. V., & Bjordal, J. M. (2019). Efficacy of low-level laser therapy on pain and disability in knee osteoarthritis: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised placebo-controlled trials. BMJ open, 9(10), e031142. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2019-031142
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