The many wonderful effects of Laser Therapy on your health
The effects of Laser Therapy on healing. How different wavelengths can make all the difference.
The possible effects of Class 4 Laser therapy on healing are largely dependant on the power of the machine (wattage), the ability to pulse, and the wavelengths available. Not all Laser therapy machines are created equally. This blog post will discuss the different wavelengths that we have available, and how each wavelength can impact your cells in unique ways.
There is a therapeutic window between the ranges of 600nm (red light) and 1080nm (near infrared). Most Class 4 Lasers used in treating musculoskeletal conditions are within this range. At Align Corrective Chiropractic we use the GBOX Plus. This comes with 4 different wavelengths that can be used individually or simultaneously to give you the best results.
635nm – The effect of Laser on Surface Healing.
At 635nm, laser light is in the red spectrum, and it primarily affects surface-level tissues. This wavelength has a shallower penetration, targeting the skin, mucous membranes, and shallow tissues.
Cellular effects: When the body absorbs light at 635nm, it stimulates the mitochondria—the powerhouse of the cell. The mitochondria absorb the light and increase the production of ATP (adenosine triphosphate). ATP provides the energy cells need for growth, repair, and regeneration. This increased energy helps fibroblasts (cells responsible for collagen production) work more efficiently, leading to faster healing of wounds, cuts, or skin conditions like scars or burns. Additionally, it enhances circulation in the treated area, helping reduce swelling and promoting the delivery of nutrients needed for healing. We utilise this wavelength the most with wound healing and post-surgical cases.
810nm – The effect of Laser on Muscle Recovery.
The 810nm wavelength is known for its deeper tissue penetration. This near-infrared light is particularly effective for musculoskeletal injuries, such as muscle strains, ligament sprains, and joint pain.
Cellular effects: When 810nm light reaches deeper tissues, it penetrates the skin and reaches muscle fibres, tendons, and ligaments. The laser energy is absorbed by the mitochondria, again boosting ATP production. This leads to an increase in cellular metabolism and an accelerated healing process. Specifically, the increase in ATP stimulates the production of growth factors, which are proteins that support tissue repair. Additionally, the light helps reduce oxidative stress and inflammation at the cellular level, which is key for relieving pain and discomfort.
We use this wavelength to reduce recovery time from musculoskeletal injuries and chronic pain by accelerating tissue repair and reducing inflammation.
980nm – The effects of Laser Therapy on Pain Relief and Healing.
The 980nm wavelength provides a balanced penetration, reaching deeper tissues while also stimulating therapeutic responses in more superficial areas. This wavelength is often used for treating medium-depth injuries such as deep tissue bruising, tendonitis, and inflammation in muscles and joints.
Cellular effects: 980nm light helps enhance microcirculation in the treated area, which increases the oxygen and nutrient supply to damaged tissues. At the cellular level, this results in enhanced collagen synthesis, which is critical for tissue repair. It also reduces inflammation by decreasing the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, helping to alleviate pain and swelling.
We use this wavelength to promote anti-inflammation and reduce pain.
1064nm – The effects of Laser Therapy on Chronic Conditions
The 1064nm wavelength is one of the most penetrating wavelengths, able to reach deep tissues, including muscles, joints, and even bones. This wavelength is commonly used for chronic pain, deep muscle injuries, and conditions such as arthritis.
Cellular effects: The 1064nm wavelength stimulates the production of collagen and elastin, two proteins essential for tissue regeneration and strength. Furthermore, the 1064nm wavelength promotes vasodilation, which increases blood flow to the area, delivering more oxygen and nutrients to the cells for faster healing. It also helps reduce pain by modulating the activity of sensory neurons and decreasing the transmission of pain signals.
For best results we will often use a combination of all the above wavelengths.
As you can see all the above wavelengths fall within the therapeutic range and have the potential to help you heal and recover faster, and we therefore will often use a combination of multiple wavelengths so that you can get the best results. If you think Class 4 Laser Therapy may be what you are looking for then please give us a call or whatsapp on 0315629180.