When the photons of light penetrate the skin and underlying tissue, they are absorbed by the cell and converted into energy, thereby altering the cell membrane's permeability. This triggers a cascade of cellular events including:
- Stimulation of ATP
- Stimulation of respiratory chain
- Increased DNA and RNA synthesis
- Increased levels of beta endorphins and serotonin
- Enhanced collagen synthesis
Is MedX Phototherapy the only treatment required for healing?
Photo/laser therapy can be used as a single therapy or adjunctive therapy in combination with other manual therapies or electro-modalities such as acupuncture, ultrasound, and massage therapy.
How are phototherapy treatments administered?
MedX Laser/Phototherapy devices are positioned directly on the skin with gentle pressure applied. Generally, there is no discomfort or sensation associated with treatment. Various areas may be treated, including:
- Directly over the lesion or site of injury
- Muscle insertions
- Relevant trigger points or tender points
- Nerve roots or superficial nerve trucks
- Acupuncture points
Does phototherapy affect only the area being treated?
The effects of MedX Phototherapy treatment can be:
- Local: with a direct benefit over the affected injury
- Regional: with positive effects seen in the surrounding tissue
- Systemic: broader effects evident through increased cell membrane permeability and chemical mediators carried in the blood, lymphatic, and nervous systems
What exactly is phototherapy?
As scientists have understood more about the nature of light and its positive effects on the body, new techniques and devices have been developed to use light as part of the healing process. This is referred to as low level laser therapy or phototherapy. Phototherapy is an umbrella term that can include light from low level lasers as well as superluminous diodes, also known as light emitting diodes (LEDS). Low level lasers, also known as cold laser light, is compressed light, and is different from natural light in that it is one precise color. Lasers are coherent waves, synchronized, and monochromatic (a single wavelength). Therapeutic light energy can be produced by Low Level Laser Diodes (LLLD) and/or Superluminous Diodes (SLD). These diodes can be within the visible red to the near infrared and infrared electromagnetic spectrum.
These properties allow laser light to penetrate the surface of the skin with no heating effect, no damage to the skin, and no known side effects. Specific wavelengths and power levels result in different levels of penetration and cellular effects.
What is low level laser therapy?
There are two types of medical lasers: high power and low power. High power lasers are used to cut through tissue. Low-level lasers, on the other hand, are used to stimulate tissue repair through a process of bio-stimulation. The word "laser" is an acronym for Light Amplification by the Stimulated Emission of Radiation. The theory was first described by Albert Einstein (1879-1955) who paved the way for the development of the therapeutic laser. The first low level therapeutic laser was developed in 1962. By the end of the 1960's, Endre Mester in Hungary was reporting an improved healing of wounds through low level laser radiation. Since then, scientists and doctors around the world have been using laser light to treat conditions which can affect all age groups.
Low level laser therapy is the application of red and near infrared light over injuries or wounds to improve soft tissue healing and relieve both acute and chronic pain. Low level therapy uses cold (sub-thermal) laser light energy to direct bio-stimulative light energy to the body's cells without injuring or damaging them in any way. The therapy is precise and accurate, offering safe and effective treatment for a wide variety of conditions. The energy range of low level laser light lies between 1 and 500 mW (milliwatts), while the energy range for surgical lasers lies between 3,000 and 10,000 mW.
Conditions That Can Benefit from MedX Phototherapy Treatment
Research demonstrates that phototherapy can be used to effectively treat many conditions. Simulating the body's natural repair processes using the healing nature of light has been proven particularly effective for certain conditions including:
- Arthritis/rheumatism
- Tendonitis, tennis and golfer's elbow
- Repetitive stress injuries (e.g. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome)
- Neck and lower back pain
- Soft tissue injuries, strains, sprains
- Migraine headaches and concussions