Phototherapy Laser

How Does Light Therapy Work?

Releases Nitric Oxide from Hemoglobin

NO Increases Blood Flow (1998 Nobel Prize)

• Powerful vasodilator (arteries, veins, lymphatics)
• Mediator of angiogenesis
• Controls blood pressure

NO Improves Neural Function

• Direct mediator of the analgesic effect of morphine

NO is Critical for Wound Healing

• Signaling molecule for collagen synthesis; collagen fibril alignment
• Anti-inflammatory
• Anti-bacterial/Anti-viral/Anti-fungal

NO Mediates Osteoblastic Proliferation for Bone Healing

• Fracture – non union

History of Photo Energy and Nitric Oxide

• 1998 Nobel Prize for nitric oxide
• 1955 R. Furchgott (light relaxes vessels)
• 1970’s Only in endothelium intact vessels
• 1980’s EDRF
• 1988 EDRF is Nitric Oxide
• 1990’s NO produced in brain and nerves, endothelium, muscle, arteries, veins, lymphatics, bone, macrophages, dermis, and RBC

Sensation Improvements – Active vs. Placebo

# Points Insensate to 10 Gram (5.07) Monofilament

46% Improvement in Sensation with Active Therapy
Placebo Impact was Not Statistically Significant (NS)

Arthritis Cases

Published in Journal of Orthopedic Sports and Physical Therapy – 2001

3 Patients with OA Knees (Ages 62, 63, 78)

• Pain on VAS was 8-10
• Difficulty walking and ascending stairs in all three

Intervention

• LEPT 2-3 times per week (one obtained home unit)
• Physical Therapy, education and home exercises

Results:

• Pain significantly reduced to 3-4
• 2 of 3 were able to ascend stairs
• All 3 ambulating better
• None required surgery
• Only occasional use of OTC NSAIDs

Responsive Conditions

Inflammation/Infection – Bursitis – Osteoarthritis – Tendonitis – Plantar Fasciitis – Lateral Epicondylitis – Neuritis – Synovitis – Bell’s Palsy – Cellulitis – Osteomyelitis (IV Antibiotics)

Range of Motion Deficits – Frozen Shoulder – Contractures • Orthopedic – Non-Union/Jones Fractures – Degenerative Disc

Chronic Wounds – Venous, Pressure Ulcers (Arterial)

Pain – Neuralgia – Fibromyalgia – Neuropathic Pain – Ischemic Pain – Chronic Pelvic Pain

Nerve Entrapments – TMJ – Carpal Tunnel Syndrome – Tarsal Tunnel

Swelling – Edema – Lymphedema – Sprains and Strains

Post-Operative – Reduce Swelling and Pain – Speed Healing – Reduce Adhesions/Scarring