LOW-LEVEL LIGHT THERAPY (LLL)
The terms biophotonic and low-level light therapy are synonymously are used to describe the delivery of light energy to treat a variety of medical conditions.
Low-level light therapy is the application of specific wavelengths of light energy to tissue to obtain therapeutic benefits. The energy delivered is then used to improve cellular
performance.
Low-level light therapy can be delivered through light emitting diode (LED) devices or cold lasers, and has a variety of applications across many medical fields. The treatment is non-invasive, painless, requires no recovery time, and can be used on all skin types.
How it works
In the same way that plants use chlorophyll to convert sunlight into plant tissue, high intensity light emitting diodes (LEDs) utilizing specific, proven wavelengths of light can trigger a
natural biostimulatory effect in human tissue. Research has shown that phototherapy can increase circulation, accelerate tissue repair, kill acne bacteria, decrease inflammation, improve skin
tone, texture and clarity, as well as ease muscle and joint pain, stiffness, spasm, and arthritis.
Research indicates that cells absorb particles of light (photons) and transform their energy into adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the form of energy that cells utilize. The resulting elevation of ATP is then used to power metabolic processes; synthesize DNA, RNA, proteins, enzymes, and other products needed to repair or regenerate cell components; foster mitosis or cell proliferation; and restore homeostasis. Simply put, the LED light source provides compromised cells with added energy so the cells performance is enhanced. For example, fibroblast cells will increase collagen and elastic production in connective tissue.
LIGHT SOURCE EMITS PHOTONS
PHOTONS ARE ABSORBED IN THE MITOCHONDRIA AND CELL MEMBRANES
CAUSING AN ELEVATION OF ATP SYNTHESIS
INCREASED ATP CAUSES A CASCADE OF METABOLIC EVENTS RESULTING IN BIOCHEMICAL AND CELLULAR CHANGES.
"...Reported mechanisms of light-induced effects include modulation of prostaglandin levels, alteration of somatosensory evoked potential and nerve conduction velocity, and hypermia of treated tissue."
—Chukuku S. Enwemeka, PT, PHD, FACSM
Therapeutic Light
RESEARCH INFORMATION ON LOW LEVEL LIGHT THERAPY:
USE OF LOW LEVEL LIGHT THERAPY
THERAPEUTIC LIGHT ARTICLE
