How Does Laser Therapy Work?
Theralase delivers energy deep into the target tissues, stimulating cells while remaining below the Maximum Permissible Exposure (MPE) tolerance for tissue. Theralase lasers are non thermal (“non heating instruments”) so they stimulate tissue without heating it.
Theralase (non-thermal therapeutic) lasers work on the cellular level in 3 ways.
- Accelerate Healing
Cellular Pathway: Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP)
Source: https://breatheornot.wordpress.com/2012/05/14/why-we-need-to-breathe-part-i-carbon-dioxide/
Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) is a basic cell energy unit.Within a cell, there are organelles called mitochondria which are known as the “powerhouse” of the cell. Injured cells need energy to heal. Theralase stimulates the mitochondria to produce more ATP; therefore, more energy. Injured cells absorb the light and convert it into chemical energy, ATP, to accelerate tissue repair. When cells have energy, they can stimulate each other to heal the injured area.
- Reduce Inflammation
Cellular Pathway: Nitric Oxide (NO)
Source: http://www.antiagingprime.com/nitricoxideandtb.html
The body produces Nitric Oxide (NO) to decrease inflammation. When tissue is injured, the body initiates the inflammatory response to prevent further damage to the tissue. Pain is felt because the associated swelling applies pressure on nerve endings. By producing more NO, inflammation will decrease and the cells can start healing. NO dilates and relaxes blood vessels which allows oxygen and other components help the tissue heal. Research shows that Theralase increases NO production significantly.
- Eliminate Pain
Cellular Pathway: Lipid (Fat) Absorption
Source: http://people.eku.edu/ritchisong/301notes2.htm
Nerve cells transmit information through electrical and chemical signals. We perceive pain due to sodium exiting and potassium entering through nerve cell membranes. Cell membranes are made of lipids. Lipids absorb best at near infrared wavelength, 905nm to 930 nm. Theralase produces laser light at 905nm. It allows the cell membrane to reabsorb sodium and expel potassium. By rebalancing sodium and potassium, the pain signal is removed at the source.