Laser Benefits

Low Level Laser Therapy aims to biostimulate. Because of its low power nature, the effects are biochemical and not thermal and cannot cause heating and thereby damage to living tissue. Four distinct photobiological effects are known to occur when using Low Level Laser Therapy:

Accelerated Tissue Repair

Photons of light from a laser penetrate deep into tissue and power the synthesis of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and protein.  Increases in ATP increases the energy available to cells so that the cell can take in nutrients and expel waste products faster. The 'extra' energy produced by the laser light is used by fibroblasts to increase collagen production.  Collagen is the essential protein required to replace old tissue and repair tissue injuries.  There is also improved cell proliferation and changes in cell membrane permeability to calcium uptake.

Wounds are healed rapidly by the application of laser light, with less scar tissue formed.  LLLT not only optimises the speed of repair in acute injuries, but also stimulates the body's repair processes in cases of non-healing or chronic conditions.

Pain Relief

Studies have shown LLLT to provide highly beneficial pain relief in certain conditions.  Laser light has an effect on the nerve cells and suppresses nerve conduction by nociceptive fibres: it essentially interferes with pain transmitted by these cells to the brain.  A less understood pain blocking mechanism involves the production of high levels of painkilling chemicals such as endorphins and serotonin in response to laser light.

Accelerated Lymphatic System Activity

LLLT improves the re-establishment of the lymphatic system after trauma, resulting in reduced swelling. This is due to the evacuation of “dirty” proteins by the stimulated lymphatic vessels. This is especially valuable when treating conditions in the equine lower leg.

Vasodilation

Laser light has been shown to significantly increase the formation of new capillary pathways in treated areas resulting in increased circulation.