Laser Therapy for Wound Healing, also known as Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT), Photobiomodulation Therapy (PBMT) or Red Light Therapy, uses specific light wavelengths in the 600-800nm range of visible and invisible light (infrared and near infrared) to trigger a biological process of photobiomodulation, which generates energy at a mitochondrial level to intensify the healing process.
Low Level Laser Therapy, or Therapeutic Laser is successfully used for:
- Post-operative wound care and healing, including C Section procedures.
- Scar prevention and reduction.
- Breast enhancement surgery and facial aesthetic surgery recovery.
- Rapid healing of pressure sores, also known as bedsores.
- Accelerated healing of ulcers and burns.
Therapeutic Laser emits specific wavelengths into the skin, to create an increase in the production of ATP (energy) within the mitochondria at a cellular level within the dermis, which promotes an accelerated healing of damaged tissue. Light wavelengths in the 600nm range are particularly effective for skin and wound healing because these photons of light attach to melatonin which is found within the skin.
Low Level Laser is non-thermal, which means that is does not create heat within tissue. A treatment is without sensation, and may actually relieve pain at the same time as healing a wound, because of a rise in endorphins and a reduction in pain receptors, also triggered by the process of photobiomodulation.
Laser Therapy to resolve pain.
Laser Therapy for Wound Healing works at three fundamental levels in order to accelerate tissue repair, and it can often resolve or manage the pain associated with surgical procedures and skin / tissue injuries.
- Firstly, Low Level Laser helps to improve the functionality of the lymphatic system. It encourages the distribution of white blood cells to the necessary areas of the body, healing to heal the injury or trauma in a more efficient way, and allow the body to heal naturally.
- At the same time, endorphins are naturally released into the blood stream, providing a natural pain relief treatment. Many patients experience pain relief after a therapeutic laser treatment, and often report long term pain relief as the wound heals. Red Light Therapy is also used to ease pain considerably for fibromyalgia, neuralgia, arthritis, and chronic injuries.
- Thirdly, Therapeutic Laser increases the production of Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) at a cellular level, which is known to speed up the healing process within soft tissue. Laser Therapy also triggers a process called angiogenesis which is the formation of new blood capillaries. This in turn leads to an increased flow of blood to the site of the wound, which also helps to accelerate healing.
Laser Therapy for post-operative wound healing and wound care.
To prevent a wound from creating a scar it would have to heal within three weeks. Most wounds (including surgical wounds) take 4-8 weeks depending on the depth and size. Therapeutic Laser applied on a wound during the healing period generally help with faster healing, and to prevent infection or other complications during the healing process.
Scar prevention for wound healing and scar tissue reduction.
There is a greater chance of a wound not healing properly in sensitive areas of the body where the skin is more delicate and less robust. Therapeutic Laser for wound healing is particular effective for C Section scars, which may still be red and raised many months after the C Section operation. Similarly breast enhancement surgery and aesthetic facial surgery can leave unsightly scars. Therapeutic Laser is often very effective for helping to heal skin faster post surgery, reduce the size and prominence of the scar during healing, and can also help with redness and raised scarring even if the wound is several years old.
Laser Therapy to heal pressure sores.
Pressure sores (also known as bed sores) are formed as a result of poor circulation, or a a loss of blood flow, when someone spends too much time on the same part of their body without movement. In cases such as a long time in bed from illness or injury, the person must be turned regularly to prevent pressure sores from developing.
Pressure sores after a spinal cord injury are of particular concern because a lack of sensation in parts of the body creates a lack of awareness that there may be an injury or pressure sore forming. The main source of pressure sores for people with spinal cord injuries is an excessive pressure on the skin without periods of relief. Blood flow is restricted to the areas experiencing pressure, resulting in tissue damage. Another cause is when the skin becomes sheared. This can occur if someone is slouching, during transfers when sliding instead of lifting, and extended sitting at an angle in bed.
We have found that pressure sores respond well to Laser Therapy for wound healing, and help prevent the sore from becoming worse or infected. We have been working with paraplegic patients for several years and we are familiar with the impact that pressure sores can have for a paraplegic / tetraplegic person if not treated as quickly as possible.
Clinical Studies: Laser Therapy for Wound Healing.
Clinical studies proving the effectiveness of laser therapy for wound healing is available to read here.
Please Call Us to discuss your specific requirements.