Laser Therapy

Our Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) devices emit Red, Green, and/or Violet wavelengths using Erchonia Lasers. Erchonia is the industry leader for high quality therapeutic medical grade laser devices. Their lasers have been used in the bulk of quality research showing efficacy from laser use. Erchonia holds 21 of the 24 current FDA clearances for laser applications. There are lots of over-the-counter laser type treatment options out there...Erchonia uses those devices as placebo controls to demonstrate the benefit of their lasers in research. LLLT is very safe with little to no risk or side effects as long as we do not shine it directly into the eye. It can be appropriately used on the physical body as well as the brain or nervous system and can be a safe way to offer laser therapy to pets also.

Our Class III / Class IV Laser Therapy device emits Red, near-infrared and infrared wavelengths using a Medray Laser device. Class IV laser therapy provides deep penetration of light into the body and the thermal effects associated with higher levels of light intensities; as a result, Class IV lasers can offer shorter treatment times, may be used on the physical body, but not the brain. Class IV is the preferred laser for conditions like tendonitis (golfer's elbow, tennis elbow, climbers elbow), plantar fasciitis, and/or bursitis. While relatively very safe, Class IV Lasers relative to Class II are higher risks to the eyes and there can be some risk for burns if applied inappropriately.

Laser therapy is not appropriate during pregnancy or over active cancer.

 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How long will it take to notice improvement with Laser Therapy?

While many patients report improvement after a single laser therapy session, all laser therapy research recommends a treatment protocol of several visits and cites a cumulative or a building effect from a series of visits beyond what is experienced from a single visit. Laser therapy protocols for most conditions recommend two to three sessions per week for four to six weeks, and depending on the condition, subsequent follow up visits for wellness care.

What conditions may be treated by Laser Therapy?

Research has demonstrated that Laser Therapy is an effective stand alone treatment for many conditions but, also, improves the outcomes of almost all other types of treatments, including: Chiropractic, Physical Therapy, and most medical procedures (pre- and post-surgical outcomes and a variety of Injection treatments)

To date Erchonia has received FDA market clearance (a rigorous process, surpassing research trials or studies) for Neck and Shoulder Pain, Low Back Pain, Nociceptive Musculoskeletal (physical body) Pain, Plantar Fasciitis, Postoperative Pain, Acne, Laser Assisted Liposuction, Non-Invasive Body Contouring, Onychmycosis (toe nail fungus), and more. Erchonia continues to conduct clinical trials on other conditions with positive research results.

Regarding research using Laser Therapy there are many studies that have been performed showing significant positive effects for all of these conditions:

-Arthritis (all types)

-Bursitis

-Knee pain

-Pain (in general, anywhere in the body)

-Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

-Nerve injuries

-Sciatica

-Disc Herniations

-Wound healing

-TMJ disorder

-Sprains

-Strains

-Tendonitis (golfer’s elbow, tennis elbow, climber’s elbow)

-Depuytren’s Contracture

-Varicose Veins

-Tinnitus

-Neurological conditions

-Autism

-Alzheimer’s

-Parkinson’s

-Covid recovery

-Stroke recovery

-Immune System boost

-Eczema

-PANS stimulation

-Concussion/TBI

-Shingles

-Scar Tissue reduction

-Neuropathy

-Hyper and Hypothyroid conditions

-and more!

What does Laser Light do in the body?

Research has shown many effects such as: Faster Tissue Repair and Cell Growth, Reduction in Fibrous Tissue Formation, Reduced Inflammation, Reduced Pain, Improved Circulation and Capillary Development, Improved Nerve Conduction, Increased Immune Functioning, and Reduced Cell Toxicity. Further, violet laser light has Anti-Bacterial, Anti-Microbial, Anti-Viral and Anti-Fungal effects.

Mitochondria are showing to be a primary target for light therapy, specifically the complexes of the Electron Transport Chain (ETC) resulting in increased ATP (cellular energy) production and decreased cell toxicity. This may get a little science nerdy here but if you are still reading, we will scratch the surface...

The ETC is a chain of complexes that is responsible for transporting ions with the end effect of converting ADP to ATP (ATP is usable cellular energy that is required for every function in the body including thoughts). Red light lasers have been shown to help release more ATP. In the ETC, red light effects complex 4 where ATP is released. Research has shown that violet wavelengths of light effect complexes 1 and 2 and that green wavelength effects complex 3. So, using multiple wavelengths of laser light (multiple Erchonia devices) speeds up the entire process of ATP production. Further, it is known that cell toxicity may take place at complexes 1 and 3 as a release of free radical ions; so, by using violet and green wavelengths we can improve the function at those complexes withing the ETC, effectively reducing cell toxicity.

Beyond Mitochondria and the ETC, research has demonstrated that Laser Light Increases, Upregulates or Promotes:

-Synthesis of NADH (responsible for essential actions in creating cellular energy)

-Nitric Oxide (important molecule in blood vessel health)

-Glutathione (primary antioxidant in the superoxide dismutase pathway…immune system)

-IL-10 (major cytokine for growth and repair and is anti-inflammatory)

-TGF-B (antiproliferative effects on tumors)

-Parasympathetic tone

-RNA and Protein synthesis

-Oxygen release at tissue level

-Enhances neovascularization and angiogenesis

-Increases Collagen synthesis

-Cell proliferation

And then Laser Decreases, Down Regulates or Inhibits:

-IL-6 and IL-8 (key cytokines in the inflammatory response)

-Fibrosis

-Free Radicals or Reactive Oxygen Species (cause cell damage and cell death)

-COX pathway (responsible for pain and inflammation)

-TNF-a (cytokine involved in systemic inflammation and associated with many neurological and degenerative conditions

-Sympathetic tone

-Decreased fibroblasts

-Inhibition of pain and pathology by suppresses afferent nociceptive (pain) fiber signaling as well as modulates synaptic transmission to dorsal horn neurons including, inhibition of substance P (neurotransmitter responsible for pain).

Other research finding regarding Laser Therapy and its effects on the body:

Violet and UV light are well known for having anti bacterial, antiviral and antifungal effects. Pulsed blue coherent light was shown to have the strongest anti-viral effects against coronavirus…better than continuous wave or UV wavelengths.

Viruses and bacteria do not develop resistance to light therapy. Drug resistant strains are still susceptible to light therapy.

Canadian Journal of Respiratory therapy 2020

-LLLT suppressed the Covid attenuated cytokine storm at multiple levels

-Minimizes the length of time needed on ventilator, enhanced healing process and shortened recovery time

-Supports mucosal regulation in lung tissue

Laser effects in the brain:

-Reduced Beta Amyloid Toxicity (AB proteins are the large precursor proteins that form the plaques associated with Alzheimer’s)

-Enhances cerebral perfusion

-Increases cerebral blood flow

-Improves mitochondrial respiration leading to neuroprotective and cognitive enhancements

-Increased Hippocampal CA1 NSC differentiation (associated with memory and recall…reduces Dementia and Alzheimer’s effects)

-Facilitates cognitive function recovery involving NLRP3

-Modulates LPS-induced NF-kB signaling pathway via HSP27 (organizes cellular resistance to invading pathogens)

-Reduced dendrite atrophy via upregulating BDNF expression

-Reduces oxidative and inflammatory responses in astrocytes

-Suppresses gliosis, inflammation and tau hyperphosphorylation

-Protects viable cells and increases cerebral ATP by 22% over control

-Increased blood flow velocity in cerebral and basilar arteries

-Improves axonal transport in Parkinson’s disease cybrid neurites

-Increases phagocytosis of Beta Amyloid proteins

-Mitigates post stroke damage (in both animal and human trials)

-In MS, LLLT attenuates demylenation, increased oligodendrocyte precursor cells, modulated microglial and astrocyte activation, reduced inflammatory immune cells and mediators.

Laser Therapy:

-Inhibits cytokine production and attenuates disease severity in Rheumatoid Arthritis

-Reduces body fat, blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels

-Attenuated disruption of tight junctions in intestinal epithelium, mediated through suppressing translocation of NF kB to help with gut health

-Downregulating byosin light chain kinase reducing scar tissue formation

-Increased enteric glial activity

-Reduces intestinal permeability.

-Reduces blood brain barrier disruption

-Regulates phagocytic and secretory activity of macrophages in liver

Fat/weight:

-Improves glucose metabolism and intracellular insulin pathway in adipose

-Improves glucose tolerance and phosphorylation of Akt (Ser473) and reversed HFD-induced reduction of GLUT4 content and phosphorylation of AS160 (Ser588)

-Improved parameters related to obesity and insulin resistance from high fat diet

Immunology:

-Effects TGF/B1 signaling in chronic kidney disease

-Restores IL-10 secretion Asthma

-Increase immune cell populations (IL-1B, TNF-a, IL-10) and protein expression on macrophages and dendritic cells

-T-cell regulation by TCD4+ and TCD8+ enrichment

Laser Therapy at Evolution of Balance is not provided in or around the eyes, during pregnancy, directly over pacemakers or other medical devices, or over tumors. While it is not recommended to perform laser therapy over tumors, a recent well conducted study showed no tumor growth or remission as a result of laser therapy.

If you have more questions about Laser Therapy at Evolution of Balance or would like to discuss whether Laser Therapy may be a treatment option for you, please schedule a Free Consultation.