The Benefits of Laser Therapy for Recovery

At one time, using lasers for physical recovery sounded like something you'd read in a sci-fi fantasy novel. Today, however, that idea has become reality—one that could transform your physical health by reducing inflammation, relieving pain, and even helping to regenerate tissue. 

At Triumph Physio and Wellness, we believe in using every tool at our disposal to help our clients recover smoothly and swiftly. And believe it or not, one tool that’s proven to be invaluable in treating countless conditions and concerns is our special laser beam called the Class 3B laser. 

Keep reading to learn all about the benefits of laser therapy for recovery and the amazing ways it’s used to speed up the healing process in physiotherapy.

What is Laser Therapy?

Laser therapy, more specifically known as low level laser therapy (LLLT), is a non-invasive light source treatment used to treat the musculoskeletal system. 

In LLLT treatments, physiotherapists point a special laser at a joint, tendon, or muscle group. The beam of the laser is between 660 and 905 nanometers (nm) wide, which is about 150 times thinner than a human hair. This means the light can pass through the skin and reach the injured tissue beneath. This is a process known as biostimulation or photobiology.

Having lasers pointed at your already-hurting body might sound alarming, but in fact, administering the laser is completely painless. Because the lasers used are Class 3B (a low-level rating), they don’t produce any heat or vibration in the body, and they don’t make a sound. This is also what gives our Class 3B laser its other name: cold laser.

Now that we understand a little about this fascinating medical tech, what conditions is it used to treat, and what are the benefits? Let’s shine a light on laser therapy.

What Does Laser Therapy Help With?

Laser therapy is a non-invasive treatment that’s easy to include in virtually any physiotherapy treatment plan. Because of this, we see it used for a wide variety of physical concerns, such as:

• Osteoarthritis in the knees, hips, and ankles

• Rheumatoid arthritis

• Shoulder impingement

• Bursitis

• Lymphedema

• Neuropathic pain 

• Sciatica

• Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) 

• Tendonitis

• Herniated discs

• Disc degeneration

• Plantar fasciitis

With so many potential applications of laser therapy, it’s no wonder that more physiotherapists are incorporating this tool into their recovery recommendations. 

7 Benefits of Laser Therapy

1. Reduced Inflammation

One of the most important benefits of LLLT is its ability to limit and reduce inflammation. Using lasers between 660nm and 684nm, cold lasers can reduce the formation of edema (when too much serum builds up in the joints, which causes swelling) and reduce the migration of inflammatory cells. The effects can take anywhere from a few hours to a few days to appear. 

2. Faster Tissue Regeneration

LLLT stimulates cell growth, which means your body is able to regenerate and heal faster. Regular LLLT treatments can help increase the production of:

• Fibroblasts: A cell that helps to produce collagen, essential for joint health.

• Keratinocytes: A cell found in the skin that helps to produce keratin, which helps with joint repair and reducing inflammation.

• Endothelial cells: Cells that line blood vessels, supporting healthy blood flow and reducing inflammation, especially for rheumatoid arthritis.

• Lymphocytes: A white blood cell used in the lymphatic system, essential for immune function and reducing inflammation.

Depending on where the laser is directed and what level it’s set to, your physiotherapist can target certain areas for different reasons. They may use it to improve connective tissue regrowth to help heal an injury or boost immune response to control inflammation.

3. Pain Relief

Laser therapy reduces inflammation and promotes cell growth, all while helping to reduce pain signals and nerve sensitivity. This means LLLT can provide incredible pain relief for certain conditions, including chronic and acute pain.

4. Improved Blood Flow

By helping endothelial cells to regenerate, low level laser therapy can help to improve blood flow throughout the body. This helps injured cells get the oxygen and nutrients they need to regenerate, speeding up the healing process.

5. Faster Mobility Improvements

LLLT is usually used in combination with other forms of physiotherapy, such as manual therapy, stretch therapy, massage therapy, and more. When used as part of a larger treatment plan, laser therapy can speed up the recovery process significantly. This means you’ll start to see results from your work in physiotherapy sooner and get back to your usual activities faster.

6. Reduced Scar Tissue

LLLT is believed to help reduce scar tissue build-up, which makes it especially useful for people recovering from surgeries or major injuries. This helps make the recovery process more comfortable and lessens the risk of lasting pain and stiffness. Amazingly, LLLT is even thought to help reduce the size and prominence of old scars on the skin, showing that it’s capable of doing the same thing in the musculoskeletal system.

7. Safe and Non-Invasive

Perhaps above all else, low level laser therapy is non-invasive in its usage. Unlike high level laser therapy, which can produce a hot sensation on the skin, you won’t even notice these cold lasers as they work to help restore injured cells and reduce inflammation. And unlike surgeries, prescriptions, and similar procedures, laser therapy is completely non-invasive, making it easy to add to your existing physiotherapy regimen or create a new one that includes it.

Questions? Get in Touch

At Triumph Physio, we regularly use laser therapy as a part of our physio treatment plans. By harnessing the amazing power of this device, we can shorten your recovery time and reduce pain and stiffness, all while helping you work towards your wellness goals. It’s pain-free, completely safe, and proven to be a valuable tool in our physiotherapy toolkit.

Contact us today if you'd like to learn more about laser therapy or consult with us about including it in your physio treatment!

Disclaimer: This BLOG content is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The creators of this BLOG are not liable for any actions or decisions taken by individuals based on the information presented herein. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

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