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FAQ

How does it work?

Lowlevel laser therapy operates under a principle of science known as photochemistry, and as the name implies, is the modulation of chemical and biochemical reactions through the absorption of photons, or light energy. Housed within the mitochondria, the cell energy manufacturer, are receptorscapable of absorbing distinct parameters of light. Think of these receptors like any drug receptors. When we consume a prescription medication, the compound is absorbed by the body and it locates a particular receptor, and based upon its molecular design, will bind to that receptor. Once the drug binds a secondary reaction inside the cell takes place. A similar mechanism is observed when exposing the body to a particular color of light. During a treatment the light will penetrate the skin and is absorbed by this receptor within the mitochondria. Receptor stimulation with light promotes energy production, biochemical reactions, protein and growth factor synthesis, cell growth and proliferation, enhanced blood and oxygen flow, and prevents cell death. When one understands a wound environment, having the capability to address multiple cellular impairments with one therapeutic modality enhances recovery and restoration in the quality of life.

What is low level laser doing?

Lowlevel laser therapy is a therapeutic strategy that addresses a particular medical ailment in a diverse and multifactorial manner. Laser therapy is not an unilateral tool, it does not simply suppress pain nor does it just increase range of motion, it restores functionality and improves quality of life by resolving all underlining causes. For instance, shoulder pain generally arises from a single traumatic event, and as a means to prevent aggravation of the injured tissue your body will restrict movement, decreasing neuropeptide release and restricting blood and oxygen flow along the injured site. Laser therapy, by stimulating both the nervous system and site of tissue injury, has been clinically proven to suppress inflammation, increase oxygen and blood flow, promote muscle calcium uptake, and increase neurotransmitter release. By addressing the injury with a diverse tool it is possible to resolve the condition more effectively by suppressing not one contributor but all contributors.

Why can’t I feel anything during a treatment?

Lowlevel laser therapy does not deliver a significant amount of energy therefore no frictionlike reaction occurs which produces heat. Further, the type of energy delivered does not vibrate or oscillate the cell therefore no photoacoustic sensation is experienced. Lowlevel laser therapy operates at the subatomic level stimulating electrons that are positioned around atoms, and subatomic stimulation is responsible for altering photoreceptor behavior and conversely cell metabolism. Since the biochemical response to laser therapy primarily depends on the color of light and not the output energy, the sensation experienced is similar to what is felt when consuming a prescription medication, none. Millions of biochemical reactions are taking place at this very moment without any comprehension or recognition, and lowlevel laser therapy is applied to stimulate or enhance naturally occurring reactions ,which are struggling to proceed or being overexpressed in an injured state. Even though laser has always been associated with burning and tissue destruction, lowlevel laser therapy on the other hand operates under very similar parameters to a prescription medication, producing no macroscopicsensation but directly impacting how the body’s cells function and behave.