Low Level Laser Therapy- Photobiomodulation – or (LLLT in short) is a type of photo-therapy , where trained and qualified medical / dental professionals use specialized machines Lasers or LEDs) which emit red and near infrared light, which is applied directly over the selected part of the body which is injured or has a certain type of lesion, muscle strain, or surgical wound . The objective is to improve soft tissue healing, reduce inflammation, and give relief in both acute and chronic pain.

These devices stimulate tissue healing at the cellular level. They effect cytochrome c oxidase in the electron transport chain to normalize cellular ATP inside the Mitochondria. Research has shown Photobiomodulation to be most effective at wavelength with low water absorption (630-1064) .This primary mechanism is a Photobiological- Photochemical reaction. This then introduces secondary effects which lead to the clinical results: Modulation of inflammation, faster healing, pain reduction, nerve regeneration, analgesia and modulation of immune response.

Principles

• High dose for pain control (Bioinhibition)
• Low Dose for healing (Biostimulation)
• When treating injuries, always treat lymphatic nodes (ALWAYS BIOSTIMULATION) and also the nerve innervation at the spinal cord.

• • For upper body pain treat LI4 and for lower body pain corresponding acupuncture point between big toe and first toe.
  • For acute pain, treat daily for 3 to 5 days and the space out frequency. For chronic pain 3 times weekly for 3 to 5 weeks and then stop for 2 to 3 weeks to let healing occur.
  • In severe pain doses can be doubled.

Dental Applications

Temporary relief from muscle and joint pains listed below

Medical Applications

Shoulder Pain

• Bio inhibition dose anterior, posterior and lateral to the shoulder.
• Treat lymphatics in Axilla.
• Follow acute-chronic principles.

Neck Pain

• Bio-inhibition dose plus lymphatic duct and treat nerve roots of all cervical vertebrae.

Back Pain

• Bio-inhibition dose-Upper back, treat all of affected muscle as well as lymphatic duct and spinal nerve roots.
• For low back pain muscles and sciatic vertebrae and treat sciatic nerve as well behind knee and end of foot where feel pain or numbness.
• Treat inguinal lymph nodes in groin.

Pulled Muscles and Sprains

• Bio-inhibition dose.
• Treat according to acute protocol.

Bites

• Bio-inhibition dose locally and lymph nodes.

Cuts and Burns

• Bio-stimulation dose locally.

Knees

• Treat up to all four sides depending on damage as well as inguinal nodes and sciatic nerve root.
• Treat following either acute or chronic
• In degenerative arthritis me need to treat long term due to constant use of knee joint.

Plantar Fascitis

• Treat according to acute Bioinhibition protocol.
• Treat at heel and ball of foot and between.
• Check calf muscles as they may need treatment as well.
• Also lymph nodes behind knee and inguinal area and sciatic nerve root.

Sore Throat and Colds

• Treat lymphatic System Bio-stimulation
• Sub-mandibular lymph nodes, 3 or 4 places along neck lymph chain and Lymphatic duct
• If throat red may treat there as well
• If Strep throat Blue Light

( Disclaimer : This is not a scientific article. The objective of this discussion is to educate the general public to help them make better choices and educate about the various applications of LLLT )

Inputs from
Dr.Gerry Ross ,
Various Internet sources,
Scholarly articles