Useful Information Regarding Laser Therapy For Shoulder Pain

By Sandra Young


Laser technology came into existence in the 1960s. Soon after the invention, it was discovered that laser therapy had the potential of improving would healing and reducing swelling, inflammation, and pain. As such, scientists and researchers started to find new ways of applying laser technology in the field of medicine. The field has broadened a lot and now involves the use of various light sources such as LEDs. This field is called photobiomodulation. Here are facts regarding Laser therapy for shoulder pain.

It is the invention of helium-neon in 1961 and ruby lasers in 1960 that inspired the concept of photobiomodulation to be developed. Endre Mester was the scientist who made the discovery that lasers could be used in medicine. When Mester made this discovery, he was working in a lab at Semmelweis University in Budapest. Mester discovered that when shaved mice are exposed to lasers, the hair on mice that did not get exposed to it grew slower than those that were exposed.

Mester in a following demonstration showed that exposure to helium-neon lasers stimulates healing in wounds. Later on, experiments were conducted in humans prior to the process being approved for medical practice. Thereafter, a consistent procedure was developed in three main applications. These are reduction of chronic joint disorders, inflammation, and edema, foster healing in nerves, deeper tissues and wounds and finally curing neurological disorders and pains.

Low level laser therapy is the word used to refer to using lasers in treating different medical problems. LLLT is its abbreviation. Low levels of near infrared or red light are shone on cells or tissues to enhance healing. The word low level is used to describe the light since the light is used at extremely low densities of energy.

The low energy densities therefore cause no harm. Other forms of lasers such as those used in thermally coagulating tissue, cutting, and ablation usually use very high energy densities that make them extremely dangerous. As such, the process is safe. The use of light emitting diodes (LEDs) has made the process even cheaper even though there is still a debate regarding the clinical effect produced by coherent lasers and LEDs.

At the time of administration of the lasers, the source of the lasers is placed near the skin. The source is held atop the skin. Upon entrance of the photons from the lasers into the body, they interact with cytochrome C complex found in mitochondria. This results in a number of events.

Cellular metabolism is increased by these events which later reduce pain and inflammation. It is advantageous to use LLLT in medication since good results are produced without any undesirable side effects being caused. Also, patients have testified feeling long-term pain relief. However, in order to achieve long-term relief, several treatments might be needed by a person depending on how severe their condition is.

Laser treatment is ideal when dispensed right after the injury is sustained. Administering LLLT as soon as possible prompts the healing process and minimizes inflammation. These reduce the severity of the condition. In the event of chronic problem, LLLT is aimed to fight inflammation and persistent pain.




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