What is low-level laser therapy?
Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) is a painless and noninvasive treatment by means of a laser device which uses low intensity phonic energy in order to reduce pain, reduce swelling, and promote healing at the cell and tissue levels.
There are many uses for LLLT that are both cosmetic, such as liposuction and breast augmentation, and physical, such as for shoulder and neck pain and burn and bone healing. Low-level lasers are cleared as a market device by FDA regulations.
How does it work for bone healing?
Laser therapy activates the bone cells with energy which enhances cell regeneration which will increase blood flow and decrease inflammation. Initially, for bone healing the device is physician administered, but once the treatment has been ordered and the procedure has been gone over by a doctor, it can be administered personally at home. The procedure is simple and painless. The laser device is either held or gently moved in the area where the bone needs healing.
How long will it take for results?
The length of time it will take for the bone to heal depends on the extent of the injury, but most notice progress almost instantly, and broken bones have been known to heal two times faster than healing without the use of LLLT.
Who could benefit from LLLT for bone healing?
Low-level laser therapy as a bone healing device is still in the experimental stages, but there have been many have seen remarkable outcomes and initial research is finding healing results. Anyone with a broken or fractured bone/s as well as those who have recently had orthopedic surgery can benefit from the healing and pain relieving capability of low-level laser therapy. Also those who find themselves dealing with arthritis pain could benefit from LLLT. In addition, those in any industry that deals with bone injury, such as in sports medicine and physical therapy, could also benefit by adding low-level therapy into their treatment regimen.
