What is Low Intensity Laser Therapy (LILT)?

Laser therapy is the use of monochromatic light emission from a low intensity laser diode (250 milliwatts or less) or any array of high intensity Super Luminous Diodes (providing total optical power in the 1000-2000 milliwatt range) to treat musculoskeletal injuries, chronic and degenerative conditions and to heal wounds. The light source is placed in contact with the skin allowing the photon energy to penetrate the tissue, where it interacts with various intracellular biomolecules resulting in the restoration of normal cell function and enhancement of the body's healing processes.

How does LILT work?

Simply put, LILT is the application of infrared light over injuries to improve soft tissue healing and relieve acute and chronic injuries. The light stimulates the cell's mitochondria into hyperactivity. The Krebs Cycle of metabolism occurs on the inner membrane of this structure, liberating energy from the chemical bonds present in ATP molecules. The cell is provided with more energy and is now in an optimum condition to play its part in the healing process. The laser's effect on the tissue has been termed "photobiostimulation," a chain of chemical reactions triggered by exposure to light.

If a cell is working to repair itself, it needs a great deal of energy. Most cells continue to work at their usual rate, which is why repair of some tissues takes so long. In some instances, the cells stay so busy dealing with the inflammatory cells and products that are present in the injured tissue, they don't have energy enough left to provide effective repair.

When cells are stimulated with LILT, their activity is increased so that they can perform better, faster and more effectively. The result is wound and injury healing that is enhanced and that takes less time to complete. Also stimulated is the function of immune cells and the lymphatic and vascular systems.

What is the term LASER an acronym for?

Light
Amplification by
Stimulated
Emission of
Radiation

What are the two major differences between conventional light and laser light?

Laser light is monochromatic (single color, narrow spectrum, specific wavelength) and coherent.

What is meant by "radiation", when referring to Lasers?

"Radiation" is often misinterpreted since it is also used to describe radioactive materials and ionizing radiation. The use of the word "radiation" in terms of laser light is merely an expression of energy transmission.

What are the most common types of LASERS used in LILT?

Helium-Neon (HeNe)
- visible, red
Gallium-Arsenide (GaAs)
- invisible, infrared
Gallium-Aluminum-Arsenide (GaAIAs)
- invisible, infrared

What is the difference between HeNe (visible red) LASERS and invisible, infrared lasers?

HeNe lasers penetrate the skin poorly, therefore are more suitable for superficial (skin and mucosal) lesions, superficial muscle and connective tissue injuries. Infrared lasers, such as the BioFlex System penetrate deeper and are suitable for both superficial and deeper lesions.

What is the wavelength and power level of the BioFlex System used at STREAMLINE Health Solutions™?

830 nanometers and 75 milliwats.

Why are 830nm wavelength LASERS used?

The answer to this question is essentially one of penetration and delivered energy. In the treatment of soft and connective tissue injuries and disorders, the goal is to deliver the most effective laser wavelength to the target tissue.

There is ample clinical evidence that the 830 nm laser light produces specific beneficial biological reactions that are not produced by other wavelengths. This unique ability to stimulate greater response is the key to 830 nm laser therapy.

The light from the laser distributes in the tissue in the shape of a ball or an egg . This is dependent on the wavelength of the light. Short wavelengths give a smaller and fairly round ball-shaped distribution, while longer wavelengths give a more egg-shaped distribution. The shorter 632 nm (HeNe) visible red wavelength is more readily absorbed by blood and skin surface components, thereby limiting its tissue penetration.

The longer 830 nm ( GaAlAs ) invisible infrared wavelength has significantly greater depth of pene-tration. A greater amount of photons are delivered to the target tissue with the 830nm wavelength.

Clinical studies done by Dr. Laakso et al from Royal Brisbane Hospital in Australia have confirmed that significant increases in plasma levels of endorphins resulted from 830 nm laser irradiation. The ability of the 830 nm wavelength to stimulate the production of pain reducing plasma endorphin levels, while other wavelengths did not, is important when clinicians are treating painful conditions.

Laser therapy has been used by leading scientists and clinicians around the world for over 20 years. In Japan, where laser therapy is considered a preferred medical practice, Dr. Noriko Mochizuki et al published a clinical study on the effect of laser therapy and ATP production.

In that study, the scientists found that tissue levels of ATP were significantly increased when the target area was irradiated with 830 nm wavelength laser light. The study further stated that this beneficial increase in ATP production was not the result of temperature modification, but rather a direct response to the effect of laser light photons.

This study along with a host of other clinical reports confirm the singular ability of the 830 nm laser wavelength to stimulate cellular responses that result in accelerated metabolism and repair. Since ATP functions as the primary fuel for cellular activity, stimulated increases of this energy source greatly enhances cellular ability to perform and complete biological processes.

What conditions/injuries can be treated with LILT?

Is Laser Therapy scientifically well documented?

There are over 2500 research reports published documenting the effectiveness of LILT. The book "Low Level Laser Therapy (Clinical Practice and Scientific Background)" is the most recent reference guide for literature documentation. The first systemic scientific research on the biological effects of low level laser was conducted by the late Professor Endre Mester of the Semmelweis Medical University in Budapest, Hungary, 1966.

Are there any side effects?

Occasionally patients experience a slight exacerbation of pain for a varying period of time - usually for less than 24 hours after treatment. If this occurs, utilize pain medication and/or ice and let the therapist know prior to the next treatment.

How many treatments will I need to receive?

This depends on the condition and each individual's response to LILT. On average 5-20 treatments varying from 15-60 minutes in duration are required.

Are LILT treatments covered by insurance?

Although Provincial Health Care and Blue Cross currently do not cover the cost of LILT treatments, there are some extended health care policies which do offer coverage. Contact your insurance provider for more information.

Why are the BioFlex Systems the preferred choice of STREAMLINE Health Solutions™?

The patented flexible treatment heads are designed to conform to different body parts, whether it's a back, knee, neck, elbow, etc. This allows the highest possible concentration of light to be absorbed by cells in the area to be treated.

The patented software package provides treatment protocols which are the result of over a decade of clinical research. The protocols can also be customized to offer an extremely individualized treatment program for each patient.

The BIOFLEX SYSTEMS are FDA, Health Canada, CSA, UL, and CE approved.

Can Laser Therapy cause cancer?

Low Intensity Laser Therapy is very safe because it generally utilizes wavelengths above 632 nm. Therefore the laser beam is not producing ionizing radiation (which can cause cancer) like X-rays, Gamma rays etc. It is even safer than ordinary sunlight. Sunlight contains cancer causing wavelengths (below 320 nm) such as ultra violet light.

What are the contraindications?
(or when is LILT not recommended)?

Direct Irradiation of the Eyes
Class 3B lasers are potentially harmful if viewed directly. When using 3B lasers the patient and practitioner must wear approved safety eyewear. This is not a requirement for the LED treatment heads.

Pregnancy
Do not treat over the pregnant uterus. It may be used on the pregnant woman as an adjunct to the other modalities being used for the treatment of back pain or other complaints.

Carcinoma
Do not treat directly over any known primary or secondary lesions. Treatments may be given for pain relief during the terminal stages of the illness - this must be done only with the full consent of both patient and consultant involved.

Thyroid
Treatment should not be used directly over the thyroid gland.

Hemorrhage
It is conceivable that laser/LED mediated vasodilatation may worsen the hemorrhage.

Immune Suppressant Drugs
Laser/LED treatment is contra-indicated for patients on these drugs as treatments can affect the immune system.

Treatment over Sympathetic ganglia, vagus, and cardiac region in patients with heart disease
Laser/LED treatment may significantly alter neural function, and therefore is contra-indicated over these regions of patients with heart disease.

Note: Pins, metal plates, plastics, and pacemakers ARE NOT contra-indicated.