Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT)

Initially developed in 1967, Laser therapy is now also commonly referred to as LLLT or photobiomodulation therapy. Laser Therapy reduces pain and inflammation and improves tissue repair, through the application of red and infra-red light over soft tissues, injuries or lesions.

Over 300 randomised clinical trials have been published on LLLT, with over 50% of which are on pain. Laser therapy has been used for many years to treat Chronic Pain, Sports Injuries, Arthritic joints, Neuropathic pain syndromes, back and neck pain.

At the Performance Therapy Clinic laser therapy is used to help speed up healing / repair and reduce the need for anti-inflammatories which slow down the tissue repair process.

Laser Treatments may take from 10 to 30 minutes typically and may be applied two or more times a week in acute situations or weekly in less acute conditions alongside conventional neuromuscular therapy for inflammation strains, sprains, and chronic pain.

The effects of Laser Therapy are photochemical (like photosynthesis in plants). Using the correct time and intensity of treatment, red and infrared light reduces oxidative stress and increases ATP. Thus, improving cell metabolism and reducing inflammation.

LLLT works predominately on the (cytochrome c oxidase) protein in the mitochondria to increase ATP and reduce oxidative stress, thus causing a cascade of mitochondrial and intracellular downstream effects resulting in reduced inflammation and improved tissue repair.

LLLT is commonly used for joint and soft tissue injuries, neuropathic pain, non-healing pressure ulcers. The intensity of LLLT lasers and LED’s is not high, like a surgical laser, therefore there is no direct heating effect.