As stated by Juanita J. Anders, PhD in the August 2010 issue of the ASLMS Journal, “The use of Photobiomodulation, commonly referred to as low level light therapy, to alter cellular function has come a long way since the early days.” First, I may be a bit particular about terminology as there are a lot of misperceptions and misrepresentations out there. Due to years of inferior products and exaggerated claims, we need to be very specific and accurate with our statements. So, this is not a discussion on “Light” therapy. This is “Laser” therapy. More specifically we are talking mainly about “high power laser therapy.” Although “cold” lasers or “low level lasers” work on the same principles, they often do not have enough power to elicit a measurable or consistent clinical response in deep musculoskeletal conditions. Laser therapy has been used in animals for over 20 years. However, the newer high-powered Class IV therapy lasers were just FDA cleared in the US in 2005. Their use has grown dramatically in the last 8-10 years.
Let’s start with the basics. The two most important parameters that dictate the function or capability of any laser are its wavelength and its power. Wavelength is just the ‘color’ of the laser light. Laser therapy works by a wavelength specific form of ‘photobiomodulation’. Laser light in the red and near-infrared range is absorbed by specific structures in the body (cytochrome C oxidase/hemoblobin/water) and this has a positive effect on many biological reactions. The main result of this photochemical reaction is to increase blood flow to tissue, stimulate the release of O2 from the hemoglobin delivered, and enhance the efficiency of converting the O2 to useful energy within the cell. This will lead to improved cellular function and/or an increase in cell growth, replication, repair, or production of beneficial biochemical reactions. There are other physiologic responses to laser light as well. There is a mild photothermal effect (with Class IV lasers only) which helps with blood flow, muscle relaxation, and nerve conduction. There is also a photoenergetic effect which can stimulate acupuncture points. The clinical results of these cellular reactions are the following:
Laser power is the rate at which the laser energy is delivered. Using a proper laser that delivers enough light (photons) to the appropriate area is the key to consistent and measurable effects. The classification of all lasers is dictated by the FDA and is based on the maximum power the laser can deliver. It is used for guidance when discussing safety and the potential to cause harm/damage especially to the eye. Most therapeutic lasers are class IIIa, IIIb, or IV. Class IIIb lasers produce up to 500 mWatts of power. Class IV Lasers are anything that produces over 500 mWatts of power. Class IV therapy lasers are extremely safe. The main benefit to the higher power is the ability to deliver enough photons at the surface (a larger total dose) to compensate for the power loss (decreased number of photons) that will reach deeper tissues due to scatter and absorption within the tissue. This allows for a more direct photochemical response on these deeper tissues. That is why there is a much more measurable and consistent response to class IV laser therapy vs class III lasers or LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes). Lower dosages are used when treating small patients or superficial wounds/lesions and for acupuncture point or trigger point stimulation. Most Class IV lasers have the capability to reduce the power in order to deliver a lower dosage when appropriate. This makes them very versatile and can be used effectively for superficial skin lesions as well as deep muscle or tendon conditions or conditions in the thorax or abdomen…and anywhere in between!
There is one other parameter that is important to optimize clinical results. That is the pulsing frequency or “strobe” effect of how the Laser is emitted. The pulse rate with which the laser is being delivered will have differing physiologic effects on tissue. And different tissue types also seem to respond more efficiently to differing pulse rates. These are still being studied but current literature consistently shows that adding some pulse frequencies (modulating) to the treatment protocols produces better results overall than just Continuous Wave (CW) delivery. This is important especially in complex disease processes such as Interstitial Pulmonary Fibrosis (Westie Lung Disease) and other pulmonary diseases to get the most improvement.
The adjustability of the power (dosage) and pulsing allows laser therapy to be applied to a broad range of clinical applications for pain management, wound healing, reducing inflammation/swelling/edema, rehabilitation, and intrathoracic/intra-abdominal conditions across all species. Measurable positive results can be seen consistently in the following list of conditions:
Laser therapy will provide the following benefits in improving, resolving and managing a variety of acute and chronic pulmonary conditions:
By reducing the inflammatory process, it will slow or halt the progression of the disease process.
The effects on the immune system can be just as advantageous.
It can reduce and remodel some of the abnormal collagen (fibrosis) that is causing decreased function and increased effort of normal breathing. It can decrease the amount and frequency of other medications that may have potential for negative side-effects. In addition, the laser effects can last for days or even weeks at a time which limits the number of treatments needed after the initial induction phase. The level of improvement and length of clinical response will be better when the laser parameters are optimal.
There are years of research related to the positive effects of laser light. Its clinical benefits continue to expand as we are just starting to realize its full potential. Additional exciting new possibilities include help with many intra-abdominal conditions including cystitis, pancreatitis, IBD and acute and chronic kidney disease; insect/ snake bites; allergic reactions; resistant bacterial/viral infections; adjunct therapy to improve stem cell/PRP results; preventing or resolving side effects related to chemo and radiation therapy; and even potentially for the control/palliation of some tumors themselves. There is enormous enthusiasm for its potential in neurologic conditions including concussions, brain ischemia and stroke, peripheral nerve damage, and other back and neck conditions.
A final point worth emphasizing is that laser therapy does not just accelerate healing it actually improves repair, regeneration, and remodeling of tissue. This provides long term improvement or resolution with less medication. Post-operative complications are reduced. Muscle weakness can be reversed. Type 1 collagen production leads to better tendon and ligament strength and elasticity. There is a positive effect on neurologic function. The joint capsule, synovial lining/fluid, and cartilage all benefit from laser therapy. Therefore range-of-motion, function, flexibility and mobility are all enhanced. The potential for re-injury is greatly reduced. Performance animals not only recover quicker but they can regain their competitive edge. Pets can get back to their daily routines and become an active member of the family again.
These are exciting times. Like all technology, lasers have become smaller, safer, more efficient and easier to use. Their broad range of applications makes them not just affordable but profitable. This is why therapeutic lasers are rapidly becoming an indispensable tool used to improve the lives of thousands of patients both veterinary and human worldwide.
