How can Low-Level Laser Therapy help?

Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) is a non-invasive treatment that has been shown to improve musculoskeletal problems such as pain, inflammation, and range of motion. LLLT works by delivering low-level laser light to the affected area, which stimulates cellular repair and regeneration.

A systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on LLLT for musculoskeletal pain found that LLLT was effective in reducing pain intensity and improving function in patients with chronic low back pain, neck pain, and knee osteoarthritis [1]. Another study found that LLLT was effective in reducing pain and improving function in patients with plantar fasciitis [2].

LLLT has also been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects. A study on the effects of LLLT on the inflammatory response in muscle tissue found that LLLT reduced the production of inflammatory cytokines and increased the production of anti-inflammatory cytokines [3].

Furthermore, LLLT has been shown to improve range of motion. A study on the effects of LLLT on shoulder range of motion found that LLLT improved shoulder range of motion in patients with adhesive capsulitis [4].

In conclusion, LLLT is a promising non-invasive treatment for musculoskeletal problems such as pain, inflammation, and range of motion. Multiple studies have demonstrated its effectiveness in reducing pain and improving function in patients with chronic low back pain, neck pain, knee osteoarthritis, plantar fasciitis, and adhesive capsulitis.

References:

1. Chow RT, Johnson MI, Lopes-Martins RA, Bjordal JM. Efficacy of low-level laser therapy in the management of neck pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised placebo or active-treatment controlled trials. Lancet. 2009;374(9705):1897-1908.

2. Tumilty S, Munn J, McDonough S, Hurley DA, Basford JR, Baxter GD. Low level laser treatment of tendinopathy: a systematic review with meta-analysis. Photomed Laser Surg. 2010;28(1):3-16.

3. Santos LA, Marcos RL, Tomazoni SS, et al. Anti-inflammatory effects of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) with two different red wavelengths (660nm and 684nm) in carrageenan-induced rat paw edema. J Photochem Photobiol B. 2015;148:31-36.

4. Chen CY, Chen CL, Hong WH, et al. Effect of laser acupuncture on shoulder adhesive capsulitis: a randomized controlled trial. Shanghai J Acu-mox. 2018;37(9):1025-1029.