The Use of Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) For Musculoskeletal Pain

Abstract

Pain is the most common reason for physician consultation in the United States. One out of three Americans is affected by chronic pain annually. The number one reason for missed work or school days is musculoskeletal pain. Currently accepted therapies consist of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, steroid injections, opiate pain medications and surgery, each of which carries their own specific risk profiles. What is needed are effective treatments for pain which have an acceptably low risk-profile. For over forty years, low level laser (light) therapy (LLLT) and LED (light emitting diode) therapy (also known as photobiomodulation) has been shown to reduce inflammation and edema, induce analgesia, and promote healing in a range of musculoskeletal pathologies. The purpose of this paper is to review the use of LLLT for pain, the biochemical mechanisms of action, the dose response curves, and how LLLT may be employed by orthopedic surgeons to improve outcomes and reduce adverse events. With the predicted epidemic of chronic pain in developed countries, it is imperative to validate cost-effective and safe techniques for managing painful conditions which would allow people to live active and productive lives. Moreover the acceptance of LLLT (which is currently being used by many specialties around the world) into the armamentarium of the American health care provider would allow for additional treatment options for patients. A new cost-effective therapy for pain could elevate quality of life while reducing financial strains.

The Beneficial Effects of High-Intensity Laser Therapy and Co-Interventions on Musculoskeletal Pain Management: A Systematic Review

“…[1][2][3] Moreover, laser therapy can stimulate repairs to damaged tissues and peripheral nerves leading to neurological regeneration. 1,4,5 Low-power laser (light) therapy (power ≤ 500 mW) can be used to decrease acute and chronic pain, induce recovery of damaged nerves, enhance peripheral circulation and metabolism, and reduce joint inflammation. 2,5,6 The effects of low-power laser therapy are photochemical not thermal.…”

“…1,4,5 Low-power laser (light) therapy (power ≤ 500 mW) can be used to decrease acute and chronic pain, induce recovery of damaged nerves, enhance peripheral circulation and metabolism, and reduce joint inflammation. 2,5,6 The effects of low-power laser therapy are photochemical not thermal. In a recent review, Cotler et al concluded that low-power laser therapy is a new cost-effective therapy for musculoskeletal pain, which improves the quality of life and reduces financial strains.…”

“…In a recent review, Cotler et al concluded that low-power laser therapy is a new cost-effective therapy for musculoskeletal pain, which improves the quality of life and reduces financial strains. 5 High-intensity laser therapy (HILT) has been used more recently in the therapeutic protocols of physiotherapy. 1,2,6 The main difference between HILT and low-power laser therapy, is that the more powerful beams (power >500 mW) are irradiated to penetrate deeper, bringing a desired high amount of multi-directional energy to deep tissues in a short time.…”

Oral rehabilitation of a case with regional odontodysplasia using a regenerative approach—A case report and a review of literature

“…Additionally, LLL has a biostimulatory action on wound healing acceleration which takes place by photo‐biostimulation of mitochondria, activating signaling pathways, leading to the increase of transcription factors and subsequent growth factors production. Furthermore, LLL has been proved to enhance and stimulate cell proliferation …”

“…Furthermore, LLL has been proved to enhance and stimulate cell proliferation. 50 The suggested regenerative approach provided the patient with better soft tissue healing, bone regeneration, and aesthetics. We believe that the combination of tissue engineering and laser technologies helped to improve the clinical outcomes of the case.…”