How Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) Works

Like photosynthesis - the correct wavelengths and power of light at certain intensities for an appropriate period of time can increase ATP production and cell membrane perturbation could lead to permeability changes and second messenger activity resulting in functional changes such as increased syntheses increased secretion and motility changes. Red and near infrared light seem to be the most ideal wavelengths.

Red light acts on the mitochondria and near infrared light on the mitochondria and at the cell membrane. In in-vitro and animal wound healing studies comparing wavelengths, red consistently is more effective. Shorter wavelengths are not so good, expensive to produce and with poor penetration they are a poor choice. Near infrared light whilst not quite as good do penetrate better than the red wavelengths and are available in higher powers and al low prices. According to live in-vivo experiments at Uniformed Services University Bethesda Maryland (a US military research centre) 810nm is the best penetrating wavelength. It also happens to work well in nerve regeneration studies they are doing.

Clinical Effects of Low Level Laser Therapy >>