Laser Therapy & Nerve Regeneration

How it works...

Low level laser has neuro-regenerative and neuro-protective effects

- There is massive axonal sprouting and increased survival times after LLLT

- There is increased synthesis of various molecules such as growth-associated-protein-43 (GAP-43), calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), and transforming growth factor beta1.

- There are neuroprotective effects exerted by the latter two molecules, together with suppressed nitric oxide (NO) activity (a neurotoxic agent) therefore reducing cell death of axotomized neurons.

- Post-traumatic chromatolysis and neuronal atrophy of motorneurons are less extensive after low level laser biostimulation at the nerve site

- There is evidence that light may enhance recovery of neurons from injury by altering mitochondrial oxidative metabolism

Low power laser effects on the non-neuronal component of the nerve

- Laser irradiation directly stimulates the proliferation of rat Schwann cells which are a key factor for successful nerve recovery.

- Laser irradiation also stimulates proliferation of macrophages and fibroblasts. These play a key role during Wallerian degeneration and are responsible for the generation of collagen fibrils that form the scaffold of
the nerve.

Reference:
Phototherapy promotes regeneration and functional recovery
of injured peripheral nerve.
Anders JJ, Geuna S, Rochkind S.
Neurol Res. 2004 Mar;26(2):233-9. Review.

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