EFFECTS OF LASER LIGHT ON TISSUE
There are five actions of laser light on tissue that you should be familiar
with that should help you to understand what you are doing when you use
the Laser Shower.
(1) ACCELERATED TISSUE REPAIR
(2) RAPID FORMATION OF COLLAGEN
(3) BENEFICIAL EFFECT ON NERVE CELLS & THE PRODUCTION OF B-ENDORPHINS
(4) ACCELERATED LYMPHATIC SYSTEM ACTIVITY & REDUCTION IN EDEMA
(5) FORMATION OF NEW CAPILLARIES & INCREASED BLOOD FLOW
(1) ACCELERATED TISSUE REPAIR
The most common example of the conversion of light energy into chemical
energy is photosynthesis, where plants manufacture food from carbon dioxide
and water. Light energy from the sun is the essential item in that process.
No reasonable person disputes photosynthesis, it is a well-known
process that converts photons of light energy into chemical energy.
The action of laser light is quite similar to photosynthesis in
plants. Photons of light from a laser penetrate deeply into tissue and
power the synthesis of adenosine tri-phosphate (ATP). ATP is a
molecule that is a major carrier of energy from one reaction site to
another in all living cells. Increases in ATP as a result of laser light
increases the energy available to the cell so that the cell can take in
nutrients faster and get rid of waste products. In straightforward terms,
the cells of tendons, ligaments and muscles are repaired faster as
a result of exposure to laser light. How much faster? A good rule of thumb is
that the time for healing is reduced by 2/3's of the
time that it normally take with all other factors remaining the same. i.e.
- rest, nutrition and training.
(2) RAPID FORMATION OF COLLAGEN
Collagen is the most common protein found in the body. It is estimated
that 80% of the body is made up of this important fibrous protein.
Various types of tissue make up the body. Connective tissue is the most
widely distributed. In connective tissue, fibroblast cells produce the
ground substance and tissue fibre. The energy from laser light is used
by fibroblasts to increase collagen production. Collagen is the essential
protein required to replace old tissue or to repair tissue injuries. Perhaps
the most common example of collagen is the clear sticky substance found around
open wounds. Wounds are healed, or closed over very rapidly by the application of
laser light. There is also less scar tissue found when laser light is applied to
the area.
(3) BENEFICIAL EFFECT ON NERVE CELLS & THE PRODUCTION OF B-ENDORPHINS
Laser light has a highly beneficial effect on nerve cells that block pain
transmitted by these cells to the brain. Studies have shown that laser light increases the activity of the
ATP dependent NA-K pump. In this case laser light increases the potential difference across the cell
membrane moving the resting potential further from the firing threshold,
thus, decreasing nerve-ending sensitivity. A less understood pain blocking mechanism involves the product of
high levels of painkilling chemicals such as endorphins and enkephelins
from the brain, adrenal gland and other areas as a result of exposure to
laser light.
(4) ACCELERATED LYMPHATIC SYSTEM ACTIVITY & REDUCTION IN EDEMA
Everyone wants to reduce swelling in a leg. The problem is that the veins in
the leg are only capable of removing one component of the swelling.
Blood vessels can remove the water but not the dirty protein
solution that is present. So if you have a treatment modality that
accelerates blood flow you have not solved this part of the problem.
The lymphatic system is required to take away dirty proteins from edema.
Laser studies conducted in 1987 and early 1988, indicate that laser
light is capable of doubling the size of lymphatic ducts in the area of
exposure and rapidly removing the protein waste.
Another important aspect of the study showed that laser light was
capable of "perfect" regeneration of the lymphatic system in the
immediate area with no leakage and no confused network of ducts. In the normal
regeneration of lymphatic systems, the ducts are leaky and the duct network is complex and confusing, leading to a
tendency to have the same problem occur in the same area.
(5) FORMATION OF NEW CAPILLARIES & INCREASED BLOOD FLOW
Many types of treatments will increase blood flow. It has been shown that
laser light does this extremely well; there is no question about that point.
But what is not commonly recognized is that laser light will significantly
increase the formation of new capillaries in damaged tissue. It is the
formation of new capillaries that speeds the healing
process, closes wounds quickly, and reduces scar tissue.
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