What is Lower Level Laser Therapy (LLLT)?

The use of Lower Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) is the application of targeted low-power laser beams or light energy to the cells. Light with a wavelength in the red to near-infrared region of the spectrum is used as these wavelengths have the ability to penetrate the skin and soft or hard tissues.

The therapy is painless and produces no sensation or burns to the skin. Due to the fact that LLLT does not produce heat, it is also known as cold laser therapy. The beam penetrates deep into the tissues without temperature elevation – and produces a photobiostimulative (regenerative) effect. The absorbed laser energy provides stimulation to the molecules and atoms of cells in the injured area.

Lower Level Laser Therapy treats the underlying cause of pain resulting from a painful injury – unlike medication which may only mask the pain. It has no side effects and can be combined with other forms of treatment.

Lower Level Laser for Sports Injuries

The wide range of sports injuries that respond well to Lower Level Laser Therapy include:

• Soft tissue injuries
• Joint conditions
• Back and neck pain
• Jumper’s knee
• Frozen shoulder
• Tennis elbow
• Muscle strain and ligament damage
• Bursitis
• Inflammation of the tendon sheath

In Tendinopathy, research has found that Lower Level Laser Therapy provides consistent results.

The number of Lower Level Laser treatments required will depend upon the specific condition presented.

About Lower Level Laser Therapy

Lower Level Laser Therapy, Cold Laser, and PhotoBioModulation (PBM) are all terms used to describe the use of specific frequencies and pulses of intense, energized light in the painless treatment of tissue repair, reduction of inflammation, and pain relief.

As such, the accepted name for this treatment is now Photobiomodulation (PBM).  To clarify, it only takes a few minutes to deliver these safe and effective treatments.  But, they can be used for both the short-term relief of acute pain as well as safely long-term on chronic conditions and pain relief.

Originally discovered in the 1960s, more recent research and development have led to the use of PBM now being used in over 70 countries.  As a result, PBM has been adopted by many institutions including NASA, Harvard Medical School, and armed forces in the USA.