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Despite the severity of the sun, the heat of the sun’s rays also have healing properties that were mentioned as early as Ancient Egyptian, Greek, and Roman civilization. People used to sunbathe back then, too, because they believed the sun could heal various medical conditions. Today, there is more than one kind of therapeutic light available to you. Have you ever heard of targeted light therapy, such as low level laser therapy (LLLT)? These kinds of therapies are extremely beneficial, and since they amplify the healing potential of light while minimizing the risk of burns and skin cancer, they can be used for a number of conditions.
What To Know About Low Level Laser Therapy
You might here low lever laser therapy also referred to as “cold laser therapy.” The lasers that are used in LLLT are usually handheld units that are small and compact. Unlike lasers used in surgery, these lasers do not heat the tissues. Rather, LLLT emits a low level of illumination that is absorbed by the mitochondria—the organelles in cells that produce ATP—and that in turn accelerates energy production to help with healing the surrounding tissues. You might compare this process to photosynthesis, where plants draw in sunlight and convert that to nourishment.
Although LLLT is mainly used on wounds, it has also had applications in helping with concussions and reducing pain and inflammation from musculoskeletal conditions, such as carpal tunnel syndrome, arthritis, fibromyalgia, and temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ/TMD).
Benefits of Low Level Laser Therapy
Low level laser therapy has a number of benefits and little to no side effects. Since LLLT can assist with tissue regeneration, reduce inflammation and pain, and increase your immunity, it can be used to aid with many medical conditions, including:
- Stroke
- Traumatic brain injury
- Skin conditions
- Temporomandibular joint disorder
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Plantar fasciitis
- Exercise-induced muscle fatigue
- Other musculoskeletal conditions
You can also use LLLT to reduce the risk of exercise-induced injury.
Potential Risks of LLLT
There are currently no known side effects of LLLT, but you should always follow the rules and directions of the therapy provider. Here are some guidelines and contraindications:
- Never have LLLT done over the thyroid. LLLT can inhibit thyroid function.
- Always wear protective eyeglasses when receiving LLLT.
- Do not look directly into the laser, because the light can damage your eyes.
- Do not undergo LLLT if you are pregnant.
- Do not receive low level laser therapy on potentially cancerous lesions. LLLT can accelerate the proliferation of pre-existing cancer cells.
Healing By Light
Speed up your own body’s healing process with low level laser therapy! Many acupuncturists, chiropractors, physical therapists, massage therapists, and other healthcare providers use low level light therapy on their patients. LLLT is certainly a wonderful alternative to other therapies, because it is safe, effective, and natural. If you are looking for LLLT, you are bound to find it nearby.
