Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) or PhotoBioModulation Therapy (PBMT)
Considerable insight into the effect of wavelength on LLLT (PBMT) has been gained from the work of Tina Karu (Russian Biologist), who over a period of years [1,2]conducted extensive research using cell cultures of various types. Her work has provided an action spectrum for bio-stimulation of the rate of DNA synthesis in HeLa cells, and for the proliferation of bacteria and yeast colonies. These spectra show peaks in the blue (404 and 454 nm), red (620 nm), and near infrared (760 and 830 nm) wavelength regions.
Wound healing consists of several distinct phases, all of which can be affected at the cellular level by LLLT. The initial, pro-inflammatory and vaso-active phases of inflammation include clotting of any cut blood vessels and deposition of a platelet plug, after which the site is infiltrated by neutrophils and macrophages [3]. Blood supply is one of the most important factors in wound healing. Blood carries oxygen, nutrients, and everything else your body needs to heal the wound site. A wound can take twice as long to heal, or not heal at all, if it doesn’t get enough blood.
Some health conditions may lead to poor blood circulation. These conditions can cause poor wound healing: diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure and vascular disease.
Chronic wounds heal very slowly or not at all. If you have a chronic wound, please see an AMHC cold laser therapist for amazing results.
RED/BLUE COSMETIC LEDs
These units are relatively inexpensive. They usually have multiple beams of 5mW each, the red is for the gradual removal or significant reduction of facial skin wrinkles, then to blue to kill facial bacteria, such as acne. Skin contact is required, especially for the ultrasound add on.
RED HEALING LASER
The red LASER is 3-5 times more effective than the very inexpensive, red LEDS. AMHC uses 7 beams in one laser head, each beam 635nm 5mW, for healing superficial wounds, injuries and/or burns. Heals 8 to 20 faster than what we call normal. Skin contact for superficial wounds must be avoided for effectiveness, laser unit held 1/2″ to 1″ above skin.
NEAR INFRARED HEALING LASER
7 beam, 808nm 150mW each, a total of 1050mW is directed toward healing muscoskeletal injuries, mending bones, ligaments and tendons. Requires the deep penetration treatment technique without moving the laser unit and skin contact may be required.
BLUE HEALING LASER – To stimulate Nitric Oxide that enters the circulation system and to offset inflammation in targeted areas.
Most effective is the 405nm at 4 Watts. Since the human skin absorbs 99% of the blue laser light, only 1% gets through to the deeper target [6]. Thus, 1% of 4000mW is 40mW, and this delivers 0.04 Joules/cm2 per second. Thus, 50 seconds of treatment time will produce 0.2 Joules/cm2 of energy to target. Then, by proper experimentation (currently highly confidential), we determine what amount of energy (Joules) is necessary and sufficient to promote the release of the signaling messenger, Nitric Oxide (NO), to a selected targeted area or to the blood stream. And for how long does the NO need to remain active? Exact dosage times for the best healing results are still under investigation. Dr. Gil Case at AMHC is the leading pioneer in this research and has already formulated the ground work to solve the outstanding issues with Blue Laser Light Therapy to accurately control a desired outcome. And when and why is blue laser light preferred over Red or NIR laser light? Studies have shown that blue laser light does not cause the reactions that Red and NIR wavelengths do in bone cells (osteoblasts); however, in stem cells (hMSCs) all three wavelengths have similar stimulating actions. Blue laser light, specifically in the 400-470 nm range, has been shown to effectively kill pathogens, including bacteria, fungi, and potentially viruses, by activating endogenous photosensitizers that produce reactive oxygen species, leading to cell damage and death [7].
References:
1. Karu TI. Photobiology of low-power laser therapy. London: Harwood Academic Publishers. 1989.
2. Karu TI. Photobiological fundamentals of low-power laser therapy. IEEE J Quant Electron QE-2 1987:3:1703-1717.3. Karu TI. Molecular mechanism of the therapeutic effect of low-intensity laser radiation. Lasers Life Sci 1988:2:53-74.
3. Yu W, Naim JO, Lanzafame RJ. Effects of photostimulation on wound healing in diabetic mice. Lasers Surg Med 1997:20:56�63.
4. Mester E, Mester AF, Mester A. The biomedical effects of laser application. Lasers Surg Med 1985:5:31-39.
5. Reference 4 was given to establish the 40 year history and the original researchers in low-power laser therapy. For a down-to-earth video, see https://youtu.be/_I4fyOtyvPg to learn about the basics: Excellent video, easy to understand. 6. Case, GR. White paper. July 2014 Blue 405nm light is ineffective at killing MRSA In Vitro and In Vivo using a Class IIIB low level Laser; however a Class IVb-4W 405 nm unit is highly effective. 7. Joshua Hadi , Shuyan Wu , Gale Brightwell FOODS, 2020 Dec 18;9(12):1895 Antimicrobial Blue Light versus Pathogenic Bacteria: Mechanism, Application in the Food Industry.
