Published on July 06, 2009

New Cold Laser Therapy at RVMC and TRCH reduces inflammation, treats TMJ and other ailments

Patients needing speech or occupational therapy have a new option thanks to a technological breakthrough: Low Level Light Therapy (LLLT). Also called cold laser, it uses focused light energy on a small area to stimulate circulation and reduce inflammation. It is especially useful in hand therapy and some types of speech therapy. Though high tech, it is not high cost.

Considered somewhat controversial at first, cold laser is quickly converting skeptics and is now viewed as a breakthrough in therapy. A 2006 study at Bergen University, Norway, found cold laser to be as effective or better than non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (such as Ibuprofen) and, "Results of nine trials were significantly in favor of photoradiation (cold laser)." The researchers concluded that cold laser does, "Significantly reduce acute inflammatory pain in clinical settings." Other studies have found cold laser to promote healing in tendons and muscle tissue as well.

How it works is relatively straightforward. Inside our cells, mitochondria convert molecules of sugar, fatty acids and amino acids to energy in the form of Adenosine triphosphate (ATP), considered the energy "coin" of the cell.  When bathed in cold laser, mitochondria absorb the light and convert it to ATP. The resulting surplus of ATP can trigger a number of beneficial effects including reduced inflammation, improved blood flow, protein and enzyme synthesis, as well as cell replication and repair.

"We are using light energy to stimulate regeneration of mitochondria in nerves, lymph cells, muscles and ligaments," says Rich DeWitt, speech/language pathologist in Outpatient Therapy at RVMC.

Therapists use a pen-like wand to direct cold light laser directly to areas of inflammation to promote healing. Because the energy is low level, it only affects cells in a small path, making it possible to target specific areas. Cold laser has been especially useful in treating upper extremity and hand injuries, temporomandibular joint disorder, more commonly known as TMJ, and many other ailments. "And we are definitely having success," says DeWitt.