The Biological Effects of Laser Therapy

Laser therapy, also known as photobiomodulation (PBMT), is a non-invasive treatment that uses specific wavelengths of light to stimulate the body’s natural healing processes. Beyond simply relieving pain, laser therapy produces a range of biological effects that promote tissue repair, reduce inflammation, and enhance overall function.

In this article, we explore the key biological mechanisms of laser therapy and how these effects can benefit patients in musculoskeletal and sports medicine settings.

1. Analgesic Effect: Reducing Pain Naturally

Laser therapy helps reduce pain by acting directly on damaged tissue

• Suppresses hypersensitive nociceptors (pain receptors)
• Normalizes the membrane firing threshold
• Increases the release of tissue endorphins

Combined with its anti-inflammatory effects, this leads to a measurable reduction in patient perception of pain, making PBMT an effective tool for both acute injuries and chronic conditions.

2. Decreased Inflammation and Swelling

Inflammation is a natural response to injury, but excessive inflammation can delay healing and increase discomfort. Laser therapy reduces inflammation by:

• Lowering pro-inflammatory mediators
• Facilitating lymphatic drainage, which helps reduce swelling

The result is a decrease in erythema, bruising, oedema, and overall tissue inflammation, supporting faster recovery.

3. Improved Vascular Activity

Laser light stimulates the formation of new capillaries in damaged tissue. This enhances blood flow to areas with poor circulation, improving oxygen and nutrient delivery, which is essential for tissue repair and regeneration.

4. Accelerated Tissue Repair and Cell Growth

Photons from laser light penetrate deeply into tissues, boosting cellular energy (ATP) and accelerating cell growth and reproduction. This allows cells to absorb nutrients more efficiently and remove waste products faster, speeding up overall tissue repair.

5. Improved Nerve Function

Damaged nerves can result in numbness, tingling, or impaired limb function. Laser therapy has been shown to accelerate nerve regeneration, supporting the recovery of sensory and motor function in affected areas.

6. Trigger Points and Acupuncture Points

Laser therapy can treat muscle trigger points and acupuncture points without mechanical invasion. This provides targeted musculoskeletal pain relief, making it a valuable addition to physiotherapy, chiropractic, and sports medicine treatment plans.

7. Immunoregulation

Laser therapy also influences the immune system by modulating immune responses. This effect helps maintain a balanced immune environment, supporting healing and recovery while reducing the risk of prolonged inflammation.

Ready to Bring Laser Therapy to Your Clinic?

If you want to offer your patients faster recovery, reduced pain, and improved function, photobiomodulation therapy is a modern, clinically proven solution.

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References:

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4. Hamblin MR, Demidova TN. Mechanisms of low level light therapy. Proc. of SPIE. 2006; 6140: 612001-1-12.
5. Chung H, Dai T, Sharma SK, Huang YY, Carroll JD, Hamblin MR. (2012), The nuts and bolts of low-level laser (light) therapy. Ann Biomed Eng. Feb;40(2):516-33.
6. de Freitas, L. F., & Hamblin, M. R. (2016). Photobiomodulation: partial coherent light as historic photon therapy. Photomedicine and Laser Surgery, 34(12), 496-499.
7. Hawkins, D., & Abrahamse, H. (2006). Effect of multiple exposures of low-level laser therapy on the cellular responses of wounded human skin fibroblasts. Photomedicine and Laser Surgery, 24(6), 705-714.