# Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) For Musculoskeletal Pain

- Link: https://sifsof.com/clinical-apps/low-level-laser-therapy-lllt-for-musculoskeletal-pain/
- Published: 2021-10-05T09:27:03+00:00
- Author: Developer

Musculoskeletal pain affects 116 million Americans annually [at a cost of $635 billion a year ](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4743666/#R2)
in medical bills, lost productivity and missed work or school. The current treatment
for musculoskeletal pain includes modalities, immobilization, medications, chiropractic
care, physical therapy, behavioral management, injections and/or surgery. These 
standard therapies have their particular associated [risks/side effect profiles](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4743666/#R3)
including peptic ulcers/gastric bleeding, systemic effects (cardiovascular, infections(
including epidural abscess), narcotic dependency/addiction, deformities, neurologic
deficits, and surgical complications. The natural history of chronic pain is one
of increasing dysfunction, impairment and possible disability. With the predicted
epidemic of chronic pain in developed countries, it is imperative to validate cost-
effective and safe techniques for managing painful conditions which would allow 
people to live active and productive lives. The wider acceptance of low level laser
therapy LLLT by more specialties around the world would allow for additional treatment
options for patients. Such new cost-effective therapy for pain could elevate quality
of life while reducing financial strains.

 For over forty years, low level laser (light) therapy (LLLT) and LED (light emitting
diode) therapy (also known as photobiomodulation) has been shown to reduce inflammation
and edema, induce analgesia, and promote healing in a range of musculoskeletal pathologies.

There are three different types of pain; nociceptive, neuropathic and central. The
current medical treatment of pain or analgesics is directed at various steps of 
the pain pathways. Clinically, low level laser therapy (LLLT) can treat[ nociceptive ](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4743666/#R9)
and [neuropathic pain](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4743666/#R10),
while central pain has not yet been proven to be responsive to LLLT.

Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) sometimes known as Low Level Light Therapy or Photo-
biomodulation (PBM) is a low intensity light therapy. The effect is photochemical
not thermal. The light triggers biochemical changes within cells and can be compared
to the process of photosynthesis in plants, where the photons are absorbed by cellular
photoreceptors and triggers chemical changes.

LLLT is the application of light (usually a low powered laser or LED typically in
the power range of (10mW–500mW). Light with a wavelength in the red to near infrared
region of the spectrum (660nm–905nm), is generally employed because these wavelengths
have the ability to penetrate skin, and soft/hard tissues and are proven in clinical
trials to have a good effect on pain, inflammation and tissue repair. The power 
density (irradiance) is usually between 5W/cm^(2) and is applied to an injury or
to a painful site for 30–60 seconds a few times a week for several weeks. The result
is a reduction of inflammation, pain relief and accelerated tissue regeneration.
In most cases the low laser / LEDs used for LLLT emit a divergent beam (not focused
or collimated) because collimation is lost in tissue, but as a consequence ocular
risks are also diminished over distance in divergent beam.

Indeed, low Laser therapy has a wide range of clinical applications, including acute
[musculoskeletal injuries](https://www.oastaug.com/orthopaedic-specialties/hand-wrist-center/musculoskeletal-injuries/#:~:text=Any%20injury%20that%20affects%20the,their%20high%20use%20and%20exposure.),
chronic inflammatory conditions as well as accelerating wound healing. To meet the
growing market for this new technology we have developed the Physiotherapy Laser
System: [SIFLASER-1.4](https://sifsof.com/product/fda-medical-physiotherapy-laser-system-siflaser-1-4/).
This FDA approved  Medical Physiotherapy Laser System meets all the previously covered
laser physiotherapy standards above making for a highly useful tool for a plethora
of musculoskeletal injuries and for wound healing.

Reference:[ The effect of low-level laser on postoperative pain after tibial fracture surgery: a double-blind controlled randomized clinical trial](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25237637/)

This procedure is performed by an eligible physiotherapist.*

 * ![Medical Physiotherapy Laser System](https://sifsof.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/
   08/FDA-Medical-Physiotherapy-Laser-System-SIFLASER-1.4-300x300.jpg)
 * FDA Medical Physiotherapy Laser System: SIFLASER-1.4

Disclaimer: Although the information we provide is used by different doctors and
medical staff to perform their procedures and clinical applications, the information
contained in this article is for consideration only. SIFSOF is not responsible neither
for the misuse of the device nor for the wrong or random generalizability of the
device in all clinical applications or procedures mentioned in our articles. Users
must have the proper training and skills to perform the procedure with each Laser
system.

The products mentioned in this article are only for sale to medical staff (doctors,
nurses, certified practitioners, etc.) or to private users assisted by or under 
the supervision of a medical professional.

.