Low Level Laser Therapy
Low level laser therapy / Class 3B Laser
Dr. van de wall uses a class 3B laser, also known as low level laser therapy. This type of therapy is technically referred to as photobiomodulation. In specific terms, it is a combination of red light therapy and infrared light therapy. These two light therapies are chosen because their wavelengths have shown the most clinical value. Red light therapy is used at a wavelength of 630-680 nanometres, the wavelength where it is absorbed best into tissues (any lower and it is absorbed by blood). Infrared light is best absorbed by tissues at a wavelength of 810-840 nanometres, because any higher wavelengths are absorbed by water. Both of these light energies target a photoreceptor called cytochrome c oxidase. This photoreceptor lives in the membrane of mitochondria, the cellular structure responsible for producing cellular energy and setting the speed of tissue metabolism.
It’s important to keep in mind that both red light and infrared light are examples of non-ionizing radiation. This means that unlike UV light (found at wavelengths below 400 nanometers) or x-rays (found at 0.1 to 10 nm), they are not harmful to our cells. These light energies are also not capable of producing heat, such as the infrared light wavelengths used in infrared saunas which can go from 3000-10,000 nanometres or more, so there is no risk of heat-related injury.
Low level laser therapy involves cycling between red light and infrared light following a specific protocol. There are two light emitting devices used, an array that can be wrapped around a joint or muscle, and a probe that is more specific and penetrates deeper. The protocols Dr. van de Wall follows have been used for over 50 years and have been optimized for the condition being treated by various health professionals and researchers. Since the laser protocol and dose can make or break the treatments effectiveness, it’s important to follow the correct protocol with the following parameters in mind:
Light wavelength (630-680 nm for red light, 810-840 nm for infrared light)
Energy density or dose (measured in Joules/cm2)
Operating mode (pulsed or continuous wavelength)
Treatment schedule (recommended number of treatments per week or number of treatments total for the issue)
Cytochrome C is the photoreceptor involved in producing cellular energy (ATP) that absorbs red light and infrared light
Laser probe
Laser array