In the first session, a thorough examination is done in order to identify the condition of the patient. It includes the physical tests, history about neurologic and orthopedic conditions. After understanding the condition of the patient, a plan is put forth based on the severity of the condition.
The most common question is: “Does this treatment have any side effects?” The answer to this question is: No. LLLT is being used since more than 25 years. Even with long term usage, there are no irreversible effects or harmful effects. This is the best way for people dealing with pain, without taking drugs.
Low-Level Laser Therapy sessions are not so frightening for some people as they do not feel any pulsating shocks or heat that is observed in other forms of therapy. The sensation that is mostly noticed is the touch of the probe head of the laser, only when it comes in contact with the skin. Some patients report that they feel a slight tingling or tapping in the nerve or along the nerve pathway. Some say that they were able to sense a warm feeling.
The treatment can go on from 2 minutes to 20 minutes; obviously, depending on the condition of the patient and the severity. Most patients feel quite better with just one session. This primarily depends on the patient’s condition and the time since the condition was present. Generally, the longer one has had a condition and/or based on its severity, the longer it takes to respond to the treatment.
LLLT has shown a positive effect, according to the studies carried out, in the form of inflammatory reduction and improvement in muscle repair. Studies that are related to the mechanisms behind these effects have suggested that LLLT helps in improving mitochondrial function, decreasing the oxidative stress and production of reactive oxygen species; it stimulates mitochondrial respiratory chain, microcirculation and ATP synthesis These effects provide the rationale for testing; it enhances recovery by preventing the development of skeletal muscle fatigue.
Clinical studies were performed with single-laser diode probes in order to test if LLLT could delay the development of skeletal muscle fatigue and helps in increasing the muscle recovery. According to these studies, LLLT decreases muscle fatigue and improves biochemical markers related to muscle recovery. However, the results are based on the use of single-laser diode probes, which limits the size of the area of irradiation. In contrast, cluster multi-diode probes make it possible to irradiate several points at the same time. This could increase the effects of LLLT, especially when large areas need to be irradiated such as skeletal muscles.
With this thought in mind, it was investigated if LLLT performed with a cluster multi-diode probe over the biceps before doing exercise, would increase the number of submaximal repetitions of elbow flexion performed before exhaustion and reduce the level of the biochemical markers related to skeletal muscle recovery in top-level athletes.
