Mississauga Pain Clinic offering chiropractic, physiotherapy, massage therapy and orthotic services to residents of Churchill Meadows InMississauga
Mississauga Pain Clinic offering chiropractic, physiotherapy, massage therapy and orthotic services to residents of Churchill Meadows InMississauga
Bone injuries, from fractures to surgical repairs, often require extended recovery periods, impacting mobility and quality of life. At the Muscle and Joint Clinic, we are committed to exploring and integrating therapies that can enhance healing and reduce recovery times for our patients. One such therapy gaining significant attention is Class 3B laser therapy, also known as low-level laser therapy (LLLT) or photobiomodulation. Research reveals that this non-invasive treatment can accelerate bone healing by supporting cellular processes critical to bone repair.
Class 3B lasers operate at lower power levels (typically under 500 mW) and use wavelengths within the red and near-infrared spectrum. Unlike high-intensity lasers used for surgeries, these lasers are designed to stimulate cells without generating heat or damaging tissue. The goal of LLLT is to enhance cellular function and promote tissue repair through photochemical rather than photothermal effects.
Several studies have demonstrated how Class 3B laser therapy can influence bone healing by reducing inflammation, increasing cellular energy production, and enhancing osteogenesis (the process of bone formation). Here are the primary mechanisms through which it operates:
Reducing Inflammation for an Optimal Healing Environment
Inflammation is a natural part of the healing process, but prolonged inflammation can delay recovery and lead to complications. Class 3B lasers help modulate the inflammatory response by decreasing levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, which are proteins that signal inflammation. Research by Ebrahimi et al. (2012) found that LLLT reduces inflammation around bone injuries, allowing the bone repair process to proceed more effectively. By controlling inflammation, laser therapy creates a more conducive environment for new bone cells to develop and attach to the injured area(MDPI).
Class 3B lasers stimulate mitochondrial activity in cells, leading to an increase in ATP (adenosine triphosphate) production. ATP is the cellular energy currency, and higher ATP levels fuel cellular functions crucial to tissue repair. In their review, Berni et al. (2023) explain that Class 3B lasers, particularly those with wavelengths between 630 and 830 nm, enhance mitochondrial function by stimulating cytochrome c oxidase—a key enzyme involved in cellular respiration. This increase in ATP supports the activities of osteoblasts, the cells responsible for producing new bone tissue (Bioflex Laser).
Angiogenesis, or the formation of new blood vessels, is essential for bone healing because it ensures an adequate supply of oxygen and nutrients to the injury site. The enhanced oxygen and nutrient delivery supports osteogenesis by facilitating the differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) into osteoblasts. Medalha et al. (2016) conducted a study on spinal cord-injured rats, finding that Class 3B laser therapy not only accelerated bone formation but also increased the expression of RUNX2, a transcription factor that regulates osteoblast differentiation and bone matrix production. These findings are encouraging for patients with compromised bone healing, as increased angiogenesis and osteogenesis can significantly speed up the recovery process (BioMed Central).
Class 3B laser therapy operates through photobiomodulation, a process in which cells absorb specific wavelengths of light, leading to various beneficial biological effects:
At the Muscle and Joint Clinic, we are dedicated to adopting innovative therapies that support our patients’ recovery journeys. Class 3B laser therapy is a promising addition to our suite of services, offering a safe, non-invasive approach to accelerate bone healing and reduce recovery time. By harnessing the power of light, we can stimulate the body’s natural healing mechanisms and provide our patients with effective, evidence-based treatment options.
