Light Therapy has been established as a useful tool to:
Increase Vascularity (Circulation) by increasing the formation of new capillaries that replace damaged ones. New capillaries speed up the healing process by carrying more oxygen as well as more nutrients needed for healing and they can also carry more waste products away.
Stimulate the Production of Collagen: Collagen is the most common protein found in the body. Collagen is used to repair damaged tissue and to replace old tissue. It is the substance that holds cells together and has a high degree of elasticity. By increasing collagen production, less scar tissue is formed at a wound or incision.
Stimulate the Release of Adenosine TriPhosphate (ATP): ATP is the major carrier of energy to all cells. Increases in ATP allow cells to accept nutrients faster and get rid of waste products more quickly by increasing the energy level in the cell. All food turns into ATP before the cells utilize it. ATP provides the chemical energy that drives the chemical reaction of the cell.
Increase Lymphatic System Activity: An edema is the swelling or natural splinting process of the body. Edemas have two basic components: the first is a liquid part, which can be evacuated by the blood system, and the second is comprised of the proteins that have to be evacuated by the lymphatic system. Research has shown that the lymph vessel diameter and the flow of the lymph system can be doubled with the use of light therapy. The venous diameter and the arterial diameters can also be increased. This means that both parts of edema (liquid and protein) can be removed at a much faster rate to relieve swelling.
Reduce the Excitability of Nervous Tissue: Photons of light energy enter the body as negative ions. This calls upon the body to send positive ions, like calcium among others, to go to the area being treated. These ions assist in firing the nerves, thereby relieving pain.
Stimulate Fibroblastic Activity that Aids in the Repair Process: Fibroblasts are present in connective tissue and are capable of forming collagen fibers.
Increase Phagocytosis: This is the process of scavenging for and ingesting dead or degenerated cells by phagocyte cells for the purpose of clean up. This is an important part of the infection fighting process. Destruction of the infection and clean up must occur before the healing process can take place.
Induce a Thermal-like Effect in the Tissue: The light raises the temperature of the cells through a photochemical reaction.
Stimulate Tissue Granulation and Connective Tissue Projections: Part of the healing process of wounds, ulcers or inflamed tissues.
Stimulate Acetylcholine Release: Acetylcholine causes cardiac inhibition, vasodilation, gastrointestinal peristalsis and other parasympathetic effects.