Laser Therapy
HOW LASER THERAPY WORKS
THE LIVING MATRIX
Every cell in the body is embedded in the fibrous material, called the connective tissue or extracellular matrix. This matrix contains large amounts of protein called collagen. The cell is filled with filament and tubes and fibers, collectively called the cytoplasmic matrix or cytoskelelton. Every cell is connected to every other cell through a whole class of trans-membrane linking molecules called integrins. Conceptually, when you touch someone you are not merely touching the skin, you are touching a continuous interconnected network that extends throughout the body. The entire interconnected system has been called the connective tissue cytoskeleton or simply, the living matrix. This matrix is crystalline in nature, allowing for very rapid communication. The living matrix has no fundamental unit or central aspect. The properties of the whole net depend upon the integrated activities of all of the components. Effects on one part of the system can and do affect other parts.
Communication in living systems involves 2 main languages: Chemical and Energetic. Chemical communication is carried out via hormones etc. Energetic interactions are of 2 kinds: Electrical and Electronic. The entire living matrix is simultaneously a mechanical, vibrational or oscillatory, composite of physiological and regulatory processes we refer to as “the living state” takes place within the context of a continuous living matrix. The living matrix itself is a high-speed communication network, linking every part with every other part.
The Erchonia Low Level Laser was the first LL Laser to obtain market clearing from the FDA for treating pain and increasing range of motion. It emits the same wavelength of frequency as the healthy human body, 635 nm. The term laser is an acronym for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emissions of Radiation. All lasers emit coherent, focused light that travels in a narrow beam in one direction. Low level lasers have anabolic effects that promote rapid reduction of pain, accelerate healing time and accelerate growth and repair. Because all the major constituents of living organisms are liquid crystalline in structure, the systems are tunable and responsive.
Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) has demonstrated many positive effects and is well researched. During treatment of tissue an interaction between cells and photons takes place, a photochemical reaction. Photons from the laser affect the tissue at the cellular level. The photons enter the tissue, alter the cell membrane permeability and stimulate the cell mitochondria to increase ATP production. ATP is the cellular energy that is required for all bodily functions. This increased ATP production is associated with : Increased metabolic activity, faster wound healing, accelerated cell growth, reduced scar tissue formation, anti-inflammatory action, increased vascular activity, and stimulated nerve function. These physiological changes affect macrophages, fibroblast, endothelial cells, mast cells, bradykinin, nerve conduction rates and the energy communication pathways throughout the fascial network (liquid crystalline living matrix).
Research has shown that the cells of your body actually communicate with each other through coherent light (Laser). With the Erchonia Medical Laser there are specific pulsations (Hertz) that can be programmed with the laser frequency, allowing the practitioner to talk “cell talk” with the body. This is extremely important when working with a variety of injury and disease conditions to promote healing. The metabolism of injured and diseased tissue is decreased and the laser creates an increase in metabolism and cell communication immediately.
SO HOW DOES IT WORK?
Stated in its simplest form the low level laser is a bio-modulator. If the body is doing too much of something or not enough of something else, then the laser will up-regulate or down-regulate it accordingly. It accomplishes this by entraining the targeted area of the body back to normal frequency. The concept of entrainment comes from physics. It’s a situation where 2 rhythms that have nearly the same frequency become coupled to each other so that both will have the same rhythm.
To say that laser light is coherent means that it is a beam of photons that have the same frequency phase and direction Incoherent light is diffuse and scattered like sunlight or light from a light bulb. Incoherent light becomes less intense the farther away from its source, whereas coherent light can travel great distances without losing its intensity.
Every tissue in the body is made up of cells that are vibrating at specific frequencies. Think of biological organization as a huge super orchestra where individual players enjoy complete freedom of expression, but everybody remains perfectly in step and in tune with the whole. If the vibratory frequency of the cells making up a particular organ or system become disturbed and the body is incapable of entraining them back to normal, then disorder, dysfunction and disease occur.
The Erchonia Laser has 8 channels (4 channels per head) and generates 2 parallel lines of laser light per head. One head has pre-set channels and the other head is programmable. This allows me to program and treat 4 different areas of the body at once.
There is much more for me to learn about the laser. Currently I’m using it in my practice for relaxing tight muscles, improving overall musculoskeletal balance and improving range of motion. I can also re-set the neurology thus strengthening weak muscles. Muscles protect the joints. Where there are weak muscles (Neurologically speaking), the joints are vulnerable to injury.
Aptos Core Care Chiropractic
Dr. Buford McCharen
7963 Soquel Dr.
Aptos, CA 95003