Laser therapy is such a method, which is based on the use of a light beam with certain characteristics for medical purposes. Translated from English, the word "laser" is interpreted as an increase in light through stimulated emission. The first quantum generator was developed in the sixties of the last century. The device for laser therapy in Russia was approved for use in medical practice in 1974. Laser treatment of joints has recently gained popularity.
A bit of laser radiation history
Already at the end of the nineteenth century, treatment was practiced through artificial sources of light waves. A similar method of therapy was developed and introduced by physiotherapist N. R. Finzen from Denmark, for which he was awarded the Nobel Prize in 1903. Over the entire period of studying this technique and its development, several stages were successively passed:
heliotherapy;
light treatment;
laser therapy.
The benefits and harms of laser joint treatment will be discussed in this article.
Recognition of effectiveness
The effectiveness of the methodology was recognized on the territory of the former USSR in 1974. In 1986, the Institute of Laser Medicine was opened in Moscow, now called the Scientific Center for Laser Medicine of the FMBA of the Russian Federation. Here, the features of the action are carefully studied, and modern therapeutic techniques are also developed. At the moment, Russia is a world leader in scientifically sound practical use of laser therapy, the indications and contraindications to it have been investigated as much as possible. In the United States and Europe, this technique was officially recognized in 2003, and this triggered a boom in the use of a laser for the diagnosis of diseases and therapy, as well as studies of its effects.
Application
When using laser treatment of joints, consistent and careful observance of the type of technique, parameters, pulse frequency, wavelength, mode and power of LLLT functioning, periodicity, localization and exposure time is required. Only with all these signs taken into account will the treatment be truly safe and effective. That is why it becomes clear that the professionalism and qualification of a specialist who works on a laser system is of key importance. Despite the fact that the methodology and technology of this type of therapy is simple, a very clear understanding of the application of the method for treating knee arthrosis with a laser is necessary.
Positive properties of laser therapy
One of the significant advantages of this method is a small number of absolute contraindications. If in most other cases, pregnancy, oncology and the elderly patients are strictly prohibited, then with laser therapy they are limited relatively and taken into account when choosing its type. Laser treatment of joints is included in the therapeutic standards of a larger number of medical areas.
Laser mechanisms
Due to the influence of LLLT and as a result of absorption of light energy, a list of photobiological processes is formed. An increase in the content of free calcium in the composition of cells for a short period of time triggers a further series of responses of the body to its effect:
metabolic and proliferative processes are activated;
the action of the immune system returns to normal;
the state of blood vessels is being improved, including the expansion of their walls;
an anesthetic effect appears;
there is an adjustment of humoral and cellular immunity;
non-selective type of body resistance increases;
blood properties such as rheological are improved;
there is an increase in microcirculation;
oxygen and transport blood functions return to normal;
metabolic processes are improved;
increased proteolytic and antioxidant blood activity;
tissue regeneration is activated;
hematopoiesis is stimulated;
traces anti-inflammatory, detoxification and anti-allergic effects, and a large number of other positive signs.
Contraindications to laser therapy
In no case should laser treatment of joints be performed in the following cases:
- individual intolerance;
- first trimester of pregnancy;
- open tuberculosis;
- thyroid pathology;
- hematopoietic defects;
- anemia;
- bleeding tendency and low blood coagulation.
As relative contraindications for laser treatment of the knee joint are:
- serious diseases of the heart and blood vessels;
- defects in cerebral circulation;
- renal and hepatic insufficiency, which are in the stage of decompensation;
- tumors of a malignant and benign nature;
- chronic tuberculosis (when bacteria isolation is absent).
The process of laser therapy
The patient does not experience any significant sensations during the treatment of the joints with a laser according to reviews. Special training is not required. Therapy is carried out mainly without hospitalization, immediately after the procedure it is allowed to go home. By means of a special sensor, an effect is made on the projection of an organ or skin: at a distance, with touching the body with compression and without it. With the acupuncture method, it is necessary to select three to five points corresponding to the pathology, and each of them is affected for one to three minutes. The duration of the procedure and the number of procedures is determined individually.
Contraindications for laser joint treatment should be strictly observed.
How is the therapy carried out?
Any disease of the joints is characterized by its own mechanisms of occurrence and the effect as a whole on the state of the body. That is why doctors use various laser drugs and exposure techniques in their treatment.
- If a patient is diagnosed with gonarthrosis, coxarthrosis or arthrosis of the ankle joint , the scanning laser beam method is used. In this case, the radiation gradually passes along the coordinates set for it. For maximum deep influence on the outbreak, a river scan is used. To work superficially, automatic scanning is required using specially designed electronic devices. The effect of laser radiation on pain zones lasts from six to eight minutes. After eight sessions have been completed, the first signs of recovery appear: the stiffness of movements is eliminated and their previous amplitude returns, pains disappear.
- Mixed therapy (magnetic laser) helps in overcoming the severe stages of coxarthrosis and arthrosis. Due to the interaction of the laser beam and the constant magnetic field, a tangible effect is exerted on the body. This radiation penetrates into the tissue at eighty-one hundred millimeters.
- A helium-neon laser is used to eliminate periarthritis. This invention is unique and produces waves reaching a length of 0.6328 nm. Thanks to the infrared beam, electromagnetic, photochemical and thermal effects are provided. After ten sessions have been completed, lasting from three to five minutes, the destruction of the connective tissue stops, the intake of the required trace elements resumes, the anti-inflammatory processes are stimulated, and a new capillary system is formed in the vessels.
The benefits of treatment
The laser beam in laser treatment of the hip joint stimulates many positive physical and chemical changes. In the inflamed tissues due to the effect of this procedure, serious biochemical processes are carried out with a focus on recovery:
- activation of cell functioning;
- improvement of tissue nerve conduction;
- metabolic acceleration;
- elimination of pain;
- antibodies are produced to help fight inflammation within the body and allergic reactions.
One of the important advantages of laser treatment of the knee joint according to reviews is the reduction in the use of drugs in large quantities in the presence of joint diseases.
Laser Principles
The effectiveness of laser therapy depends on various aspects. If you know these features, you can avoid unprofessional treatment.
To get a truly objective and comprehensive result, qualified specialists always use several laser devices having different lengths of electromagnetic waves, with a constant and pulsed mode.
For the treatment of articular tissue exclusively infrared pulsed radiation is used.
This type of therapy should be carried out exclusively in the morning, because at this time the sympathetic nervous system is in good shape.
During the session, in no case should the total dose of radiation be increased, since this will cause the development of aggravated reactions in the joint.
With an exacerbation of joint diseases, it is necessary to turn to a pulsed regime, but the doses should be small.
If the disease is characterized by a chronic course, the intensity of the influence of the laser is increased several times.
When the acupuncture points are irradiated, the compensatory function is activated, the immunity increases.
The use of the beam locally in the pathology zone helps to improve blood circulation. This provides an anti-inflammatory, analgesic and decongestant effect.
If the emitter is placed perpendicular to the skin, the degree of laser light transmission through the tissue will be increased.
The nature of the effect of radiation on the joint is determined by the frequency of the laser pulses.
Complications of Laser Therapy
An increase in pain may occur with laser treatment of the shoulder joint. It most often occurs due to non-compliance with the required technique, as well as if the patient has any individual characteristics.
Dizziness and headaches may occur. In this case, the sensitivity to the device or its breakdown also affects.
In addition, hyperthermia is possible due to the active release of liver toxins into the bloodstream and their subsequent excretion from the body. But most often this reaction goes away, and therefore treatment should not be canceled.