ADVERTISING: Advertorial — Low Level Laser Therapy for nerve regeneration

Photobiomodulation (PBMT Therapy) previously known as Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) is a modality that uses the application of red and near infra-red light. Many people have used photobiomodulation to reduce inflammation, decrease pain, and promote healing in damaged tissue. But you might be surprised to learn that PBMT can also help regenerate nerves!

Damaged nerves can interfere with the communication between the brain and the part of the body the nerve innervates. Our nerves are protected by a fatty tissue called the myelin sheath. Damage to the myelin sheath, also known as demyelination, can slow down communication, but a severed nerve can stop communication completely.

In the severe case of a severed nerve, the part of the nerve still connected to the brain can develop stumps that sprout a new section of nerve, this is known as neuronal sprouting. Specialized proteins that occur naturally in the body, known as nerve growth factors, trigger the neuronal sprouting and the formation of myelin that helps nerves recover.

Unfortunately, recovery from nerve damage is usually slow. Depending on the severity of the damage. If your nerve is bruised or traumatized but is not cut, it should recover over 6-12 weeks. A nerve that is cut will grow at 1mm per day, after about a 4 week period of ‘rest’ following your injury. But for patients experiencing painful symptoms or limb impairment, that’s a long and uncomfortable recovery period.

PBMT therapy has shown to stimulate the production of nerve growth factors to speed up neuronal sprouting and myelin formation to help shorten recovery time.

PBMT uses light energy to trigger beneficial changes in the body. PBMT works on two basic principles; they increase cellular regeneration and cellular communication. PBMT units emit specific wavelengths of light, which penetrate the tissue to reach the damaged area. Once absorbed, the light stimulates the production of nerve growth factors, which helps nerves regenerate.

There are numerous studies published on the benefits of using PBMT for nerve regeneration. In a 2017 a study published in the Journal of Lasers in Medical Science (J Lasers Med Sci. 2017 Summer; 8(Suppl 1): S32–S37.), found that exposing injured nerve tissue to a specific wavelength of light used in red light therapy could accelerate the regeneration process.

In a systematic review published in 2018, researchers looked at 26 studies performed in the previous decade. They concluded,”At the end of the present study, it can be seen that the data presented in the current articles helped us to understand the beneficial and helpful effects of photobiomodulation on regeneration and functionality after nerve injury. In spite of the great variety of parameters presented, great results were observed, mainly when related to the faster nervous regeneration process.”

The review of the studies also revealed other positive effects of photobiomodulation. They found that it improves the electrical properties of the treated tissue, decreases inflammation, eases pain, and promotes the development of blood vessels and collagen, which provides support for body tissues. But most importantly, the review showed that PBMT actually helps the nerves regenerate faster.

If you have any further questions regarding this PBMT, please call our office at 208-966-4425.

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Dr. Wayne M. Fichter Jr. is a chiropractor at Natural Spine Solutions. The business is located at 3913 Schreiber Way in Coeur d’Alene, 208-966-4425.