First developed in the 1960s, lasers have been utilized for a variety of medical treatments over the years, such as optical surgery. One such laser-based therapy is High-Intensity Laser Therapy (HILT), a non-invasive therapy that is used to manage pain and help treat a variety of musculoskeletal disorders.
How Does HILT Work?
High-Intensity Laser Therapy is a type of photobiomodulation therapy. Photobiomodulation is a process in which photons targeted at the body penetrate and stimulate cells and tissues to accelerate the healing process. Photobiomodulation via HILT can stimulate nerves to reduce or eliminate pain, have thermic effects on the tissue which can cause vasodilation, and energize hemoglobin and cytochrome oxidase to increase healing and tissue regeneration.
In a treatment session, the therapist will direct either a pulsed or continuous beam high-intensity laser at the area for a period of time. The skin may feel warm and the patient may experience an immediate relief of pain. It is vital for the patient to wear safety glasses while undergoing the procedure, as the light from the laser can cause damage to the eyes. It is also important that the treatment is provided by a therapist that has been trained in administering HILT, as tissue damage can result from improper use.
What Conditions Can High-Intensity Laser Therapy Treat?
HILT has proven to be beneficial in treating and/or managing the following chronic and acute conditions:
- Osteoarthritis
- Rheumatoid Arthritis, Juvenile RA
- Disc degeneration/herniation
- Bursitis
- Shoulder impingement/rotator cuff tendonitis
- Tendonitis/tenosynovitis
- Sciatica
- Tennis elbow, trigger finger
- Plantar fasciitis
- Sprains
- Back and neck pain
- Ulcers
- Incisions and wounds
Risks and Benefits
Benefits of HILT include:
- Non-invasive, painless, and non-addictive
- Immediate pain relief
- Accelerated tissue repair/regrowth
- Deep tissue and wound healing
- Reduces swelling
- Promotes vasodilation and improves blood flow
- Softens scar tissue
- Improves nerve function
HILT is contraindicated in patients with the following conditions:
- Pregnancy (effect on fetus not studied)
- Epilepsy (laser light may trigger seizures in some patients)
- Cancer/tumors
- Thrombosis
- Pacemakers/artificial joints
Sources:
- High Power Laser Therapy – Physiopedia (physio-pedia.com)
- High-Intensity Laser Therapy (HILt) – ARRC LED
- About High intensity Laser | High Intensity Laser (high-intensity-laser.co.uk)
- Effective treatment options for musculoskeletal pain in primary care: A systematic overview of current evidence – PMC (nih.gov)
