Laser therapy has a wide range of uses including disinfection of wounds, eradicating pain, anti-inflammatory effects, and even cancer treatments. However, many people often confuse laser therapy with LED therapy. 

Laser Therapy

In our clinical setting, the specific type of laser we use is a low-level laser therapy (LLLT). During this procedure, the patient is exposed to very bright red and near infrared light which come into contact with the skin. These are less powerful than the James Bond or surgical grade lasers you may be accustomed to in movies where powerful laser energy is used to cut through various objects. Instead, when the low level laser comes into contact with the skin, most people feel nothing at all. However, the light energy is absorbed by the mitochondria at a cellular level and utilized to create more energy production. This increased energy is used to produce tissue healing substances such as collagen, vascular components, DNA and RNA. 

LEDs

LEDs are often used for minimizing post-operative pain, limiting edema, and stimulating the healing of tissues. However, they emit light on a lower power output than lasers and consequently have a broader range of wavelengths emitted.  Active populations may appreciate the enhanced muscular contractile ability and improved recovery following an LED treatment.