What is Low-Level Laser Therapy?
LLLT or Low-Level Laser Therapy uses a coherent beam of less than 500 mW to deliver perfectly directed red or near-infrared light. First developed in the 1960s following the work of Professor Endre Mester, therapeutic laser therapy has gradually become an established part of photobiomodulation, thanks to its targeted action on deep tissues without heating the skin.
LLLT works through several key mechanisms, including mitochondrial stimulation, ROS modulation, nitric oxide release and growth factor activation. The cellular effects and clinical benefits are visible: reduced oxidative stress, micro-capillary vasodilation, faster tissue repair, controlled inflammation, reduced pain and improved tissue oxygenation.
Key technical parameters
Here are a few technical parameters to take into account during your therapeutic laser sessions:
Wavelength
630 nm for surface, 810-904 nm for deep tissue.
Power output
50 to 500 mW depending on zone and indication.
Ideal fluidity
4 to 12 J/cm² to trigger response without overload.
Surface treated
Spot size from 1 to 5 cm², perfect for joints, tendons and trigger points.
Pulse time
Continuous or pulsed, the pulsed mode (2,500 Hz) reduces heating on sensitive skin.
LLLT Photobiomodulation session protocol
What are the steps involved in getting a laser therapy session off to a good start?
1.
Locate the painful area or wound edge to be treated by photobiomodulation.
2.
Position the laser cannula at 1 cm, perpendicular to the surface.
3.
Irradiate for 30 seconds per point (fluence ≈ 6 J/cm²).
4.
Move forward 1 cm and repeat until the entire area is covered.
5.
Schedule 2 to 3 sessions per week for 3 weeks, then 1 maintenance session every 2 weeks.
LLLT vs LED therapy: which to choose?
What are the main differences between LLLT lasers and LED light?
The LLLT laser
The beam is totally coherent, its surface is localized (precise points, scars) and the time per zone to be treated is very short (around 30 seconds). Professional training is essential, and the budget is fairly high.
LED light
The beam is non-coherent, the surface area is large (whole face, back) and the time per zone is rather long (between 10 and 15 minutes). Quick training is all it takes to handle a LED panel, and the price is moderate to high.
Choosing the right LLLT device
A few criteria to help you choose your LLLT :
Laser class
Prefer class 3B models, powerful enough for deep tissue, but safe enough for the office.
Spot diameter
1 cm² for precision, 5 cm² to cover a scar.
Pulsed settings
A 10 Hz mode calms acute pain, while a 2500 Hz mode is recommended for healing.
Accessories
Intra-oral cannula for mucositis, dermatological tip for acne and rosacea.
Maintenance
eNcleaning the lens with a microfiber cloth and isopropyl alcohol after each person treated, annual check of devices and power meter.
Safety and best practices
There are a number of guidelines for the safe use of LLLT devices.
Wear filtering goggles adapted to the wavelength
Everyone in the treatment room must wear filtering glasses adapted to the wavelength emitted by the device. This prevents accidental exposure of the retina to even a low-power coherent beam.
Respect contraindications
Active tumor in the area, early pregnancy, photosensitizing intake.
Never aim directly
A child's eye or growth plate (sensitive cartilage areas). The tips must be properly oriented and stabilized throughout the session.
Document each session
Each session parameter must be recorded in the file: power, fluence, number of points and evolution of symptoms.
Initial training essential
All LLLT users must undergo specific training to understand the technical parameters, master safety procedures and adapt protocols to different indications (pain, healing, aesthetics).
Clear communication with the subject
Before the session, it's essential to explain that the treatment is painless (very moderate sensation of heat), that several sessions will be necessary to obtain a lasting effect, and that results vary according to pathology, age and initial level of cellular activity.
Key indications for laser therapy
Some figures illustrating the benefits of LLLT devices :
painintensity
(EVA scale) after 6 sessions on patellar tendonitis and joint pain.
Relieves inflammation, relaxes muscle fibers, increases amplitude, ideal for epicondylitis and digital osteoarthritis.
speed of healing of surgical wounds treated with the 635 nm red laser.
Accelerates wound healing, reduces redness, thickness and pruritus of surgical or traumatic scars.
increase in hair density observed after 12 weeks of LLLT scalp treatment.
On the scalp, a red laser scan (655 nm) stimulates follicles and prolongs the hair growth phase in both men and women.
