Pros and Cons of Low Level Laser Technology

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Low level laser technology is a relatively new development, although the use of light to treat diseases goes way back to the beginning of the 20th century, when physiologist Niels Finsen received the Nobel Prize in 1903 for his studies on the effects of light on certain kinds of bacteria. More specifically, the bacteria-killing effects of ultraviolet radiation on cutaneous tuberculosis.

Early, pre-laser studies into the medical applications of light focused mainly on the thermal and destructive powers of light and radiation. But after the first successful laser test in 1960, investigations in to the physiological benefits of light emission shifted a bit from the destructive capabilities of light to its possible non-destructive uses. Low level laser therapy is probably the most popular and most controversial application of these studies that focus on the non-destructive capabilities of laser light.

The Pros of Low Level Laser Therapy

Low level laser therapy began in earnest with the work of Endre Mester, a researcher at Semmelweis University in Budapest, who in 1967 demonstrated the potential for stimulating tissue repair with the use of low level laser light, emphasizing the procedure's clinical potential for the healing of diabetic ulcers.

Further experiments and research by others after Mester's experiments has revealed that low level laser therapy can be used to alleviate neck pain, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis of the knee, and carpal tunnel syndrome, among other ailments. There are currently a wide variety of studies being conducted which show that low level laser light could have potential benefits in the areas of hair growth and wound tissue healing.

Low level laser treatments are painless, non-invasive, and have thus far been shown to have zero adverse side effects.

The Cons of Low Level Laser Therapy

Despite the lack of adverse effects and its proven as well as potential benefits, low level laser technology is, as was mentioned before, a relatively new field of medical study, and the lack of any kind of official, widespread methodology for research into low level laser treatments means that there are a lot of studies out there that are conducted without proper scientific procedures and without the proper understanding of the physiological effects of light.

As such, while the benefits of a low level surgical laser therapy on things like muscle pain are evident, there is insufficient evidence to suggest the same level of effectiveness in treating things like hair loss and wounds. And though the FDA has approved low level laser treatment as a viable medical procedure, the field is still considered experimental due to lack of large clinical trials and evidence.