LOW LEVEL LASER THERAPY (LLLT) is also known as PHOTOBIOMODULATION (PBM). It is a form of treatment developed over the past 20-30 years, which promotes improvement in healing, pain levels and tissue swelling with NO SIDE EFFECTS OR DRUG INTERACTIONS. LLLT has been widely used in treatment by sports practitioners, the armed services, veterinarians and dentists for 15+ years. It is NOT a heat treatment or Ultrasound, but rather (as the name suggests) uses LASER treatment in the low range. For further information, go to: www.thorlaser.com

SAFETY: Over 200 clinical trials and 1000 studies have been published regarding LLLT. It has been shown to be safer and more effective than anti-inflammatory medications for many conditions. LLLT also assists healing, and reduces pain, swelling, muscle fatigue and the area of damaged tissues.

USES: 

• Acute or chronic tendon/joint capsular damage 
• Sprains, strains, bruises, ulcers, pressure areas 
• Neck and back pain
• Arthritis 
• Post operative pain 
• Tissue/Ulcer healing 
• Numerous other specific conditions

TREATMENT: LLLT improves tissue repair, and reduces pain & inflammation in the treated areas. Treatments usually take 20 – 25 minutes, and can be applied 2 times per week or weekly, depending on the condition & patient preferences. There are different regimes depending on the type of damage/inflammation, the size of the area involved and how long the condition has existed.

HOW IT WORKS: When cells are stressed, Nitric Oxide (NO) is produced which prevents oxygen uptake into the energy producing (Mitochondrial Cytochrome C Oxidase) pathways. This reduces cell function (ATP production), causing oxidative stress, leading to further inflammation and reduced ATP production. LLLT displaces Nitric Oxide from the cells, thereby reducing inflammation, restoring energy (ATP) production, and helping tissues heal more quickly. By reducing inflammation, LLLT also reduces swelling & pain.

HOW TO ACCESS LLLT: Dr Hanchate has done specific training to use the THOR device for LLLT. Please discuss your condition in an appointment with her to determine if LLLT could be helpful for you. We can then arrange treatment regimes which are appropriate for you. Patients of any doctor at North Nowra Medical Practice or other practices can also arrange treatments after an initial assessment to determine if LLLT could be effective. LLLT will not cure all diseases! So it is important to first discuss your specific condition to ensure that your condition is likely to benefit. Please note that treatment sessions will ONLY be for LLLT, not other problems. Payment options can also be discussed, with reduced rates for low-income patients.