One of the most impactful new devices that I acquired this year is the Weberneedle Endolaser. This device has laser diodes with six different wavelengths: UVA, blue, green, yellow, red, and infrared. We can administer this Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) to patients intravenously, interstitially, intra-articularly, and externally. As a holistic and integrative physician I have discovered many ways that this technology can help patients with chronic health conditions.
In October 2023, one of my patients had an intravenous laser therapy session, during which I administered most wavelengths intravenously for 5 minutes per wavelength. I administered the blue and ultraviolet wavelengths for 10 minutes each.
This patient had a history of severe physical trauma in childhood, which, among other things, resulted in a seizure disorder and chronic pain.
Within a few days I received the following messages from the patient’s family:
“Hi Dr Bloem, when our daughter is going to have a seizure, we can tell by her appearance, her eyes are glassy and uneven, that kind of thing. But she’s not feeling any pain and that’s never happened before. Do you think that something you did yesterday is helping her pain? This is just really weird because her seizures have always been painful and now she’s going to have one and she is in no pain. Did you just invent a miracle? It did make a big difference on our daughter. It’s like a miracle. Thank you.”
A couple of days later the family contacted me again:
“Our daughter just texted me and she was practically in tears, tears of joy, because she feels like she has a chance at a normal life. That is thanks to you. She is still out of pain and jumping around like life is smiles and rainbows, which is how she put it. And she wanted me to let you know how well she’s doing, how happy she is, and how grateful she is for you. We all are. You are just so awesome, she says she got her life back, she’s a changed person. This is just so great and I thank you so much for you being extremely magnificently great!”
The patient texted me also:
“That machine worked wonders for pain. I’ve been like a whole new person. My roommate has seen firsthand how much of a different person I am, especially in the mornings when I’m all rainbows and butterflies and she’s probably still grouchy and wants to punch me in the face for being so hyper. Thank you for being a hero without a cape.”
This was actually an unexpected treatment outcome because the patient came in with a chief complaint of a skin infection. For that reason, I pretreated her with an infusion of riboflavin (Vitamin B2), which is a photosensitizer that is activated by the blue laser.
However, we know that certain laser wavelengths, used in Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) or photobiomodulation, have been shown to help reduce pain through various mechanisms. This non-invasive and low-risk therapy is used for a range of conditions, including musculoskeletal pain, neuropathic pain, and inflammatory conditions. Here’s an explanation of how specific laser wavelengths can contribute to pain reduction:
1. Cellular Effects:
Increased ATP Production: LLLT at specific wavelengths (commonly in the red and near-infrared spectrum, around 600-1000 nanometers) can stimulate mitochondria within cells. Mitochondria are often referred to as the cell’s “powerhouses” because they produce adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which is essential for cellular energy. Enhanced ATP production can accelerate cellular repair processes, aiding in tissue healing and reducing inflammation.
2. Improved Blood Flow:
Vasodilation: LLLT can cause vasodilation, the widening of blood vessels. This helps to improve blood circulation in the treated area, delivering more oxygen and nutrients to tissues. Enhanced blood flow can reduce ischemic pain (caused by insufficient blood supply) and promote healing.
3. Reduction of Inflammation:
Suppression of Inflammatory Mediators: LLLT has been shown to reduce the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines and increase anti-inflammatory cytokines. This modulation of the immune response can help control and reduce inflammation, which is often associated with pain.
4. Nerve Function Modulation:
Neuromodulation: LLLT can affect nerve function by modulating neural transmission. It may reduce pain signals sent by sensitized nerves and increase the release of endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers.
5. Collagen Production and Tissue Repair:
Enhanced Collagen Synthesis: LLLT can stimulate fibroblast activity, leading to increased collagen production. Collagen is a vital component of connective tissues, and its enhancement promotes tissue repair, which is crucial for healing injuries and reducing pain.
6. Pain Gate Theory:
Gate Control Theory: LLLT may activate the “gate control” mechanism in the spinal cord. According to this theory, non-painful stimuli can close the “gate” to pain signals, reducing the perception of pain. LLLT might trigger these non-painful stimuli.
7. Reduced Muscle Spasm:
Muscle Relaxation: LLLT can promote muscle relaxation, which is beneficial for individuals with muscle-related pain or tension. Relaxed muscles can alleviate pain and improve range of motion.
It’s important to note that while LLLT has demonstrated potential in reducing pain and promoting tissue healing, its effectiveness can vary depending on the specific condition being treated, the laser parameters (wavelength, power, duration), and individual patient factors.
Before I purchased the Weberneedle Endolaser, I had attended International Society for Medical Laser Applications’ (ISLA) conference in San Diego in March 2023. I was very impressed with the treatment successes that physicians from around the world shared and I am so pleased to report that my patients are benefiting from this technology in my office as well.
