Wound Treatment
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Wound Treatment with LLLT - Low Level Laser Therapy Clinical wound problems arise as a result of abnormalities in epithelial cell formation, wound contraction and collagen metabolism. Our understanding of such problems has improved over the years, as we realised the importance of tissue perfusion and new cell formation, the role of peptide and fibroblast proliferation and the release of growth factors that initiate the normal healing process. There are many growth factors involved in this process of biosynthesis that boost the healing process. One of the external growth factors can be photobiostimulation of tissue using LLLT (Low Level Laser Therapy) treatment, deploying laser light emitted at wavelengths from 600 to 900 nm, which has special characteristics. Laser is an electromagnetic beam of light and should not be confused with ultrasound. Both involve electromagnetic oscillations, but laser light is non-mechanic, as it is of electric rather than mechanical character. The number of oscillations is 500,000,000,000,000 per second (Hertz). Light has totally different characteristics to sound, as light can change the chemical structure of cells, something sound is unable to do. Laser light has special properties which make it very different from ordinary lamplight, as its photons are able to accelerate cell proliferation and the wound healing processes. We believe that the energy released stimulates endogens such as flavins and cytochromes, which are components in the cell respiration chain. The energy absorbed is transformed into free oxidant radicals that are a more powerful form of oxygen, which stimulate the respiration chain and increase ATP production in the mitochondria. ATP production then activates formation of DNA & RNA that boosts calcium-ion concentration in the cytoplasm. This process is necessary to increase cell partition, to facilitate the wound healing process. This is the knowledge that forms the basis of LLLT (Low Level Laser Therapy). LLLT’s contribution to wound healing involves boosting blood flow – and not just microcirculation, but also by dilating the blood vessels, increasing oxygenation of tissue, increasing fibroblast formation, acceleration of collagen connective tissue synthesis and formation of granulation tissue, that will finally lead to formation of skin. Regeneration of lymph vessels is also affected by LLLT treatment resulting in lymph drainage. Stimulation of macrophages counters the risk of secondary infection, all of which are vital factors in wound healing. |
