Welcome back to the Muscle and Joint Podcast! I’m Dr. Malik, and today we’re diving into an exciting treatment that’s really helping people heal from bone injuries faster. It’s called Class 3B Laser Therapy, or low-level laser therapy, also known as photobiomodulation. If you, or someone you know, is recovering from a bone injury – whether a fracture or surgery – this therapy could be a game-changer. We’ll cover how it works, what the research says, and how it helps people heal.What is Class 3B Laser Therapy?
Class 3B Laser Therapy uses low-power lasers that produce light in the red and near-infrared spectrum, typically under 500 milliwatts. Unlike the lasers used in surgeries, these don’t generate heat or damage tissue. Instead, the light helps cells heal by triggering specific chemical reactions. The main goal is to speed up bone healing by activating cells, helping them function better and repair damaged tissue.How Class 3B Laser Therapy Helps with Bone Healing
So, let’s break down the three main ways Class 3B Laser Therapy can help bones heal faster:
- Reducing Inflammation: Inflammation is a natural response to injury, but too much can actually slow down the healing process. The laser helps control this by reducing the levels of certain proteins that cause inflammation. A study by Ebrahimi and his team in 2012 showed that low-level laser therapy can reduce inflammation around bone injuries. By lowering inflammation, it creates a better environment for new bone cells to grow and repair the injury.
- Boosting Cellular Energy (ATP): Now, let’s talk about how this therapy boosts cellular energy. Cells have tiny structures called mitochondria that produce ATP – the energy source cells need to function. Class 3B lasers stimulate these mitochondria, helping them make more ATP. A study by Berni and colleagues in 2023 found that lasers with wavelengths between 630 and 830 nanometers increase mitochondrial activity, which means cells have more energy to repair tissue. This is especially helpful for osteoblasts, which are the cells that create new bone.
- Supporting Blood Vessel and Bone Growth: Blood vessels are essential for bone healing because they deliver oxygen and nutrients to the injured area. Class 3B Laser Therapy encourages new blood vessel growth, a process called angiogenesis, which in turn supports new bone formation. Medalha’s study in 2016 found that Class 3B lasers helped rats with spinal injuries grow new bone faster and increase a protein called RUNX2, which is key for bone growth. This is good news for patients, as it means faster and stronger healing.
How Does Class 3B Laser Therapy Work on a Cellular Level?Class 3B Laser Therapy works through a process called photobiomodulation. When cells absorb this specific light, a few important things happen:
- Activating Cytochrome c Oxidase: The light triggers this enzyme in the mitochondria, boosting ATP production and giving cells more energy for healing.
- Reducing Oxidative Stress: The laser helps keep levels of reactive oxygen species, or ROS, balanced. Too much ROS can damage cells, so reducing oxidative stress helps cells stay healthy and focused on repair.
- Releasing Growth Factors: The light also stimulates the release of growth factors like VEGF and PDGF. These help repair tissue and encourage new blood vessels to grow around the injury, delivering nutrients needed for bone healing.
At the Muscle and Joint Clinic, we’re excited to offer Class 3B Laser Therapy as part of our services. We know our patients want faster, safer healing, and this therapy is a fantastic tool for that. It’s non-invasive, safe, and backed by solid research.
If you’d like to find out if it’s right for you, we offer free consultations to answer all your questions.Thanks for joining us on today’s episode of the Muscle and Joint Podcast!
