Low level laser therapy (LLLT) has been used in Eastern Europe and Asia for the treatment of a wide range of conditions for many years. Its continued acceptance in these populations reflects the efficacy with which it is regarded both by clinicians and their patients.

"The ability to non-thermally and non-destructively change cell function is known as laser bio-stimulation and is the basis for the current use of lasers in a number of medical fields. The worldwide interest in LLLT is illustrated by its use in more than 85 institutions in over 37 countries. Since the first study was reported in 1967, some 2500 papers have been published in a range of journals worldwide and the value of LLLT is much better reported than many believe. Its scientific background is sound enough to say that it is both safe and effective."

Today much more is known about the effects of laser light on biochemical and cellular function than was the case 20 years ago and the following benefits have been suggested:

• cellular metabolic activation and increased energy levels
• stimulation of repair processes of organ tissues as a result of increased cell proliferation
• anti-inflammatory effects
• microcirculation activation and more efficient tissue metabolism
• analgesic effects as a result of increased endorphin release (pain relief)
• immuno-stimulation with correction of cellular and humeral immunity
• increased antioxidant activity in the blood
• stabilising lipid peroxidation in cell membranes
• stimulation of erythropoesis
• vasodilatation
• normalisation of acid base balance in the blood
• reflexogenic effects on the functional activity of different organs and systems