Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) is the use of red and near-infrared monochromatic light to enhance the body’s natural healing processes. The light source is placed in contact with the skin, allowing the light energy (photons) to penetrate tissue where it interacts to increase circulation and help restore normal cellular function. LLLT does not break the skin as do surgical lasers.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved LLLT (with this approval came a new classification of therapeutic devices, referred to as NHN), known by many other names, such as cold laser, non-thermal laser, soft laser, biostimulation laser, low-intensity laser, and low-power laser therapy, as an effective method for temporary pain relief. The LLLT is the type of laser most commonly used in your doctor of chiropractic’s office.
The low-energy laser pulses can be adjusted to penetrate more deeply and more aggressively into the skin tissue, depending on the condition and goals of treatment. The light energy, which 
can be delivered by either a large device that emits multiple laser panels at once or a hand-held device for smaller targeted areas, will pass through the skin layers to reach the cells and tissue causing the pain and inflammation. The laser device is held against the skin over the area being treated. The light energy is absorbed and converted to biochemical energy, which stimulates the cells. That activates the natural healing process of the cells, which reduces pain, increases blood flow, and stimulates repair of the tissue.
Treatments include:
- Herniated Discs
- Back and Neck Pain
- Tendonitis
- Neuropathy
- Bursitis
- Stress Fractures
- Runners Knee
- Tennis Elbow
- Plantar Fasciitis
- Rotator Cuff
(Source: ACA - http://www.acatoday.org/content_css.cfm?CID=4721)
