Light therapy is an alternative healing technique used by health professionals to cure a variety of wounds and injuries. The LED device used in light therapy is recommended for use in healing bone fractures.
Anatomy Background
The body uses adenosine triphosphate (ATP) as an energy carrier within all cells, and when a bone cell becomes damaged and ATP production is disrupted, the cell dies. In order for the body to heal from a fracture, the cells in the area of the fracture must regenerate and heal by using ATP.
Device
The unit used in light therapy consists of a probe that functions as the light source and is powered by a rechargable battery. The medical professional uses a hand-held control pad or remote to control the treatment.
Function
When light is shone on the area of the fracture, the bone cells generate excess ATP, which helps them to regenerate, promoting healing of the fractured area. The LED light device also relieves inflammation, boosts the immune system and increases blood supply to the area of the fracture, all of which assists in the mending of the fracture.
Expert Insight
A study conducted by a group of researchers at the Medical College of Wisconsin concluded that LED light therapy is useful in treating a variety of conditions because of its effects on specialized cells called fibroblasts. Researchers at the University of Tokyo have identified that fibroblasts are also critical to the healing of fractures.
Locations
Light therapy is available from a variety of health professionals, including general practitioners, orthopedists, podiatrists and home health care nurses.
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