Laser Therapy for Pain Management and Clinical Applications

はじめに

Laser therapy for pain has gained widespread recognition in clinical practice due to its effectiveness in treating both acute and chronic musculoskeletal conditions. Among various modalities, red laser therapy is particularly noted for its shallow tissue penetration, making it effective for superficial injuries, while higher-powered devices are used for deeper structures. The integration of laser therapy into multidisciplinary pain management programs has enhanced recovery outcomes for patients seeking alternatives to pharmacological treatments.

作用メカニズム

Laser therapy works through photobiomodulation. Red laser therapy stimulates mitochondrial function in superficial tissues, increasing ATP production and enhancing cellular repair. Deeper-penetrating wavelengths target muscle, tendon, and joint structures. The result is a reduction in inflammatory cytokines, increased local circulation, and activation of endogenous pain modulation pathways.

Clinical Benefits of Laser Therapy for Pain

• Non-invasive analgesic effect without opioids
• Enhanced healing of acute injuries
• Long-term improvement in chronic pain syndromes
• Improved quality of life with reduced disability

Applications in Human Medicine

1. 慢性腰痛
2. 頚椎症
3. Post-surgical pain management
4. 関節リウマチ
5. 神経因性疼痛症候群

Case Study: Hospital Pain Clinic Record

患者ID 2025-210

年齢／性別 52, Female

主な不満 Chronic neck pain following whiplash injury.

歴史： Patient suffered whiplash trauma 2 years prior. Persistent pain rated 8/10 despite physiotherapy and analgesics. MRI revealed cervical disc degeneration without spinal cord compression.

治療プロトコル：

• Device: Red laser therapy unit (660nm) for superficial tissues combined with Class 3B for deeper penetration
• 頻度：3セッション／週、8週間
• Parameters: 10 minutes/session targeted on cervical paraspinal and trapezius muscles

結果

• Pain reduced to 3/10 on VAS
• Cervical mobility improved by 40%
• Reduced dependence on analgesics
• Patient resumed full-time work after 2 months

結論 Laser therapy for pain provided substantial relief for a chronic cervical condition. Red laser therapy complemented deeper protocols, delivering comprehensive results.

結論

Laser therapy is now a frontline modality for pain management. 赤色レーザー治療 addresses superficial tissue conditions while broader-spectrum laser therapy ensures deeper musculoskeletal recovery. Clinics that adopt these approaches can reduce patient pain and improve functional outcomes.