LASER BASICS

The Science and Application of Low Level Laser

Therapy.

How to enhance all the good work

you already do!

LASER BASICS OUTLINE

HOUR 1

Intro to Laser

- Laser Basics – the science

- Laser and Chiropractic

HOUR 2

Neuro-musculoskeletal examination and up-regulation

- Muscle response testing (evaluation tool/treatment tool)

- Neck and upper extremity

- Low back and lower extremity

HOUR3

Cranial Nerves and Sympathetic/parasympathetic Balance

HOUR 4

Hypersympathecotonia (STRESS)

WHAT IS LOW LEVEL LASER THERAPY?

• Also known as Cold Lasers or Soft Laser

• Generates no heat

• Works on biological or cellular level

• Entirely therapeutic in nature

• No contraindications

• Highly accepted in sport therapy

LOW LEVEL LASER THERAPY

REPORTED BENEFITS…

Accelerates the healing

process and allows

patient to resume work

and daily activities, far

exceeding

conventional methods.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Repetitive Stress Injuries

Sports Injuries

Acute & Chronic Back &

Neck Dysfunction

Sprains & Strains

Fibromyalgia

Tennis Elbow

TMJ Pain/Dysfunction

Arthritis

Migraine Headaches

Post-Operative Pain

Tendonitis

HOW DO LASERS WORK?

Increase Cellular Energy – ATP Adenosine triphosphate, a very important, relatively unstable

but ubiquitous molecule produced in the mitochondria of the cell. It is responsible for the release of energy necessary for

muscular activity and many cellular functions.

Cellular communication Involves the nervous system, phospholipid cell membrane and

the integrin system.

•Every cell contains hundreds of mitochondria which provide 90%

of ATP energy for function

Increase Cellular Energy

The inner membrane of the mitochondria contain 4 protein

complexes called the respiratory chain. Electrons flow through

the respiratory chain to produce ATP energy

This energy production creates oxygen free radicals as a by

product

The free radicals attack all components of the cell including the

mitochondria themselves

This leads to cell break down, decreased energy, degeneration

of all affected tissue and premature aging

LASERS TO THE RESCUE

Lasers are proven to

increase ATP synthesis and

decrease free radicals. Low level laser therapy effects the biological process that

makes antioxidant enzymes and antioxidant proteins such as

glutathione and alpha lipoic acid.

FACT: Lasers increase the

mitochondrial production of

ATP without increasing the

production of free radicals

LLLT AND CHIROPRACTIC

The nervous system uses the greatest amount of ATP energy.

Consequently, the most immediate physiological improvement

seen with “True Laser” in therapy is in neurological function

ENHANCING YOUR CHIROPRACTIC ADJUSTMENT

Stress injures the mitochondria which creates energy decline and

leads to cell death

“The tissues and organs most readily affected by cellular injury, due to stresses, are the central nervous system, heart, skeletal

muscle, kidneys and hormone producing tissue.”

Mitochondrial DNA in Aging and

Disease

Scientific American; Aug 1997 page 40

WE ARE

TAUGHT THAT

THE BODY IS

COMPOSED

OF SYSTEMS.

muscular skeletal

nervous cardiovascular respiratory

endocrine

digestive immune

reproductive

ACTUALLY,

ALL OF THESE

SYSTEMS ARE

COMPOSED

OF ONE

CONTINUOUS

SYSTEM:

INNATE

muscular skeletal

nervous cardiovascular respiratory

endocrine

digestive immune

reproductive

Current literature refers to

this as “The Living Matrix.” A

continuous system that is

primarily driven by energy;

communicating by light and

subtle vibratory oscillations

throughout every cell of the

body.

A SINGLE PHOTON CAN TRIGGER A REACTION IN ONE

CELL THAT CAUSES THE EMISSION OF SEVERAL PHOTONS.

THESE THEN TRIGGER PHOTON EMISSIONS IN OTHER

CELLS, AND THE EFFECT SPREADS FROM CELL TO CELL TO

CELL LIKE A CHAIN REACTION.

These are called high-speed branched-chain processes.

James Oschman, PhD, and author

of Energy Medicine, cites the

findings of Frohlich, world renowned

Physicist, who predicted:

“On the basis of quantum

physics, the living matrix must

produce coherent or laser-like

oscillations”

His predications were confirmed in a

number of laboratories. Energy

therapists have always recognized

the importance of vibratory

phenomena (including light) in

healing, but academic molecular

science was focused on other

matters.

Cell Communication

NERVOUS SYSTEM

Neurons

Slow (meters/second)

Point to point

Digital (all or none)

Regulates specific events:

100 billion cells

BASIC LASER PRINCIPLES

Lasers

Infrared

LED

Wavelength

Power

Wavelength

The visible light spectrum ranges from 390nm-760nm

635NM WAVELENGTH

kills bacteria

and

accelerates wound healing

resonates with DNA,

stimulates cell division without mutation

stimulates ATP production,

and neutralizes free radicals

Mitochondrial DNA in Aging and Disease

~Scientific American, August 1997

COLD LASER TECHNOLOGY

Non-thermal

Coherent light: ruby crystal, same direction, same wavelength

Non-coherent light: LED, scatter, fluctuating wavelength

Every tissue emits and absorbs specific frequency; bio modulation

Living matrix: stimulate one point you stimulate them all

LLLT AND PAIN MANAGEMENT

Increased ATP means greater interdigitation of the muscle contractile proteins, improving strength

Phillip Pack, Cliffs Quick Review Anatomy and Physiology, 2001, page 94

LLLT AND PAIN MANAGEMENT

Improved mechanics inhibit the sympathetic nervous system, which improves blood flow, improves immune system function, decreases

pain…..INCREASES OVERALL HEALTH AND WELL BEING

LLLT AND PAIN MANAGEMENT

ATP is also required for muscle to relax. Calcium is returned to the sarcoplasmic reticulum by active transport (requiring ATP).

Increased ATP also results in improved range of motion

Phillip Pack, Cliffs Quick Review Anatomy and Physiology, 2001, page 94

The firm’1st IRB FDA Approved, Clinical Study was conducted in 2000, to prove the effectiveness of Laser Energy for Pain Management

Pain Management

Pain Management

The firm’s 2nd IRB / FDA Approved, Clinical Study was conducted in 2001 and further substantiated Laser Energy as a viable modality.

Erchonia Corporation Medical Lasers

• The Erchonia Lasers made history, January 2002 by being granted the 1st FDA market clearance any low level lasers.

• Granted their 14th FDA Market Clearance June 2016

LOW LEVEL LASER THERAPY

REPORTED BENEFITS…

Accelerates the healing

process and allows

patient to resume work

and daily activities, far

exceeding

conventional methods.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Repetitive Stress Injuries

Sports Injuries

Acute & Chronic Back &

Neck Dysfunction

Sprains & Strains

Fibromyalgia

Tennis Elbow

TMJ Pain/Dysfunction

Arthritis

Migraine Headaches

Post-Operative Pain

Tendonitis

MEDICAL

RESEARCHERS

ARE

DISCOVERING

THAT

INFLAMMATION

IS A COMMON

DENOMINATOR

TO

A WIDE RANGE

OF CHRONIC

DISEASES.

INFLAMMATION AND CHRONIC

DISEASE:

THERE IS A GROWING CONSENSUS IN THE MEDICAL COMMUNITY THAT

CHRONIC DISEASES AND DISORDERS ARE ACTUALLY THE RESULT OF AN

INFLAMMATORY RESPONSE THAT HAS, IN A SENSE, OUTLIVED ITS

USEFULNESS.

Rheumatoid arthritis

Multiple sclerosis

Heart disease

Atherosclerosis

Diabetes

Alzheimer's disease

Osteoporosis

Asthma

Cirrhosis of the liver

Bowel disorders

Psoriasis

Meningitis

Cystic fibrosis

Cancer

In other words, inflammation seems to play a role

in a wide range of diseases not previously considered inflammatory.

Clinical Application

in

CHIROPRACTIC

PAIN CONTROL (“ANALGESIA”) SYSTEM IN THE BRAIN AND SPINAL CORD

The degree to which each person reacts to pain varies

tremendously. This results partly from the capability of the brain itself to control the degree of input of pain signals to the nervous system by activation of the pain control system, called an analgesia system.

The analgesia system consists of three major components

The periaqueductal gray area of the mesencephalon and upper pons

The raphe magnus nucleus located in the lower pons and upper medulla

A pain inhibitory complex located in the dorsal horns of the spinal cord

THE PAIN RECEPTORS

There are two types of pain…Fast Pain and Slow Pain

Fast pain occurs within about 0.1 sec when a pain stimulus is applied. Fast pain signals transmits in the peripheral nerve at velocity 6–30 m/s

Slow Pain begins only after a second or more and then increases slowly over many seconds and sometimes even minutes.

Slow Pain signals transmits in the peripheral nerve at velocity 0.5-2 m/s

The brain only knows pain as a frequency of nerve firing

LASER EFFECTS Increases ATP

Biomodulates cell

Increases nitric oxide

Increases mitosis

Increases phagocytosis

FDA: decreases pain meds

Stimulates mitochondria

Increases strength and

ROM

ERCHONIA’S 635NM LASER

DNA replication emits light at 630-640nm. Thus, photonic energy from 635nm laser may accelerate DNA replication – AND it is not mutagenic.

- Dr. Joe Kleinkort, PT, MA, PhD, CIE, DAAPM

UNDERSTANDING LASER EFFECTS:

LOOK FOR SYSTEMIC EFFECTS.

System-wide

Whole person

Phase transitions

Shift to coherence

Cell to cell

communication

BODY PRINCIPLES CONTINUED

Total integration=total interconnection = every part knows

precisely what every other part is doing

A distortion anywhere in the body distorts the whole

The extracellular matrix (connective tissue) is continuous with the

cytoplasmic and nuclear matrix within every cell in the body.

The extracellular matrix (connective tissue) is continuous with the

cytoplasmic and nuclear matrix within every cell in the body.

SUMMARY OF LASER EFFECTS:

635 nm wavelength

Antibacterial

mtDNA and ATP stimulation

Free radical neutralization

Increase strength and ROM

Decrease pain and inflammation

CONCLUSION -

Proven that the Cellular Research exists to substantiate Low

Level Laser technology is a viable modality

Reported on the expert evidence of Clinical Data

Clarified the physics of Depth of Penetration and Power

The Future Applications are Limitless

COLD LASER PRECAUTIONS

OSHA: Erchonia laser can be used without protective glasses.

Never shine laser directly in eyes

Caution with pace makers

Erchonia 635nm WILL NOT facilitate cancer cells (No cellular mutation)

Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics January 2009

Establishing Laser Therapy Efficacy… The Only

Modality

to

receive

A Rating

NOW THAT YOU HAVE AN

UNDERSTANDING OF LASER BASICS….

My Goal for You is:

• Everyone leaves this room understanding the living connective tissue matrix

• Everyone learns the laser up-regulation protocol

• Everyone has an appreciation for the profound impact Stress has on each and every one of us

• Everyone has fun

THE UP-REGULATION SEQUENCE

TEST LOCALIZE LASER RE-TEST

1. Test: 2-3 second muscle challenge

2. Localize: Patient manually contacts the primary reflex

point then doctor retests muscle to see if it is strong to

confirm correct laser point

3. Laser: Place the Erchonia Laser on the ______ point

for 15-30 seconds (4, 9, 33, 60)

4. Re-test: Retest muscle challenge to confirm up

regulation

MUSCLE TESTING

• You want to know if you can have a conversation with the body; can you hold a dialogue?

• 2-3 second challenge with slight increase in pressure toward the end.

• This is a meeting with the minds, not a meeting of the muscles…so don’t over power!

• If it doesn’t seem to be working, remember…less is more.

Orthopaedic Neurology

A Diagnostic Guide to Neurologic Levels

By

Stanley Hoppenfeld, MD

Brush up on your muscle testing (myotome) skills!

Active range of motion

should be included as

part of your up-regulation sequence

EVALUATION BLOCK #1

CERVICAL SPINE

Active Primary Ranges of Motion in the clear.

• C1-2 Flexion/Extension

• C3 Right/Left Lateral Flexion

• C4 and Cranial Nerve XI Right/Left Rotation

Muscle Test Active Primary Ranges of Motion

Laser primary nerve root responsible for specific

range of motion to up-regulate or reset

Re-test

WORK SHOP

EVALUATION BLOCK #2

UPPER EXTREMITY

Active Myotome Testing

C5 Arm Elevation – Deltoids bilateral

C6 Biceps

C7 Triceps

C8 Finger Flexion

T1 Finger Abduction

Laser the primary nerve root to up-regulate or reset

Re-test

WORK SHOP

EVALUATION BLOCK #3

LUMBAR SPINE AND LOWER

EXTREMITIY

Active Primary Ranges of Motion

Patient Standing: Flexion

Extension

Lateral Flexion Right/Left

Patient Supine: Straight Leg Raise Bilateral

Abduction Bilateral

Patrick’s Test

Muscle Test Primary Nerve Roots

• S1: Eversion; peroneals

• L5: Big Toe Dorsiflexion; ext. hallicus longus

• L4: Inversion; tibialis anterior

• S1: hamstrings

• L2: quadraceps

• L1-2: hip flexors

LASER UP-REGULATION

SEQUENCE

Test - Lower body muscles

Localize - Primary reflex point for that weak muscle

Laser - The reflex point for 30 seconds

Re-test - To confirm that up-regulation has taken

place

DR. JEFF SPENCER’S CARDINAL RULES:

ABSOLUTE “MUST-DO” STEPS TO BE

SUCCESSFUL WITH THE LASER

• Treat as you go

• Don’t try to figure out correlations

• Never skip steps

• Be precise, don’t get sloppy

• Only use the laser for what it will do

CRANIAL NERVE TESTING AND UP-

REGULATION (4, 9, 33,60)

CN I – Olfactory (smell) mint, coffee, cinnamon

Up-regulation – Cribiform Plate

CN II – Optic (eye chart)

Up-regulate – Occipital Lobe

CN III – Occulomotor (accommodation focus) Near-v, far-v-near

Up-regulate – Frontal Lobes

CN III, IV & VI – Occulomotor (6 cardinal fields of gaze)

- Trochlear

- Abductions

Up-regulate – Frontal Lobes

CRANIAL NERVES CONTINUED

CN V – Trigeminal (Sensory to face, motor to muscles of mastication)

- Lightly swipe forehead, cheeks and chin tap jaw (jaw jerk reflex)

Up-regulation - Foramen Rotundum and Ovale

- Superior Orbital Fissure

CN VI – Facial (All fascial muscles)

Up-regulation - Stylomastoid Foramen

CN VIII –Vestibulocochlear (Snap or rub fingers, place head in flexion, extension,

right and left lateral flexion)

Up-regulation - Auditory Meatus

-

CRANIAL NERVES, CONTINUED

CN IX + X – Glossalpharyngeal and Vagus (Big swallow, say “Ahh”)

Up-regulation – Jugular Foramen

CN XI – Spinal Accessory (Shrug shoulders)

Up-regulation – Upper Cervicals

CN XII – Hypoglossal (Stick your tongue out, point right and left)

Up-regulation – Hypoglossal Foramen and Ramus of the Jaw

AUTONOMIC NERVOUS SYSTEM SYMPATHETIC -V- PARASYMPATHETIC TONE

Autonomic Nervous System is under constant utilization to provide the

appropriate physiologic adaption throughout all 14 systems in the body.

Our patients come in each visit stressed out, in some state of

hyper-sympathecotonia or sympathetic over-drive.

It is impossible to have proper

sympathetic/parasympathetic tone in the

body if any dis–ease process is present.

That being said…It is beneficial to enhance,

facilitate (raise) parasympathetic tone for our

stressed out health compromised patients.

Neurologically, the parasympathetic system is

comprised of cranial nerves III, VII, IX, and X

Sacral para sympathetic nerves include S2 – S4

(occasionally S1). Approximately 75% of all para-

sympathetic nerve fibers are in CN X (vagus n.)

Which passes through the entire thoracic and

abdominal regions.

Neurologically, the sympathetic system is made up of

spinal nerves T1 – L2. Distribution tends to overlap, but

can be generalized to include:

T1 Heart and Head

T2 The Neck

T3-T6 The Thorax

T7-T11 The Abdomen

T12-L2 Into the Legs

The Autonomic Nervous System works

as a system of checks and balances.

When sympathetic stimulation excites a

specific organ, parasympathetic

control inhibits and visa versa

The problem then lies in this thing called:

STRESS!!

Any threat or demand (real or perceived) placed on the

body initiates the flight or fight response (increased

sympathetic tone). An Innate protective mechanism

designed to turn on in an instant and turn off once the

threat or demand has passed.

The problem is then exacerbated due to the

fact that our flight or fight response never

truly gets to shut down because our world,

our lives are rittled with a constant barrage of

minor or mild demands day-in and day-out.

Why don’t Zebras get ulcers?

TEST THE PARA SYMPATHETIC NERVOUS SYSTEM

BY FIRING THE APPROPRIATE NEUROLOGY LASER FREQUENCY 9 HZ, 20 HZ, 5,000 HZ, 10,000 HZ

MUSCLE RESPONSE TESTING

Oculomotor Nerve – CN III

Exam: Light Reflex (papillary)

Motor, Patient covers one eye. Have patient move their eye(s) up,

down and out.

MRT shows weak when a specific motion is involved.

Treatment: Treat the area of the brain or brain stem that negates the weakness.

(Laser frequencies: 4 Hz, 9 Hz, 33 Hz, 60 Hz)

Facial Nerve – CN VII

Exam: Glabellar Reflex, tap glabella and

supra-orbital notch to stimulate

contraction of orbicularis oculi muscle.

Motor, challenge muscles of facial

expression while muscle response testing.

Sensory, taste; peppermint, cinnamon, coffee

(pick your favorite)

A weak muscle response test necessitates lasering the area of the

brain or brain stem that negates the weakness.

(Laser frequencies; 4 Hz, 9 Hz, 33 Hz, 60 Hz)

Test Sympathetic division by firing

the appropriate neurology.

T1 – L2 and organ entrance points.

Laser muscle response testing and the

Red/Violet Laser (only) EVRL

(2.5 Hz, 7.83Hz, 764 Hz, 10,000 Hz)

Calming/Inhibiting facilitation

Nerve Root Entrance Points:

Challenge a strong indicator muscle while stimulating

the T1 nerve roots – midline

If the muscle remains strong, this indicates proper

balance of sympathetic to parasympathetic divisions.

If the muscle weakens, this indicates imbalance

between sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions –

usually too much sympathetic tone.

Treatment: Hold EVRL (red/violet laser) over the specific

spinal level for 60-120 seconds. Retest the previously

weak muscle. Strong response indicates up-regulated

or resetting of appropriate sympathetic/para-

sympathetic balance.

Organ Entrance Points:

Using a strong indicator muscle, place the EVRL over a specific organ then challenge the indicator muscle – weakness indicates sympathetic/para-

sympathetic imbalance.

Organ Map:

Adrenals Large Intestine

Liver Bladder

Gall Bladder Prostate/Uterus

Heart Testes/Ovaries

Kidney (Right/Left) Thymus

Spleen Thyroid

Pancreas Para-Thyroid

Stomach Lung (Right/Left

Small Intestine

Treatment:

Hold EVRL with frequencies, 2.5 Hz, 7.83 Hz, 7.64Hz

and 10,000 Hz over the organ and the pre-

programmed head over the specific spinal level

– nerve root using: 4 Hz, 9 Hz, 33 Hz and 60 Hz for

60 – 120 seconds to up-regulate and restore

sympathetic/para- sympathetic balance.

‘STRESS’ HYPER – SYMPATHECOTONIA

FIGHT OR FLIGHT REAL OR PERCEIVED (IMAGINED)

THE BODY DOES NOT DIFFERENTIATE

Designed as a protective mechanism it is extremely

efficient and effective.

However, today we unconsciously tap into it far too

often and for some…the process never gets to shut

down.

Stress is the precursor to ALL dis-ease

TOO MUCH OF …

NOT ENOUGH OF …

Electromagnetic exposure

Physical trauma

Emotional trauma

Rest

Exercise

Nutrients

Chemical exposure

Microbial exposure

IMBALANCE BETWEEN CATABOLIC

METABOLISM AND ANABOLIC

METABOLISM

Adrenal Fatigue ** Adrenal Exhaustion

Hypothyroidism

Metabolic Syndrome X (Mal-digestion/Mal-absorption)

Dysbiosis

Irritable Bowell Syndrome

Disrupted Sleep

Weak Immune System

Depression ** Anxiety

Chronic Fatigue

So, How do we fix it…For Ourselves and our

Patients?

Change up the Diet

• 55-65% Animal Sources (protein)

• 15-25% Non-Starchy Vegetables and Fruit

• 5% Nuts, Seeds and Berries

Learn your Metabolic type (Sympathetic,

parasympathetic or both)

Avoid any and all starchy carbohydrates,

packaged or processed foods, low fat or

non-fat items

Push the water (Pure, Fresh, Clean)

Your body weight in pounds x 0.55 = the

appropriate amount of water you need to drink

every day.

Example: 150 lbs. x .55 = 82.5 oz.

82.5 ounces of water every day!

Get moving…

Our bodies were meant

to be active not stuck in a

subluxation machine.

Get Adjusted regularly

and combine that

treatment with LLLT!!

NUTRICEUTICAL SUPPORT (I CHOOSE NUTRIWEST)

• ADRENO LYPH PLUS

• ADRENO LYPH SYM

• ADRENO LYPH PARA

• ADRENAL DROPS (Homeopathic)

• CORE LEVEL ADRENAL

• DSF

• DSF HERBAL

• PRO CORTISOL BALANCE

• TOTAL THYROID 2

• CORE LEVEL THYRO

• COMPLETE BRAIN CHARGE

• COMPLETE NEURO

• TOTAL BRAIN

• COMPLETE HI D3

• COMPLETE IMMUNE D3

HAVE YOUR LEVEL OF

OXIDATIVE STRESS EVALUATED (BLOOD TEST)

• COMPLETE OMEGA ESSENTIALS

• F COMPLEX

• COMPLETE GLUTITHIONE

• TOTAL FLM

• PRO INFLAZYME

• LYSO LYPH FORTE

REFERENCES:

• Jerome Rerucha, DC; The Biological Basis of Low Level Laser Therapy

• Dan Murphy, DC, DABCO; Low Level Laser Therapy

• Jeff Spencer, DC, CCSP; Clinical Mastery of Cold Laser

• James Oschman, PhD; Energy Medicine, The Scientific Basis

• Jerrold S. Green, PhD; Comprehensive Stress Management

• Robert M Sapolsky, PhD; Why Zebras Don’t Get Ulcers; Stress and the Aging Brain

• Evan Mladenoff, DC; Stressed Out and Headed for Burnout