How does laser therapy differ from traditional modalities like ultrasound?

Laser therapy is distinct from traditional modalities like ultrasound primarily because it operates at the cellular level to promote healing. This modality utilizes specific wavelengths of light to penetrate tissue and stimulate biological processes, enhancing cell function, increasing circulation, and accelerating tissue repair. This cellular engagement is crucial for addressing various conditions, particularly those involving pain and inflammation.

Ultrasound, on the other hand, primarily relies on sound waves and does not influence cells directly in the same way that laser therapy does. Instead, ultrasound often provides benefits through thermal and mechanical effects on tissues, which is different from the photochemical and photobiological interactions facilitated by laser therapy. The nature of these different therapeutic effects underscores the unique role of laser therapy in promoting healing at a fundamental biological level.