What is the primary mechanism of action for laser therapy?

The primary mechanism of action for laser therapy is delivering concentrated light energy to stimulate cellular processes. This concentrated light interacts with specific cellular components, promoting various biochemical reactions that can enhance healing, reduce inflammation, and stimulate tissue regeneration. The cells absorb the energy from the laser, which can lead to increased ATP production, improved blood flow, and modulation of inflammatory responses, all of which contribute to the therapeutic effects observed with laser treatments.

In contrast, the other methods mentioned do not accurately reflect the core function of laser therapy. Directly removing damaged tissues might suggest a surgical approach but does not capture the regenerative and healing aspect that laser therapy offers. Dispersing light energy across a wide area would result in a lack of targeted treatment, diminishing the efficacy that concentrated laser energy provides for stimulating specific cellular responses. Lastly, while applying heat can reduce inflammation, laser therapy is not limited to just heat application; the critical aspect is the interaction of light energy with cells that drives healing processes rather than merely applying heat.