Below is an excerpt from a post I sent to lactnet in 2000 (see
archives) in response to to an inquiry on this subject back then (time
goes so quickly - but not much has changed). I thought I would re-post
it as I hadn't seen a reply to Gonneke's question

 Low Intensity Laser Therapy (LILT) has been historically used in
assisting tissue repair in chronic pressure sores. Apparently certain
wavelengths of light have a profound effect on cell function with photons
being absorbed within the cell mitochondria and cell membranes. Low powered
lasers are used (typically 0.1 to 0.001 Watts). They apparently have only a
photochemical effect, no thermal effect. The literature reports LILT to
have been seen to have many biochemical and physiological effects such as
changing cell membrane permeability to various ions, changing mitochondrial
membrane permeability leading to increased cellular ATP levels and
increasing endothelial cell and fibroblast proliferation. Many other
chemicals have been observed to increase such as bradykinin, serotonin,
endorphins.....I could go on, but the up shot is they believe it facilitates
rapid healing and increases comfort levels and is of special value in
treating chronic wounds.
I have reservations about its use on the nipple as its possible
effects on milk and breast tissue is unknown and its therapeutic effects in
this area are unproven. Also I worry that often the underlying cause
is not treated or recognised. However it continues to be used (and has
been in my hospital since my last post 6 years ago).  Mothers say they
derive comfort from it and it has been so widely used now that mothers
ask me antenatally if we use it because their friends have recommended
it (too bad they dont recommend better preparation for good
positioning and attachment ;-)

Cathy Fetherston
Perth Western Australia

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