Anodyne Therapy: A Photo-Energy Treatment Modality
How Anodyne Therapy Works
Infrared photo energy breaks the bond between Nitric Oxide (NO) and hemoglobin in the red blood cells, and possibly from endothelial cells as well. Once the bond is broken, nitric oxide is free to exert its biological effects.
Nitric Oxide
It is a simple molecule made up of nitrogen and oxygen. When nitric oxide is released from hemoglobin, it has several important effects relative to improving circulation and reducing pain.
Vascular Effects of Nitric Oxide
The 1998 Nobel Prize was won by three scientists who discovered the vascular effects of nitric oxide.
Nitric oxide increases blood flow
- As the body's most powerful vasodilator, nitric oxide dilates ALL vessels (arteries, capillaries, veins, lymph micro-vessels), which increases delivery of oxygen and nutrients to tissues.
- Reduces edema through increased venous and lymphatic activity.
- Reduces platelet aggregation (clumping) which may narrow or block the blood vessels.
- It is a signal molecule for angiogenesis - the creation of new capillaries to replace damaged ones - and improves delivery of other tissue growth factors.
- Improves tissue range of motion and quality of remodeling.
- Reduces muscle spasm that can compress vessels, thereby causing ischemic pain.
- Controls blood pressure.
Several drugs utilize this nitric oxide activity to exert effects on blood pressure and circulation. Nitroglycerine dilates vessels to treat angina. Viagra is a vasodilator which was initially developed as a blood pressure medication. These drugs have system-wide effects though, some of which may be undesirable. Anodyne, a powerful vasodilator, can release nitric oxide in the specific areas of treatment, thus eliminating undesirable systemic side effects while it enhances circulation where needed.
Neural (Nerve) Effects of Nitric Oxide
Nitric oxide affects nerves to reduce pain
- Direct
- In early 1990's, it was discovered that nitric oxide is responsible for the pain relieving properties of some pain medications such as morphine.
- Indirect
- Improving circulation to nerves provides oxygen and nutrients to relieve hypoxia, ischemia.
- Reducing inflammation/swelling relieves pressure on nerves that may be causing pain.
- By relaxing muscle spasm and reducing stiffness, it can relieve other sources of pain.
Bottom line, nitric oxide is a very important molecule for circulation, blood vessels, maintaining blood pressure and for healing. Many people with chronic pain do not have enough nitric oxide.
