What is low-level laser therapy?
Low-level laser therapy, also called photobiomodulation or neuromodulation, provides red and infrared light energy non-invasively to the sacral nerves and sacral neuronal center of the defecation reflex, to restore motility homeostasis. Low-level laser therapy has already been proven to be effective in treating back pain with a variety of neurological conditions. The same Health Canada-approved protocol for lower back pain is used in this study.
Expandable List
- Adults aged 18 – 95
- Diagnosis of chronic refractory constipation
- Without contraindications for low-level laser therapy
The LLLT therapy consists of 8 treatment sessions. Treatment effects will be assessed using symptoms and quality of life questionnaires, as well as physiological anorectal motility tests and autonomic assessments before, during and after the LLLT treatment.
- 8 one-hour visits over 3 weeks
Parking reimbursement will be provided.
Research Principal investigator: Dr. Jihong Chen MD PhD. Email: chen338@mcmaster.ca
Research Coordinator: Lijun Liu, PhD Candidate. Email: liul25@mcmaster.ca
This study is supported by the Canadian Institutes for Health Research (CIHR).
Dr. Jihong Chen
Dr. Jan D. Huizinga
Ms Lijun Liu
Mr. Amer Hussain
Mr. Khawar Ali.
This study was approved by the Hamilton Integrated Research Ethics Board (#5714).