The study is the first study to investigate the treatment of chronic refractory constipation using low-level laser therapy (LLLT), to essentially enhance the defecation reflex. The patients are monitored in Dr. Jihong Chen’s colon motility clinic at McMaster University Medical Center.

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.