LASER Therapy is also known as photobiomodulation. It entails the use of specific
wavelengths of light (red and near infrared) to generate a photochemical response
in damaged or dysfunctional tissue.
The LASER works by creating an increase of vasodilatation (blood supply), bringing
in oxygen to the cells. It stimulates the lymphatic system, pulling edema and inflammation
from the area. ATP (Adenosine triphosphate) production is stimulated in the cells
helping them have the energy to function normally. The pain reflex is broken, offering
immediate relief of pain.
LASER therapy can alleviate pain, reduce inflammation and accelerate recovery from
a wide range of acute and chronic clinical conditions. Significant reduction in
edema (swelling) has been noted as well as tissues are better able to move fluids
out through lymphatic drainage pathway.
Cleared by the FDA in 2003, Class IV LASER therapy has become standard of care for
many musculoskeletal injuries. Class IV LASERs can penetrate over 4 inches into
the deep musculoskeletal tissue. The number of treatments required depends on the
nature of the problem and the length of time the patient has been affected by it.
Some conditions may be resolved with as few as one treatment. However, chronic and/or
deep-seated conditions may take as many as 10 treatments.
LASER therapy technology has been recently endorsed by professional organizations
such as the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), World Health Organization
(WHO) and International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP). There are no known
side effects from LASER therapy and the results are long lasting.
LASER Therapy has been proven to be effective for a wide variety of conditions.
Some of them include:
- Soft Tissue Injuries
- Tendinitis
- Back and Neck Pain
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Myofascical Trigger Points
- Epicondylitis (Tennis Elbow)
- Sprains, Strains
- Repetitive Strain Injuries
- Chondromalacia Patellae
- Plantar Fascitis
- Degenerative Joint Conditions
- Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
- Osteoarthritis (OA)
- Neurogenic Pain
- Herpes Zoster (Shingles)
- Post-traumatic Injury
- Trigeminal Neuralgia
- Fibromyalgia
- Diabetic Neuropathy
- Chronic Non-Healing Wounds
- Diabetic Foot Ulcers
- Burns
What is Low Level Laser therapy?
Cold laser therapy, otherwise know as Low-level laser therapy, uses light and photon
energy to stimulate cellular metabolism. Cold laser therapy has been demonstrated
effective in the treatment of a variety of painful and inflamed conditions of the
soft tissues and joints such as carpal tunnel syndrome, arthritis, back pain, sport
injuries. Cold laser has the unique property of being able to penetrate up to two
inches below the skin surface, causing an increase in cellular metabolism with no
tissue damage whatsoever.
Is cold laser therapy painful?
No, the therapy is painless and totally non-invasive. There is just a deep, gentle
warmth as your body's cells respond to the light.
Is Low Level Therapy safe?
The FDA has proven that the therapy is safe. The only contraindication (warning)
is for use directly in the eye.
Is the laser FDA approved?
Yes, the laser was first approved on Feb. 11, 2002 for the treatment & management
of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
Does LASER therapy really work?
Yes, research has demonstrated that:
Injuries treated with LASER therapy heal faster
LASER Therapy has a strengthening effect on tissue repair
LASER Therapy improves blood flow & lymphatic drainage
It is an effective means of relief for many pain syndromes
It can improve immune response
How does the LASER treatment work?
Treatment for pain is performed by the physical therapist by placing the LASER in
contact with the skin allowing the photon energy to penetrate tissue, where it interacts
with various intracellular bio molecules resulting in the restoration of normal
cell function. This enhances and essentially speeds the body's natural healing processes.
The treatment process results in a disappearance of symptoms. Additionally, the
immune system response is stimulated, Lymphatic drainage is improved, production
of growth hormone is increased, and the body's natural healing processes are enhanced
and essentially sped up.
What are the effects of LASER therapy?
Physiological Effects:
- Biostimulation including improved metabolism & increased cell metabolism
- Improved blood circulation and vasodilatation (blood supply)
- Analgesic (pain relieving) effect
- Anti-inflammatory and anti-edematous effects
- Acceleration of tissue repair and wound healing
- Relieves acute and chronic pains
- Increases the speed, quality and tensile strength of tissue repair
- Increases blood supply
- Stimulates the immune system
- Stimulates and improves nerve function
- Develops collagen and muscle tissue
- Helps generate new and healthy cells and tissue
- Promotes faster wound healing and clot formation
- Reduces inflammation
- Angiogenesis (improved circulation)
- Reduction in fibrous tissue (scar tissue) formation
Biochemical Effects:
- Releases Nitric Oxide
- Increase ATP Production
- Increase Fibroblast Migration
- Increase Macrophage Activity
- Increase Keratinocyte Activity
- Increase RNA DNA Synthesis
- Increase Enzyme Production
- Increase SOD Production
How long is each treatment?
Treatments last between 8 and 20 minutes depending on your injury and the body part
being treated.
How many treatments are required before I see results?
You should notice improvements to your condition within 5 to 10 brief treatments.
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