What is Laser Therapy?
Laser Therapy, or “Photobiomodulation”, is the use of specific wavelengths of light (red and near-infrared) to create therapeutic effects. These effects include improved healing time, pain reduction, increased circulation and decreased swelling. Laser Therapy has been widely utilized in Europe by physical therapists, nurses and doctors as far back as the 1970’s. Now, after FDA clearance in 2002, Laser Therapy is being used extensively in the United States.
What are the benefits of Laser Therapy?
Laser Therapy is proven to biostimulate tissue repair and growth. The Laser accelerates wound healing and decreases inflammation, pain, and scar tissue formation. In the management of chronic pain, Cutting Edge Lasers and MultiRadiance Super-Pulsed Lasers can provide dramatic results, is non-addictive and virtually free of side effects.
Bio “Life” stimulation and tissue regeneration are the first effects cited in much of the literature. How many therapies can make such a claim?
Laser therapy adds energy to living systems. While we are able to explain many of its molecular and biochemical effects, it also adds energy at atomic and subatomic levels.
Has effectiveness been demonstrated scientifically?
Yes. There are thousands of published studies demonstrating the clinical effectiveness of Laser Therapy (Photobiomodulation). Among these, there are more than one hundred rigorously controlled, scientific studies that document the effectiveness of laser for many clinical conditions.
What are the cellular Effects of Laser Therapy?
During Laser Therapy the infrared laser light interacts with tissues at the cellular level and metabolic activity increases within the cell, improving the transport of nutrients across the cell membrane. This initiates the production of cellular energy (ATP) that leads to a cascade of beneficial effects, increasing cellular function and health.
During each painless treatment laser energy increases circulation, drawing water, oxygen, and nutrients to the damaged area. This creates an optimal healing environment that reduces inflammation, swelling, muscle spasms, stiffness, and pain. As the injured area returns to normal, function is restored and pain is relieved.
How long does each treatment take?
Thanks to the higher power output of a Class IV Therapeutic Laser such as the Cutting Edge Laser, and the Class I Super-Pulsed Lasers from MultiRadiance, treatment times are shortened, so you can get on with your busy life. Most treatments range from only a few minutes to 30 minutes. The typical treatment is 3 to 17 minutes, depending on the size of the area being treated.
How often should a patient be treated?
Acute conditions may be treated daily, particularly if they are accompanied by significant pain. More chronic problems respond better when treatments are received 2 to 3 times a week, tapering to once a week or once every other week, with improvement. After the initial treatments are completed it is recommended as a follow up every other month for one year or six treatments as a means to keep the inflammation down in the treated area.
How many treatments does it take?
This depends on the nature of the condition being treated. For some acute conditions, 3 to 6 treatments may be sufficient. Those of a more chronic nature may require 10 to 15 (or more) treatments. Conditions such as severe arthritis may require ongoing periodic care to control pain.
Many patients note improvement in their condition in just one or two sessions. These sessions may be scheduled at two to three times per week for a number of weeks and then one to two times a week until the condition is under control. For more chronic conditions, one to two times a week is usually used for a longer period of time.
If you don’t want to come back for more laser therapy, consider the alternative…worsening symptoms and/or long term medication use.
How long before the results are felt?
You may feel improvement in your condition (usually pain reduction) after the very first treatment. Sometimes you will not feel improvement for a number of treatments. This does not mean that nothing is happening. Each treatment is cumulative and results are often felt after 3 or 4 sessions.
Can it be used in conjunction with other forms of treatment?
Yes! Laser Therapy is often used with other forms of therapy, including physical therapy, chiropractic adjustments, massage, soft tissue mobilization, electrotherapy and even following surgery. Other healing modalities are complementary and can be used with laser to increase the effectiveness of the treatment.
What is the history of LASER technology?
The effects of red light on cellular function have been known since 1880 however the clinical benefits were only discovered by accident during laser safety tests in 1967. The first low-power lasers suitable for treating pain became available commercially in the late 1970’s and ever since then, laser therapy has been widely utilized in Europe by physical therapists, nurses and doctors. Now, after FDA approval in 2002, laser therapy is quickly gaining popularity in the USA.
What does laser therapy do anyway?
Physiological effects of Laser Therapy:
- Decreased pain levels
- Reduced inflammation
- Increased tissue proliferation & regeneration
- Accelerated soft tissue and bone repair
- Increased tissue tensile strength
- Enhanced nerve regeneration & function
- Increased cell metabolism
- Increased enzymatic responses
- Increased cell membrane potentials
- Increased microcirculation & vasodilation
- Increased lymphatic flow
- Increased collagen production
- Enhanced angiogenesis (creation of new blood vessels)
Why is Laser Therapy better than some other forms of treatment?
It does not require the use of drugs or surgery, it’s very safe with less side effects or risks, and it is quick and convenient. Studies have shown that it is equal to or more effective than other forms of rehabilitation. There is no other therapy that has shown to obtain such impressive results as Cutting Edge Class IV Lasers and MultiRadiance Super-Pulsed Class I Lasers. There are three things one must look for, P-D-P, which means Power – Depth – Penetration. If you do not have these three factors, your laser therapy may fall short in its expectations.
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What type of conditions can Class IV LASER therapy help with?
Tendinopathies ∙ Carpal Tunnel Syndrome ∙ Myofascial Trigger Points ∙ Lateral Epicondylitis (Tennis Elbow) ∙ Ligament Sprains ∙ Muscle Strains ∙ Repetitive Stress Injuries ∙ Chondromalacia Patellae ∙ Plantar Fasciitis ∙ Rheumatoid Arthritis ∙ Osteoarthritis ∙ Shoulder, Back & Knee Pain ∙ Herpes Zoster (Shingles) ∙ Post-Traumatic Injury ∙ Trigeminal Neuralgia∙ Fibromyalgia ∙ Diabetic Neuropathy ∙ Venous Ulcers ∙ Diabetic Foot Ulcers ∙ Burns ∙ Deep Edema / Congestion ∙ Sports Injuries ∙ Auto & Work Related Injuries