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 tissues are better able to move fluids out through lymphatic drainage pathways.
Cleared by the FDA in 2003, Class IV LASER therapy has become the 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 effective for a wide variety of conditions. Some of them include:
Soft Tissue Injuries
- Tendinitis
- Back and Neck Pain
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Myofascial Trigger Points
- Epicondylitis (Tennis Elbow)
- Sprains, Strains
- Repetitive Strain Injuries
- Chondromalacia Patellae
- Plantar Fasciitis
Degenerative Joint Conditions
- Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
- Osteoarthritis (OA)
Other Conditions
- 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 known as Low-Level Laser Therapy, uses light and photon energy to stimulate cellular metabolism. It has been demonstrated effective in treating a variety of painful and inflamed conditions of the soft tissues and joints, such as carpal tunnel syndrome, arthritis, back pain, and sports injuries. Cold laser can penetrate up to two inches below the skin surface, causing an increase in cellular metabolism without tissue damage.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?
Yes, the FDA has proven the therapy to be safe. The only contraindication (warning) is for use directly in the eye.Is the laser FDA approved?
Yes, the laser was first approved on February 11, 2002, for the treatment and 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 and 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 a physical therapist by placing the LASER in contact with the skin, allowing the photon energy to penetrate tissue. It interacts with various intracellular biomolecules, restoring normal cell function and enhancing 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 accelerated.What are the effects of LASER therapy?
Physiological Effects:
- Biostimulation, including improved metabolism and 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
- Relief of acute and chronic pain
- Increased speed, quality, and tensile strength of tissue repair
- Stimulation of the immune system
- Improved nerve function
- Development of collagen and muscle tissue
- Promotion of new, healthy cells and tissue
- Faster wound healing and clot formation
- Reduction in inflammation
- Angiogenesis (improved circulation)
- Reduction in fibrous tissue (scar tissue) formation
Biochemical Effects:
- Releases Nitric Oxide
- Increases ATP Production
- Increases Fibroblast Migration
- Increases Macrophage Activity
- Increases Keratinocyte Activity
- Increases RNA/DNA Synthesis
- Increases Enzyme Production
- Increases SOD Production
How long is each treatment?
With our 40 watt Laser, treatments can take as little as 2-5 minutes, depending on your injury and the body part being treated. This allows us to treat more aspects of the targeted area, up to 15-20 minutes.
How many treatments are required before I see results?
You should notice improvements to your condition within 3 to 5 brief treatments.
