Laser therapy, or “photobiomodulation”, is the use of specific wavelengths of light (red and near-infrared) to create therapeutic effects. Laser Therapy has been widely utilized in Europe by physical therapists, nurses and doctors as far back as the 1970’s, but not until recent years has the high powered Class IV been developed for therapeutic use.
Benefits
- Quick Recovery – Rapid regeneration of muscle, tendons, ligament, bone and nerves
- Quick swelling modulation – Resolution of inflammation
- Quick pain reduction – Rapid reduction in pain levels in the treated area
Numerous studies show that laser therapy can 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∙ Post-Traumatic Injury ∙ Trigeminal Neuralgia∙ Fibromyalgia ∙ Diabetic Neuropathy ∙ Burns ∙ Deep Edema / Congestion ∙ Sports Injuries ∙ Auto & Work Related Injuries
Patient Benefits of Laser Therapy
Laser Therapy is proven to biostimulate tissue repair and growth. Laser therapy accelerates wound healing and decreases inflammation, pain, and scar tissue formation. In the management of chronic pain, class IV laser therapy can provide dramatic results, is non-addictive and virtually free of side effects.
How long does each treatment take?
The typical treatment is 3 to 9 minutes, depending on the size of the area being treated.
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.
How many treatments does it take?
This depends on the nature of the condition being treated. For some acute conditions 1 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.
Does it hurt? What does a treatment feel like?
There is little or no sensation during treatment. Occasionally one feels mild, soothing warmth or tingling. Areas of pain or inflammation may be sensitive briefly before pain reduction.
Laser Therapeutic Effects
During each painless laser therapy treatment, 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.
Are there any side effects or associated risks?
During more than twenty years of use by healthcare providers all over the world, very few side effects have ever been reported. Occasionally some old injuries or pain syndromes may feel aggravated for a few days, as the healing response is more active after treatment.
Can it be used in conjunction with other forms of treatment?
Yes! Laser Therapy is often used with other forms of therapy, including chiropractic, osteopathy, physiotherapy, sports massage, soft tissue mobilization, and even following surgery.
Will one or two laser therapy sessions suffice?
While one session of laser therapy may produce pain relief, after this initial pain relief, sessions must be continued to allow therapeutic effects to set in. Without multiple sessions, only pain relief will be achieved, not significant therapeutic effect (healing). Once you feel the pain relief, it is advised not to resume vigorous exercise that could exacerbate your condition and cause further damage.
How often should a patient be treated?
Normally with a course of 6 visits, a patient will be treated 2 to 3 times a week over 2 or 3 weeks.