Laser Therapy, or “photobiomodulation”, is the use of specific wavelengths of light (red and near-infrared) to create therapeutic effects in the body. 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.
Laser therapy is proven to biostimulate tissue repair and growth. The Laser accelerates wound healing, and decreases inflammation, pain, and scar tissue formation. When it comes to pain management, Class IV Laser Therapy provides dramatic results, is non-addictive and virtually free of side effects.
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.
Numerous research studies show that laser therapy can help with these conditions:
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The research demonstrated that injuries treated with laser therapy heal faster, have strengthened tissue repair, and improved blood flow & lymphatic drainage. Laser therapy can improve immune response, and is an effective means of relief for many pain syndromes.
Frequently Asked Questions:
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 occurs.
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 a patient will say that pain was slightly increased after a treatment, as the healing response is more active after treatment. Contrast that with the side effects of prescription drugs or surgery – laser therapy has an amazingly safe track record.
How long does each treatment take? The typical treatment is 3 to 9 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.
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.
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 does the Laser work on the body? 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 release of cellular energy (ATP) that leads to a cascade of beneficial effects, increasing cellular function and health.
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 therapy to increase the effectiveness of the treatment.
