Laser Therapy
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 pathways.
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.
Shockwave Therapy
Muscular pain affects millions of people every day. For some people this type pain is a nuisance, but for many it is physically debilitating reducing their quality of life and limiting their ability to enjoy activities with family and friends.
How does RPT work?
The enPuls device delivers mechanical energy into the target tissue. The energy will treat muscle pain and help increase the circulation in the area being treated. It also affects the tissue tone in a positive way making your clinicians other therapies more effective.
Your chronic pain may be related to scar tissue and adhesions formed either in soft tissue or tendon / ligament post injury. A treatment with the enPuls effectively presses the reset button on chronic scarred and hard-to-treat soft tissue. Scar tissue or adhesions in many cases adheres to and puts pressure on nerves which can result in pain. By breaking up the scarring and adhesions this helps take the pressure off the nerve and increases circulation to the area which helps the body heal itself more efficiently. Plus, this will help with range of motion.
Is it normal to experience pain during treatment?
Radial Pulse Therapy (RPT) creates a mechanical stress that may cause mild discomfort during treatment. Depending on the desired depth of penetration, varying amounts of energy may be utilized to create the desired effect and some soreness may be experienced post-treatment.
What is the duration of pain relief after treatment?
Most patients report some pain relief after the first treatment. However, the affects are most prominent after the second or third treatment. Your clinician will be able to help you through this process as every patient based on their condition may respond differently.
How many treatments are required on average?
The normal number of treatments for most conditions is 3 to 4, but certain conditions may require up to a maximum of 9 treatments. Four to 10 days between treatments is recommended for the body to recover naturally. If the maximum of 9 treatments is required, it is advisable to wait 4 to 6 weeks before the next treatment to the same area of the body.
Can I continue playing sports or normal physical exercise after RPT?
Physical exercise promotes metabolism and the restructuring processes in the tissue. It is normal to continue your physical activities within guidelines set by your health care provider.
