LASER THERAPY
Cold laser therapy is also known as “soft laser therapy” is a medical treatment form, which uses low-level lasers to stimulate the damaged tissues, thereby enhancing the progress of healing and providing relief from pain and inflammation. Cold laser therapy has a very good potential to ease chronic pain and inflammation due to its capability to penetrate the skin and treat soft tissue injuries.
What Is K-Laser Treatment?
K-Laser is an FDA-cleared therapeutic treatment that manages pain and inflammation while accelerating tissue regeneration.
What Are Some Things The K-Laser Treat?
- Amputee Stumps
- Back and Neck Pain
- Burns
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Chondromalacia Patellae
- Chronic Non-Healing Wounds
- Degenerative Joint Conditions
- Diabetic Foot Ulcers
- Diabetic Neuropathy
- Epicondylitis (tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow)
- Fibromyalgia
- Herpes Zoster (Shingles)
- IT Band Syndrome
- Lacerations
- Most Sports Injuries
- Myofascial Trigger Points
- Neurogenic Pain
- Osteoarthritis
- Patella Femoral Syndrome
- Plantar Fasciitis
- Post-traumatic Injury
- Repetitive Stress Injuries
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- RSD/CRPS (reflex sympathetic dystrophy/chronic regional pain syndrome)
- Shin Splints
- Soft Tissue Injuries
- Sprains, Strains, Torn Muscles
- Tendinopathies
- Trigeminal Neuralgia
- Venous Ulcers
And more….
What Are The Effects Of Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT)?
On a cellular level: During laser therapy, infrared laser light interacts with tissues at the cellular level increasing metabolic activity within the cell. By improving the transport of nutrients across the cell membrane, the increased production of cellular energy (ATP) is stimulated. The cascade of beneficial effects that follows includes increased cellular function and tissue repair.
On a therapeutic level: 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, the function is restored and pain is relieved.
What Does That Mean For Me?
- Pain reduction
- Enhanced tissue healing
- Increased circulation
- Reduced inflammation
So, How Does It Work?
Photobiomodulation (PBM) is a light therapy that uses red and near infra-red light to induce photochemical reactions in the body on the molecular and cellular levels. Summus Medical Laser protocols combine wavelengths, pulsing, and power to achieve unparalleled therapeutic effects including modulation of inflammation, reduction in pain, accelerated tissue healing, and increased circulation.
Why Do You Use K-Laser Treatment At Bodywise Tempe?
We have added laser therapy to our practice because we want to provide a high-tech, non-invasive treatment option for our patients to heal quickly, recover fully and reduce pain effectively. Laser therapy is a great compliment to chiropractic adjustments, acupuncture, stretch therapy, massage, and more.
How Long Does Laser Treatment Take?
A treatment can last anywhere from 2-10 minutes depending on the size of the area being treated.
How Often Do I Need Laser Treatments?
- Acute 6 (3-2-1)
- Chronic 12 (3-2-2-2-2-1)
- Some patients feel a difference after 1 or 2 treatments
Why Isn’t K-Laser Treatments Covered By Insurance?
Many insurance companies do not understand proactive health or have a reluctance to adopt emerging therapies. As demand increases insurance companies may find it necessary to include it in their reimbursements.
When Will I Start Feeling Better After Laser Treatment?
Some people notice a change after only one treatment, but most people will notice a reduction in pain by treatment three. Keep in mind that pain relief is just one goal in your care. Continuing with the suggested treatment plan ensures the most effective care possible.
How Long Will The Treatment Effects Last?
- When there is a reduction in pain it will usually last from 24-48 hours.
- For acute cases, therapy is usually finished after the first series of treatments.
- For chronic cases, therapy may need to be administered monthly on an ongoing basis to maintain results.
What Are The Most Common Laser Treatments?
- Low Back Pain / Sciatica
- Neck Pain / Arthritis
- Muscle Spasms / Trigger Points
- Knee Pain
- Shoulder Pain
- Elbow Pain
- Hand Pain
- Hip Pain
- Foot and Heel Pain
- Headaches
Is a Laser Treatment Safe?
- All therapy procedures carry with them an element of risk, either through carelessness or by accident. There is in-depth, ongoing training available to those who administer treatment.
- There is a well-established research community dedicated to the general study and optimization of the biological effects of laser phototherapy.
- Laser therapy has been used in animals for over 20 years. However, the newer high-powered Class IV therapy lasers were FDA cleared in the US in 2005. Their use has grown dramatically in the last 10-15 years.
But How Do I Know If It Is Safe For Me?
There is a short list of contraindications and an even shorter list of adverse effects of laser therapy. However, you should always discuss any conditions or concerns you may have with your provider prior to deciding on treatment.
Do I Need To Prepare For My Laser Treatment?
The laser is applied directly to the skin so wearing clothing that will allow access to the area is helpful. If necessary, your provider may supply a gown or loose-fitting clothing if the treatment area is not readily accessible.
What Does K-Laser Therapy Feel Like?
Most patients describe it as a very soothing, warm sensation. Many patients feel a significant reduction in pain on the first visit.
But Aren’t Lasers Bad For Your Eyes?
The K-Laser is a high-powered therapy laser. Laser light can be focused by the lens of your eye and potentially cause damage to your retina. The safety glasses you will be asked to wear specifically block the wavelengths of light produced by the laser.
*Information from K-LASER “the little red book OF MEDICAL TREATMENTS”