When I first learned of laser therapies and the way it worked I was very skeptical. What is your opinion? You shine a light on yourself and making you feel better? It’s absurd! However, after having treatment myself for my joint that is arthritic, I realized firsthand how beneficial it can be.
A lot of chiropractors now offer laser therapy as an ideal addition to chiropractic treatment. Laser treatment is not a substitute for it, but is a fantastic addition to chiropractic care.
What exactly is Laser Treatment?
Safe laser therapy, sometimes referred to as “cold laser” or Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) is a method of treatment that has been demonstrated to be extremely safe, painless , and effective for treating acute injuries as well as chronic pain of all types. It has been demonstrated to be an extremely beneficial as an adjunct to our treatment in Our Chiropractic Centres.
It’s been extremely helpful for persistent, stubborn and “difficult-to-treat” conditions, like chronic neck pain and back pain and arthritis, as well as plantar fasciitis as well as other muscle and joint problems.
Lasers give us the capability to provide you with a higher quality of non-invasive, safe pain relief that is drug-free and faster recovery of injured.
The treatment involves applying near infra-red and red radiation over the injured area. Lasers and LED beams of light are utilized to stimulate the cells of the body to repair tissues as well as reduce inflammation and discomfort.
It’s an extremely efficient treatment for injuries to the soft tissues that are acute or chronic pain syndromes as well as wounds that take a long time to heal.
Therapeutic The benefits of laser therapy
Laser light helps reduce swelling, which results in decreased stiffness, less pain and a quicker return to normal movement and joint.
Rapid cell repair with laser light boosts cell reproduction and also heals.
Improved Wound Healing through Laser light stimulates fibroblast growth and speeds up collagen synthesis in damaged tissues.
Reduction of Fibrous Tissue Form Laser light decreases the scar tissue growth which results in more complete healing and less chance of injury and weakness in the future.
An increase in Vascular Activity: Laser light stimulates the flow of blood to the area that is injured.
The Stimulated Nerve Function Light stimulates nerve cell processes that can lessen the pain and numbness caused by nerve-related ailments.
Laser therapy can treat certain conditions.
Acute soft tissue injury e.g. sprains/strains
Neck and back discomfort
Osteoarthritis
Pain syndromes that are chronic e.g. RSI frozen shoulder Chronic low back pain
Fractures and non-union injuries
Nerve painful (Neuropathic painful) e.g. due to disc injury
Ulcers e.g. diabetic ulcers
Postoperative treatment: Post-operative tenderness, tendon repair lymphoedema post mastectomy and infected wounds.
Burns
Benefits of Low-Level Laser Therapy over medical treatment
Fast and secure results. It is possible to use immediately following injuries, or over plates, pins as well as bony prominences.
Pain relief that is drug-free without unwanted side effects. It’s not a risk for side consequences like anti-inflammatory drugs and painkillers.
Clinical effects of low-level laser therapy
Reduces inflammation and swelling The stimulation of lymphatic drainage helps to reduce swelling.
Reduces the time for healing: Increases the activity of the cells surrounding the injury , thereby increasing efficiency, speed, and the strength of the repair of tissue.
Pain relief: blocks the nerves that are associated with the area of pain.
How do LLLT or Photomedicine therapy function?
Lasers for therapeutic purposes provide vital energy into the body through the light-emitting photons.
The cells and tissues absorb this energy, and it can be used to speed up the normal speed of tissue healing.
The near infrared and red light (600nm 1000nm to 600nm) typically employed in LLLT can be created with lasers or a high-intensity LED. The power of LLLT lasers and LEDs is not as intense as the surgical laser. There is no heating result.
Effects of LLLT are photochemical, similar to the photosynthesis that plants undergo. Lasers can alter cell membrane permeability as well as aid to produce ATP (the fuel that powers cells) and provide the cells with greater energy. This ensures that your cell will be in the best state to perform its role in the healing process naturally.
Security of Low Intensity Laser Therapy
Low-level laser therapy isn’t dangerous.
Lasers that stimulate tissue do not have enough power to harm cells.
Three decades of research and clinical trials have revealed very few, sporadic adverse negative effects.
There are typically no negative results of LLLT however, you could sometimes experience a slight ache following treatment.
This resulted from an increased stimulation of the inflammation phase. It will resolve within 24 – 48 hours.
Frequency of Treatments
While some patients see immediate results, other patients require six to ten treatments before they see a lasting impact.
Acute or less severe injuries require less treatment than severe or chronic conditions.
The recommended frequency for treatment is to do 1-2 times per week for 2 to 4 weeks, and then one time per each week over 2 to 6 weeks.
It will differ in each person from another according to the type of injury, length of time that it has been present and how quickly you recover.
In the summary
Utilizing a laser can help heal your injury faster, it will lessen the pain and allow you to get back to your normal activities more quickly.
This is possible without any of the adverse effects that can be experienced from using painkillers .
The advantages of low intensity Laser Therapy are:
It’s safe
Non-invasive
Non-toxic
Easy to apply
Highly efficient
No negative side effects
