When you think of a laser, the first thing that comes to mind probably is not physical therapy. For me, the first think I think about is Dr. Evil and his giant “laser.” At 3 Dimensional Physical Therapy, instead of taking over the world with a laser, we use it as an adjunct treatment on a variety of conditions.
How does laser therapy work?
Without getting too technical, laser therapy uses specific wavelengths of light and accurate doses of energy focused directly to the area being treated. Low level lasers supply energy to the body in the form of non-thermal photons, or bundles of light energy. Current therapeutic laser application uses red and near infra-red light (600-1000nm) directed towards tissue, in order to create a healing effect on the targeted area. Studies have shown that when tissue cultures are treated by a laser, enzymes within the mitochondria (power house cells) of the cells absorb energy from laser light. It has also been documented that injured tissue cells absorb a greater amount of light when compared to healthy tissue cells, producing the greatest benefit where it is needed most. Phototonic biostimulation is the trigger for several metabolic changes and numerous effects have been documented:
Benefits?
- Anti-inflammatory
- Increased cell metabolism
- Simulated cell growth
- Cell regeneration
- Increased tissue activity
- Edema reduction
- Reduced fibrous tissue formation
- Stimulated nerve function
- Collagen deposition
Who
would benefit from therapeutic laser?
In general, if you have pain that is
of musculoskeletal origin, you may be a candidate for laser therapy. As with
most other treatment modalities, results may vary. Injury severity, location,
and unrelated medical complications may alter individual results. Low level
laser therapy is another tool that when used properly, will accelerate tissue
healing and provide a safe effective alternative for pain relief.
What conditions are treated with low
level laser therapy?
- Back Pain
- Arthritis
- Sprains/Strains
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Bursitis
- Patella Femoral Syndrome
- Fibromyalgia
- Plantar Fasciitis
- Neck Pain/Whiplash
- Nerve Root Pain
- Post-Operative Pain
- Tendonitis
- Shoulder Pain
- Tennis Elbow
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