When I first learned of laser therapies and the way it worked I was very skeptical. What is your opinion? Illuminating you and making you feel better? It’s absurd! However, after having treatment myself for my arthritis-prone elbow, I saw the benefits it could be.
Numerous chiropractors are now offering laser treatments 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?
Laser therapy, also known as “cold laser” or Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) is a method of treatment that has been proved to be extremely safe, painless , and effective for treating chronic and acute injuries of different types. It has been proven to be a very beneficial as an adjunct to our treatment in Our Chiropractic Centres.
It’s particularly effective for persistent, stubborn and “difficult-to-treat” ailments, such as chronic neck and back pain and arthritis, as well as plantar fasciitis and various other muscle and joint problems.
Lasers give us the capability to provide you with a better degree of safe, non-invasive pain relief that is drug-free and faster the healing process of any injuries.
The procedure involves the application of near and red light to the area of injury. Laser beams and LED light are utilized to stimulate cells in the body to repair tissues to reduce inflammation, and decrease discomfort.
It’s an extremely efficient treatment for acute injuries to soft tissue 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 discomfort, less stiffness and a quicker return to normal movement and joint.
Rapid cell repair with laser light speeds up the process of cellular reproduction and heals.
Improved Wound Healing through Laser light stimulates the development of fibroblasts and increases collagen synthesis damaged tissues.
The formation of less fibrous tissue is reduced Laser light helps reduce the scar tissue formation and leads to faster healing and less chance of re-injury and weakness later.
The increased vascular activity is caused by laser light stimulates the flow of blood to the affected area.
The Stimulated Nerve Function Light accelerates the process of nerve cells that can lessen the pain and numbness caused by nerve-related ailments.
Conditions that can be treated with laser therapy
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 nonunion fractures
Nerve painful (Neuropathic painful) e.g. due to disc injury
Ulcers e.g. diabetic ulcers
Post-operative treatment: Post-operative discomfort, tendon repair lymphoedema after mastectomy and infected wounds.
Burns
Benefits of Low-Level Laser Therapy over medical treatment
Fast and secure results with safe laser 500. You can use it immediately following trauma, on plates, pins as well as bony prominences.
Pain relief that is drug-free without the undesirable side-effects. It’s not associated with adverse negative effects as some anti-inflammatory medications 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 tissues around the wound to improve efficiency, speed, and durability 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 an energy source to your body via the light-emitting photons.
The cells and tissues absorb this energy, and it is utilized to boost the normal process of healing.
Near infrared and red light (600nm 1000nm – 600nm) is commonly 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, and there is no heating result.
Its effects LLLT are photochemical in nature, just like the photosynthesis that plants undergo. Lasers can alter cell membrane permeability as well as aid with the creation of ATP (the fuel that powers cells) which provides cells with more energy. This implies that cells are in the best state to perform its role in the natural healing process.
The safety of low intensity laser Therapy
Low-level laser therapy isn’t dangerous.
Lasers that stimulate tissue are not strong enough to cause damage to cells.
30 years of clinical research and clinical trials have revealed only minor, occasionally unfavourable side effects.
There are usually no negative results associated with LLLT However, you might occasionally experience some minor aches following treatment.
This can be due to an increase in the stimulation of the inflammation phase. It is expected to subside within 24 – 48 hours.
Frequency of Treatments
While some patients see immediate results, others need 6-10 treatments to see lasting impact.
Acute or less severe injuries will require less attention as compared to chronic or serious conditions.
The recommended frequency for treatment is 1-2 times per week for 2-4 weeks. Then one time per each week over 2 to 6 weeks.
It is evident that this will differ in each person from another according to the type of injury, length of time it’s been present, and the speed at which you recover.
In an overview
Lasers will aid in healing your injury faster, it will lessen the pain and help you get back to your normal activities quicker.
It is possible to achieve this without any of the adverse effects that can be experienced from using painkillers .
The Benefits of Low Intensity Laser Therapy are:
It’s safe
Non-invasive
Non-toxic
Easy to apply
Highly efficient
No negative side effects
