THE LASER
Laser Therapy is a FDA-cleared treatment that provides everyone with a drug free and non-invasive method for pain relief.
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Laser therapy is a common, non-surgical, and non-invasive way of treating various conditions. It can be used safely on almost every area of the body and can help with both acute and chronic injuries, pain, stiff joints, sore muscles and more.
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Laser Therapy works through photobiomodulation. This is a process where photons are absorbed by several different components of our tissues. There are various benefits gain with this procedure:
- Reduced Muscle Spasms
- Decrease in pain
- Improved healing to damaged tissues
- Cellular metabolism boost
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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 muscles spasms, stiffness and pain.
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What is Laser Therapy Used for?
Laser therapy, is a process during which photons of therapeutic laser light are absorbed by chromophores in our tissues. This will result in improved circulation, tissue oxygenation and increased cellular metabolism which promotes the healing of tissue and a decrease in pain.
Laser therapy is an effective treatment for chronic and acute conditions, along with post-activity recovery. It can also be used as an alternative to prescription drugs, , and can be used as pre- and post-surgery treatment since it helps to control pain.
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Is Laser Therapy Safe?
Laser therapy devices were cleared by the FDA in 2003 for the safe increase of micro-circulation and reduction of pain. Therapy lasers are an effective and safe option for treatments that involve musculoskeletal pain as a result of injury. The biggest risk when it comes to laser therapy is to our eyes — this is why we always use certified, protective eyewear in each one of our laser therapy treatments.
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Is Laser Therapy Painful?
When performing laser therapy, the device will be administered directly to the skin since laser light isn’t able to penetrate through clothing. This means that the device will be touching your skin.
Patients report that getting treatments using higher-power lasers can rapidly decrease the pain in their muscles, thus further helping with their recovery. Laser therapy is a great solution for treating all kinds of pain.
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How Many Treatment Sessions are Needed?
There are key factors that will play a role in determining how many treatments are needed, which are:
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The patient’s response to the treatments
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The nature of their condition
Most laser therapy plans will provide around 6 to 12 treatments, with more treatments required for long-standing chronic conditions. You and the doctor will develop a treatment plan that’s best for you and your condition.
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How Long Does a Laser Therapy Session Last?
Treatments won’t take up too much of your time and will usually only last between 3 to 10 minutes.
High-power lasers can provide plenty of energy in just a short amount of time, which allows patients to receive therapeutic dosages quickly.
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How Long Will it Take to See a Difference?
Patients will often report an improvement, to includes some pain relief and therapeutic warmth with in the first 24 hours. To get a more noticeable change in symptoms and conditions, it’s best to undergo several treatments. The effects of laser therapy get better from one treatment to the next.
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How Often Should a You Get Treatments?
The doctor usually encourages patients to get 2 to 3 treatments each week at the beginning of their treatment. Because the benefits of laser therapy are cumulative. Frequent treatments can help to hasten the recovery process.
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What Are the Contraindications for Laser Therapy?
The absolute contraindication is that you do not shine the laser directly into the eye. Relative contraindications include the following:
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Thyroid gland
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Spinal cord stimulators
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Steroid shots
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Pregnancy
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Cancer
It should be noted that it is safe to laser adolescents with open growth plates and to laser directly over metal implants and joint replacements.
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Are there Side Effects to Laser Therapy?
Laser therapy treatments are non-invasive and use non-ionizing laser light, they are very safe. Class 4 therapy lasers are one of the safest treatment modalities. Occasionally a patient may feel a mild discomfort or soreness in the treatment area. The increase in blood flow and release of tissue toxins can sometimes cause post-treatment soreness, in fact the soreness is a good sign that the laser is creating changes in the tissues.
"We were introduced to the K-laser midway last season and it immediately became an integral part of our treatment options with the Cincinnati Bengal's. It made our low-level laser virtually obsolete and proved to be very helpful in returning our injured athletes to the field quickly. Its sleek design and fool-proof applications makes it easy for any health care professional to bring state of the art therapy into their office."
-Paul B. Sparling, MEd, ATC
Head Athletic Trainer Cincinnati Bengals
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“ Since starting with the laser , I have had some outstanding results in being able to get our athletes back to the game and practice. ”
-Chuck Mooney, – Head Trainer, Toronto Raptors
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“….extremely helpful returning our players as quickly and safely to the field of play.”
-David Price, Head Athletic Trainer- New York Jets
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‘I am so impressed with the laser, and it’s healing properties, I am now recommending it to my family, friends and business associates.”
-Robert ( Bob) Watson
VP, Major League Baseball
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“We have been using the laser successfully to treat conditions such as plantar fasciitis, hamstring pulls, and other nagging injuries. All the players love the laser. The treatment times are fast and the results are obvious. Our pitching staff use the laser as part of their normal warm up and rehab treatments. The laser is instrumental in getting players back on the field earlier than expected after severe injury. We have used low level lasers in the past, the big difference with the LCT-1000® is the faster treatment times and consistent positive outcomes.”
-George Poulis, MA, ATC, LAT
Head Athletic Trainer for the Toronto Blue Jays®
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”I have several players now that only wish to have their injuries treated with the laser. We have had great success treating “-itis” problems. Both patellar and plantar fascitis are responding to treatment very quickly and we couldn’t be more pleased.My only regret is that it took me three years of talking and researching to be convinced to acquire a unit.”
-Ron Culp, NBATA -Athletic Trainer for the Miami Heat