Laser Therapy
What is Laser Therapy?
Laser Therapy, or “photobiomodulation”, is the use of specific wavelengths of light (red and near-infrared) to create therapeutic effects. These effects include improved healing time, pain reduction, increased circulation and decreased swelling. Laser Therapy has been widely utilized in Europe by physical therapists, nurses and doctors as far back as the 1970’s. Now, after FDA clearance in 2002, Laser Therapy is being used extensively in the United States.
Patient Benefits of Laser Therapy
Laser Therapy is proven to biostimulate tissue repair and growth. The Laser accelerates wound healing and decreases inflammation, pain, and scar tissue formation. In the management of chronic and acute pain Class IV Laser Therapy can provide dramatic results, is non-addictive and virtually free of side effects.
Has effectiveness been demonstrated scientifically?
Yes. There are thousands of published studies demonstrating the clinical effectiveness of Laser Therapy. Among these, there are more than one hundred rigorously controlled, scientific studies that document the effectiveness of laser for many clinical conditions.
Cellular Effects of Laser Therapy
During Laser Therapy the infrared laser light interacts with tissues at the cellular level and metabolic activity increases within the cell, improving the transport of nutrients across the cell membrane. This initiates the production of cellular energy (ATP) that leads to a cascade of beneficial effects, increasing cellular function and health.
Laser Therapeutic Effects
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, function is restored and pain is relieved.
Numerous studies show that Laser Therapy can help with:
Tendinopathies, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Myofascial Trigger Point, Lateral Epicondylitis (Tennis Elbow), Ligament Sprains, Muscle Strains, Repetitive Stress Injuries, Chondromalacia Patellae, Plantar Fasciitis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Osteoarthritis, Shoulder, Back & Knee Pain, Herpes Zoster (Shingles), Post-Traumatic Injury, Trigeminal Neuralgia, Fibromyalgia, Diabetic Neuropathy, Venous Ulcers, Diabetic Foot Ulcers, Burns, Deep Edema / Congestion, Sports Injuries, Auto & Work Related Injuries.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Does it hurt? What does a treatment feel like?
There is little or no sensation during treatment. Occasionally the patient feels mild, soothing warmth, or tingling. Areas of pain or inflammation may be sensitive briefly before pain reduction.
How long does each treatment take?
The typical treatment time is 6 to 12 minutes depending on the size of the area being treated.
How often should a patient be treated?
Acute conditions may be treated 2-3 times a week, particularly if they are accompanied by significant pain. More chronic problems respond better when treatments are received 2 times a week, tapering to once every week or once every other week, with improvement.
How many treatments does it take?
This depends on the nature of the condition being treated. For some acute conditions 1-6 treatments may be sufficient. Those of a more chronic nature may require 10 to 15 (or more) treatments. Some conditions may require ongoing periodic care to control pain.
How long before the results are felt?
You may feel improvement in your condition (usually pain reduction) after the very first treatment. Sometimes you will not feel improvement for a number of treatments. This does not mean that nothing is happening. Each treatment is cumulative and results are often felt after 3 sessions.
Can it be used in conjunction with other forms of treatment?
Yes! Laser Therapy is often used with other forms of therapy, including ART, shockwave therapy, chiropractic adjustments, soft tissue mobilization, ultrasound and even following surgery.
About the K-Laser
Marin Spine and Sports has brought new technology to Marin County with the second generation of therapeutic lasers. We use the FDA-approved class IV K-Laser, the strongest therapeutic cold laser available in the US.
For more information about the K-Laser, please visit their website: klaser.eu/en/