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Laser Therapy Facts
Laser Therapy Is The Most Modern Form Of Therapy
Low power laser is quickly becoming the first line of
attack in pain control and tissue healing. It is safe,
painless and quick with fast results.
Laser Is A Form Of Light Energy
The term laser means Light Amplification by Stimulation
Emission of Radiation. It is a pure form of light energy
of a specific color or wavelength.
Low Power Laser Stimulates Tissue
There are two general types of medical lasers: high
power lasers which cut through tissue, and low power
lasers that stimulate tissue repair. This is referred to
as photo-biostimulation.
Low Power Lasers Are Not Harmful
Lasers used for tissue stimulation have insufficient
strength to damage cells. However, as the laser beam is
quite bright, the patient should avoid staring directly
at the beam as it may irritate the retina of the eye.
Over twenty years of clinical use low power lasers have
not been found to cause any adverse effects.
Lasers Stimulate Biological Processes
When laser light interacts with tissue, it causes
certain photochemical reactions to occur, and stimulates
natural biological processes. Many of these reactions
have beneficial effects on the body, which help to
control pain and accelerate healing.
Lasers Can Treat A Variety Of Conditions
Laser therapy has been valuable in the treatment of a
variety of conditions, including patients suffering
acute, chronic, or post operative pain. Most conditions
respond positively to laser therapy as it stimulates the
reparative processes of the body.
Laser Is A Painless Form Of Therapy
Low power lasers do not generate heat; therefore, when
the laser contacts the skin the patient experiences no
warmth or burning. Although the light may stimulate
certain nerves, most people feel nothing during the
treatment.
Treatments Are Easy And Fast
Treatments are generally 1-2 minutes or less per spot
and most conditions require approximately 3 to 4 spots.
Most visits to the office are under 5 minutes and a
total of 8 to 10 visits for acute injuries and 18-25 for
chronic injuries is normal. The less chronic the
condition the faster the healing time.
Results Are Very Quick
While some patients feel improvement right from the
start it is common that lasting improvement is
noticeable after 6 – 8 visits.
Laser Treatments Don’t Compromise Your Schedule
Although daily visits may be required at the beginning
of your treatment plan, they are fast and simple. As
your condition improves visits decrease in frequency.
What is Laser Therapy?
Laser therapy is the use of monochromatic light emission
from a low intensity laser diode or an array of high
intensity super luminous diodes to treat musculoskeletal
injuries, chronic and degenerative conditions and to
heal wounds. The light source is placed in contact with
the skin allowing the photon energy to penetrate tissue,
where it interacts with cellular function restoring
normal cell function and enhancement of the body’s
healing processes. The following outlines the specific
effects of Low Intensity Laser Therapy.
Short Term Effects
Production and release of the body’s natural pain
inhibitors
Kick starts the body’s natural healing processes
Long Term Effects
Improved cellular metabolism
Increased protein production (building blocks of
tissue)
Neurotransmission is facilitated
Mitochondrial activity is stimulated (energy
production in cells)
Promotes formation of new blood vessels (angiogenesis)
Regulates and improves cell membrane function and
communication
Summary
Absorption as a result of photon bombardment of various
cellular molecules results in the transformation of
light energy into biochemical energy. This is a
cumulative effect and requires sufficient stimulation in
order to initiate response. Typically 5-20 treatments
are required. The end result of laser therapy is the
restoration of normal cell function. Normally
functioning cells are not affected by laser therapy nor
are there any known significant side effects. Low Laser
Therapy differs from other modalities in that it has a
curative effect on the body rather than simply symptom
control.
What to Expect During Laser Therapy?
1. Although rare, should you experience any pain after
treatment use ice repeatedly for 12-15 minutes.
2. Notify us on your next visit that this has occurred
so we can adjust the treatment protocols.
3. Treatments are scheduled according to recommended
protocols and each patient’s status. They usually start
at three or more times per week and decrease with
improvement.
4. Treatment plans can vary from 5 to 25 visits or more.
Acute injuries respond more quickly than chronic
conditions.
5. The majority of patients do not notice any change in
symptoms until the 4th or 5th visit. There are, of
course, exceptions to this rule.
6. Remember, our objective is to get you as healthy as
possible in as little time as possible, but this will
require time and patience.
7. Please call the clinic at any time with questions or
concerns 905 634 8598
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