High Power Laser Technology

The word laser is an acronym for Light Amplification by the Stimulated Emission of Radiation. The theory was first described by Albert Einstein (1879-1955) who paved the way for the development of the therapeutic laser. The first low level therapeutic laser was developed in 1962. Since then, scientists and doctors around the world have been using laser light to treat conditions that can affect all age groups. Therapeutic laser therapy (Class IIIa and IV) is painless and totally non-invasive. It is the application of white, red and infra-red light over wounds or injuries to improve soft tissue healing and relieve both acute and chronic pain. Therapeutic laser light energy directs bio-stimulative light energy to the bodies cells without injuring or damaging them in any way. The therapy is precise and accurate; and offers safe and effective treatment for a wide variety of conditions.

What conditions respond well to therapeutic laser therapy?
Studies over the last 35 years have shown clear evidence that Therapeutic Lasers are highly effective on both chronic and acute conditions including neck and back pain, tendonitis, sports injuries, tennis elbow, and repetitive strain injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome. In the area of skin care therapeutic laser therapy has been shown to have a positive effect on acne, eczema, scars and keloids as well as fine wrinkles. Exciting new research is also proving the benefit of therapeutic lasers on such conditions as fibromyalgia, migraines, vertigo, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Is it safe?

Therapeutic Laser Therapy is an extremely safe procedure. Since it is non-invasive there is no risk to the patient. In fact, in over thirty years of therapeutic laser use there have been zero complications or unwanted side effects. However it should not be used on anyone taking a drug which causes photosensitivity, cancer patients or pregnant women. The doctor will discuss these fully with you during the pre-treatment consultation.

What is the benefit to me of High Power Laser therapy?
High Power Laser therapy is the state of the art and highly effective method of treating chronic or acute pain and other neuropathies by accelerating the healing process in areas of the body previously only visited by drugs or surgery. The healing process can be expected to be reduced by one-third to one-half the usual time. As the necessary inflammatory process proceeds, natural healing takes place and the pain is alleviated.

How many treatments will I need?
The number of treatments varies with each patient. Many of our patients have reported partial or complete relief of pain after only a couple of sessions. Patients with a healthy immune system generally require fewer treatments. The average acute pain person requires 4 to 6 treatment sessions given over a period of two weeks. Patients with chronic pain and/or neuropathies may require additional sessions.

I've heard of Cortisone injections; is this safe?
We prefer not to use Cortisone injections with any of our patients, although they are available. Long term studies have shown that Cortisone injections actually weaken tissue. We strongly encourage everyone to inform their selves with all the benefits and risks of Cortisone injections before requesting a Cortisone injection, especially since our laser will provide the pain relief they seek without the negativity associated with Cortisone.

Will my insurance cover this?
That depends on the coverage your insurance provides. Unfortunately, at the present time most insurance companies are not covering therapeutic laser therapy. For those with little or no coverage we offer interest free payment plans.

What are the risks associated with Therapeutic Laser Therapy?
Every medical procedure has risks - but so does living with chronic pain!
Let's look at some of the risks when a person lives with chronic pain.

Risks associated with living with chronic pain:

1. Being miserable
2. Going into financial ruin because of an inability to work
3. Having incredible stress
4. Not sleeping
5. Ruined overall health
6. Marriage collapse
7. Developing additional health problems due to toll the pain is taking on the body
8. The collapse of the family
9. Never being able to enjoy sports again
10. Losing the ability to be independent
11. Never running again
12. Never being able to take long walks
13. Possible addiction to pain medications
14. Decreased ability to travel due to restrictions in movement
15. Increased weight due to immobility

The risks of living with chronic pain are enormous. The ability to enjoy life is being lost every day a person suffers from pain. Chronic pain often leads to a host of other medical conditions including depression, anxiety, sleeplessness, chronic fatigue, hormonal deficiencies and many others. The psychological toll it takes on the person and their family and friends is enormous. So what is the person to do?

The person can opt for a host of treatments including chiropractic manipulation, physiotherapy, osteopathy, acupuncture, hypnosis, herbs, vitamins, exercise, massage, electrical stimulation, pain pills, surgery, arthroscopy, cortisone shots, trigger point shots, nerve blocks and many others. All treatments have potential benefits and potential risks.

Class IV Therapeutic Laser Therapy is completely non-invasive. It is unlike any other medical procedure in that the worst thing that can happen is that nothing happens.

There are risks associated with everything you put into your body. All you have to do is look up any of the risks for any of the anti-inflammatory medications (even over-the-counter medications) and realize even taking them can cause serious risks. For me, I have had numerous Therapeutic Laser sessions and have treated many family members, patients and friends. I understand that every procedure has risks, but so does not having the procedures. There is no comparison to surgery, Class IV laser therapy, in my opinion is much safer, and in most instances, a better option, with far less risks. I desire not to have chronic pain. I understand living with pain carries its own risk. For me, the potential benefits of Class IV laser therapy far outweigh the risks. If you continue to suffer with chronic pain or a painful condition is limiting your ability to do the things you want to do, I recommend that you seriously consider Class IV Therapeutic Laser Therapy.

Benefits of High Power Laser Therapy:

• Most conditions begin to show signs of improvement in just a few visits.
  
• There are no harmful side effects like those associated with pain medications or surgery.
  
• The results of laser therapy, for many individuals, have been shown to last for years.
  
• Laser therapy is a safe, pain free treatment that only takes a few minutes per visit.
  
• Laser therapy works well for a variety of painful conditions.
  
• Laser therapy is not habit forming.
  
• It's effective.
  

  The Advantage of Laser Therapy Over Other Physical Therapy Modalities

  
  The therapeutic application of laser is not based primarily on the development of heat, but on the photobiological effects of coherent laser radiation on cells and mitochondria. This biological effect is termed "photobiomodulation". This positive effect of laser light on tissues is a unique property of laser therapy and is not duplicated by any other conventional physical therapy modality. The list of positive effects is extensive; research has documented that laser promotes tissue remodeling, neurological recovery and improved function, improved quality of life in chronic pain states, improved flexibility, faster wound healing, and faster bone deposition in fracture. The primary of biological action of laser results from stimulation of electron chain transport mechanisms in the mitochondria, cell membranes and epithelial tissues. This action causes the release of vasodilating chemicals, the stimulation of DNA and RNA synthesis, an increase in enzyme production, an increase of superoxide dismutase activity, normalization of tissue pH, and increased ATP production. The increase of vasodilation and improved microcirculation will increase the supply of cellular nutrition promoting tissue repair and tissue remodeling. Significant reduction in edema is also noted with studies demonstrating reduced lymph node congestion, reduced lymphedema, and reduction in extremity circumference and extremity swelling following laser treatment. There are currently thousands of studies surrounding the use of laser for photobiomodulation and suppression of pain. The therapeutic applications of laser are expanding and new uses are being discovered every day
  
  

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