Class IIIb / Class IV Laser Therapy

There once was an idea that light energy from lasers could accelerate the healing process, reduce and alleviate pain and inflammation, relax muscles and stimulate nerve regeneration. This was thought as simple fiction at one point in history. Now, science shows us just how effective and powerful this technology really is.

There are two types of lasers commonly used to treat nerve and disc injuries and conditions;

Class III Laser also known as, “Cold Laser” or LLLT for Low Level Laser Therapy and Class IV. Class IV Laser Therapy is also known as HPLT for High-Power Laser Therapy.

Your Physician will determine the proper laser therapy protocol for your treatment.

How Effective is Laser Treatment and What are the Benefits?

Pain Relief:

Positive Chemical Changes: Lasers can decrease the sensitivity of nerves by decreasing a pain producing chemical called bradykinin. It also releases endorphins which is the body’s natural pain relieving system. Lasers release enkephalins which produce a pain relieving effect. This technology can also block pain on specific nerve fibers.

Anti-inflammatory/Healing: Laser technology increases stored energy also known as ATP. This type of energy increases and accelerates cell repair and regeneration. Laser therapy dilates capillaries, widening of the veins and arteries adjacent to an injury which assists in the removal of damaged cellular debris. Blood vessel dilation also increases oxygen and nutrients to the tissue. The repair and regeneration process is accelerated because of the increase in White blood cell activity. Superoxide Dismutase, a powerful antioxidant is increased in this process while inflammatory molecules are reduced from the damaged area.

Accelerated Cell Growth and Tissue Repair: Light photons from lasers deeply penetrate tissue in order to expedite growth and cellular reproduction. As a direct result from laser exposure, muscle, tendon, nerve and ligament cells repair faster.

Vascular Activity Improved: Angiogenesis, the formation of new capillaries in damaged tissue is a result of laser technology. This phenomenon in turn accelerates the healing process and closes wounds much faster.

A Reduction in Fibrous Tissue Formation: Laser technology reduces scar tissue formation following damage or insult to tissue. Whether its damage from surgery, blunt force trauma, burns, repetitive motion injuries, cuts or scratches, Laser technology reduces the scar tissue formation.

Accelerated Wound Healing: The photons from laser energy stimulates the proteins of collagen which is essential for the healing of injured or damaged tissue. These specific building blocks of collagen are mandatory in order to repair injuries or replace old damaged tissue. Thus, laser technology is highly effective on burns and open wounds.

Laser technology is highly effective for conditions that include inflammation; bulging and herniated discs, tendonitis, bursitis, peripheral neuropathy and capsulitis. Repetitive motion injuries like sprains and strains all have an inflammatory component therefore, laser technology is highly effective for these conditions as well.

In conclusion, Laser Therapy aims to alleviate pain and accelerate the repair of tissue damage from nerve and disc injuries, traumatic events to tissue, inflammation and specific diseases.

Am I a Candidate for Laser Therapy?

Laser therapy is for those suffering from one or more of the following:

shoulder pain, neck and back pain, herniated or bulging disc, tendonitis, carpal tunnel, arthritis pain, knee pain, TMJ pain, trigeminal neuralgia, muscle pain and spasms, bursitis, headaches, whiplash, sprain/strain injuries, heel spurs, stenosis, nerve pain, peripheral neuropathy, leg pain, arm pain, hand pain, foot pain, fibromyalgia, tennis elbow and more conditions.

Recovery from Laser Therapy

There is no down time or recovery period while being treated. The laser sessions are short in duration ranging anywhere from one minute to ten depending on the laser and the type of treatment one is receiving. Patients should stay well hydrated and practice good nutrition during this process and after for best healing.