You may have noticed that Spinal Health & Wellness now has its own low level laser. Many of our patients have already experienced the benefits of managing neck pain and low back pain using this cutting-edge modality. Below is just a brief description of its many benefits – and laser treatments are complimentary to our patients (who are good candidates for the therapy) through June 3, 2011.
What is low level laser therapy?
A laser is a device that produces non-ionizing coherent in visible or near visible wavelengths. At certain wavelengths, the light energy passes through the layers of skin and reaches the target area, where it is absorbed and interacts with the light sensitive elements in the cell. This process can be compared to photosynthesis in plants where the sunlight absorbed by plants is then converted to usable energy so that the plant can grow.
The light energy initiates a series of events in the cell that is theorized to normalize damaged or injured tissue. In addition, a reduction in pain, inflammation, edema and an overall reduction in healing time by increasing intracellular metabolism results.
Benefits of Laser Therapy
- Non-toxic
- Virtually NO contra-indications
- Non-invasive
- No side effects or pain
- Very safe
- Cost effective
- Superior alternative to: analgesics, NSAID’s, other medications, and other modalities
- Reduces need for surgery
Therapeutic Laser Biological Effects
- Rapid cell growth — Laser light accelerates cellular reproduction and growth.
- Faster wound healing — Laser light stimulates fibroblast development and accelerates collagen synthesis in damaged tissue.
- Increased metabolic activity — Higher outputs of specific enzymes, greater oxygen and food particle loads for blood cells and thus greater production of the basic food source for cells, Adenosine Tri-Phosphate (ATP).
- Reduced fibrous tissue formation — Laser light reduces the formation of scar tissue following tissue damage from: cuts, scratches, burns or post surgery.
- Anti-inflammatory action — Laser light reduces swelling caused by bruising or inflammation of joints to give enhanced joint mobility.
- Increased vascular activity — Laser light induces temporary vasodilation increasing blood flow to damaged areas. This is why some patients feel a warming sensation.
- Stimulated nerve function — Slow recovery of nerve function in damaged tissue can result in “dead” limbs or numb areas. Laser light speeds the process of nerve cell reconnection to bring the numb areas back to life.
What to Expect
- You’ll be asked to wear green lens glasses to protect your eyes as a precaution, although the only risk of damage to the eye occurs when looking into the laser directly.
- The doctor or chiropractic assistant will spend anywhere from 5 to 10 minutes per treatment area circulating the low level laser probe around the treatment area.
- You will probably feel nothing, but some patients report experiencing a slight warming sensation.
- After treatment with the laser, the affected area may resolve pain and discomfort instantaneously. For some patients, the benefits and effects take up to 12 hours before they’re noticed.
- Depending on the type of injury, how long the area of complaint has been a concern, and the number or locations that need treatment will determine the appropriate laser treatment protocol and number of treatments necessary.
- The number of treatment areas and length of time for treatment will determine the cost of the laser treatment per patient. After June 3rd, low level laser treatment at Spinal Health & Wellness will cost $10 to $20.
At your next appointment, ask Dr. Dolly Garnecki if laser therapy is right for you.
