The Basics of Laser Therapy
What does it do?
High Dosage Laser Therapy (HDLT) offers a powerful solution for numerous painful conditions previously refractive to traditional medical care. Class IV Laser Therapy is a highly effective alternative to traditional therapies such as cortisone injections and many times even surgery for a wide range of problems.
Feel the difference
Patients can feel a profound sense of warmth with each Class IV Laser Therapy treatment as it works to provide penetrating laser light energy deep into the body to reach damaged cells and tissues. In contrast, "Cold Lasers" provide no feeling or sensation during the treatment. Class IV Laser Therapy results are typically faster than many other therapeutic modalities. Improvement can often be felt after the first or second treatment.
See the Results – All Without Side-Effects
Both acute and chronic injuries respond well to the Class IV Laser Therapy treatment. Inflammation and swelling are quickly reduced to allow a greater range of motion in the affected area. This helps to regain activity and mobility while reducing scar tissue and adhesions, which can slow recovery and healing.
How does laser therapy work?
Anti-inflammation
Laser light causes vasodilation and activates the lymphatic drainage system to drain swollen areas. As a direct result, there is a reduction in swelling caused by bruising or inflammation and less pressure on pain receptors.
Anti-Pain (analgesic)
Laser light facilitates better transmission of nerve impulses through the stimulation of neurotransmitter cells, reducing and eliminating pain through more effective function of the tissue surrounding peripheral nerves and by temporarily suppressing pain receptors.
Improved Vascular Activity
Laser light will significantly increase blood flow to injured tissue as well as the formation of new capillary growth. This increase in circulation draws water, oxygen, and nutrients to the damaged areas of concern.
Accelerated Tissue Repair and Cell Growth
Photons of light from lasers penetrate deeply into tissue and accelerate cellular reproduction and tissue regeneration and growth. Laser light also activates stem cells in the treatment area. This leads to faster wound healing with minimal scar tissue.
Is Laser Therapy safe?
The Class IV high-powered laser gained FDA market clearance in 2003 and is extremely safe when provided by a properly trained professional. It is not used over the eyes due to sensitivity of the retina and all personnel wear protective safety glasses during a treatment.
Are there side effects or pain with Laser Therapy?
Laser therapy has been in use for over 30 years around the world. There have been almost no side effects reported. During a treatment, the patient experiences a gentle warming effect and at many times a feeling of relaxation. Sometimes the day following a treatment, some muscle stiffness may be felt. Some older injuries or pain syndromes may feel stimulated for a few days as the healing response becomes more active after a laser treatment.
How long will the treatment take?
This is based on the size of area, depth of penetration needed, and the condition being treated. But treatment times for this drug-free, non-invasive procedure will last on average 20 minutes.
How many treatments are needed?
The Class IV Laser Therapy produces results quickly. For most acute conditions, a care plan of 4 – 6 treatments is recommended. For chronic conditions, many of these take longer and might require 6 – 12 treatments. While these are the averages, each person is unique and the healing time varies by person and condition. For those with lifelong conditions, we may recommend 1 or 2 follow-up treatments each month to promote your ideal healing conditions to reach the treatment goal.
Will the treatment hurt?
No and most patients notice a warm, often soothing feeling. There is no pain associated with a treatment. Many patients experience pain relief, reduced muscle tension and tightness, reduced inflammation, and improved range of motion.
When can normal activity begin again?
The moment a patient leaves the clinic they may resume normal daily activity. A patient usually feels improvement in their condition within minutes after the very first treatment. Sometimes you may not feel major improvement for a number of treatments, however this does not mean that nothing is happening. Each treatment is cumulative and results are often felt after 3 or 4 sessions as the healing process continues.
What advantage does laser therapy have over other forms of treatment?
Laser therapy does not require the use of drugs or surgery, and there are no dangerous side effects or risks. In addition, laser therapy provides enhanced treatment outcomes faster and better than any other treatment modalities.
How is Class IV Laser Therapy better than "cold laser therapy" treatments?
Cold Laser Therapy (or LLLT - Low Level Laser Therapy) was introduced into the USA in 2001 with low power levels. This type of therapy has a limited ability to penetrate and deliver an adequate dosage of healing energy. The Class IV Laser Therapy will deliver a significantly greater dosage of healing energy. This higher power means deeper tissue penetration with the Class IV Laser system which is not attainable with cold laser devices.