How does Laser Therapy work?
When the photons of laser light penetrate the skin and underlying tissue, they are absorbed by the cells and converted into energy. This energy is key to helping the cells to become normal and healthy. Asa the cell membrane permeability is altered, a cascade of cellular events is triggered including:
- Stimulation of ATP
- Stimulation of the respiratory chain
- Increased DNA and RNA synthesis
- Enhanced collagen synthesis
- Increased levels of beta-endorphins and serotonin
If you are experiencing frequent issues of pain that originates in the neck or back, you may be a candidate for spinal decompression. This is especially true if the pain is reoccurring over time. As we age the spine tends to compress and misalign which causes all sorts of issues with the neck and back.
What advantage does laser therapy have over other forms of treatment?
A laser therapy treatment does not require the use of drugs, injections, or surgery, and there are not dangerous side effects or risks. Unlike many therapy products that only treat symptoms and mask the pain temporarily, the therapy laser is able to treat the cause of the pain and injury, helping the body to heal itself. In addition, Laser therapy provides enhanced treatment outcomes faster than any other treatment modality.
Each laser therapy treatment will:
- Decrease inflammation
- Decreased muscle tightness and soreness
- Decrease pain
- Increase range of motion and movement
- Increase faster recovery and healing
How is “High-Intensity Class IV Laser Therapy” better than “Cold Laser Therapy” treatments?
Cold Laser Therapy (Low-Level Light Therapy / LLLT) was cleared by the FDA in 2001 with low power levels and low dosage treatments. Since that time, new scientific and clinical discoveries have led to the development of higher-power lasers, including the new High-Intensity Class IV therapy laser which can provide significantly higher dosage levels, a key for positive clinical outcomes.
How many treatments are needed, and how long does each session take?
Laser therapy produces results quickly, with improvements often within the first treatment. For many acute conditions, 6 treatments are typically needed. Chronic (long-term) conditions take longer and typically require 12 treatments. While these are the averages, each person is unique and healing time varies by person and condition. Maintenance sessions are typically recommended after the initial phase of care is completed, and each laser therapy session takes no longer than 15 minutes.
What safety precautions are needed?
Because the human eyes absorb light, specially designed protective safety eyewear is required for anyone in the Laser treatment room.
Will the treatment hurt?
There is no pain associated with treatment, and most patients notice a warm, often soothing feeling.
Will insurance cover Laser therapy treatments?
Laser therapy is not covered by most insurance plans. If insurance does not cover the treatments, there are affordable payment plans Living Waters Wellness offers.
Can Laser Therapy be used with other treatments?
Laser therapy can be used as a single therapy, or as adjunctive therapy in combination with other manual therapies, such as chiropractic adjustments, manual therapies (deep-tissue massage), spinal decompression therapy, electrical stimulation, and ultrasound therapy. The doctors at Living Waters Wellness will create a unique treatment plan based on your diagnosis and condition.
Can Laser Therapy be used over medical implants or over metal implants, or, over tattoos?
Yes, treatments can be safely administered over medical implants or metal. We typically wait at least 3 months post-operative to treat directly over the implant, however treatments to the tissue around the surgical site can start the same week of surgery (i.e. knee or hip replacement, shoulder surgery).
Treatment can occur over tattoos, however depending on the color of the ink, this may cause an increase in absorption, and we may have to alter the therapy a bit, as the heat generated can be increased.
