The Healing Power of Laser Light

The Healing Power of Laser Light By Sam Forester, PHT

Low Level Laser therapy is a new revolutionary physical therapy treatment now being used to successfully treat painful conditions at a much quicker rate as well as improving conditions that have had little success with previous medical treatments.Laser therapy has been successfully used around the world for over 30 years.In 2002, it was approved by the FDA and now available in the U.S. for treatment of many different medical conditions and injuries.

What is Low Level Laser Therapy?

Low level laser therapy is a painless, sterile, non-invasive, drug-free treatment which is used to treat a variety of pain syndromes, injuries, wounds, fractures, neurological conditions and pathologies. Laser therapy can be used any time a patient requests or needs a drug-less procedure for the control of pain, when conventional therapies have been ineffective, or when the acceleration of healing from injuries is desired.

Around the world, laser therapy is rapidly becoming a medical therapy that can heal injuries at a 60% faster rate and also reduce the cost of treatment for many conditions. In Europe, Asia and Canada, laser therapy has become the treatment of choice for soft tissue "whiplash" injuries and even for the treatment of painful post-herpetic neuralgia (shingles pain).It has been a staple for treatment of many specific conditions, including carpal tunnel syndrome, fibromyalgia, plantar fascitis, tendonitis, TMJ pain, tennis elbow, arthritis, as well as joint sprains and muscle strains.

How does Laser light heal?The laser sends light (photons) into your injured tissues and can penetrate two inches without being absorbed by the skin, fat or blood.No heat is generated, so it is safe for use anywhere on the body except the eyes.Once the photons pass through the injured tissues, they stimulate and energize the cells to repair and strengthen at a remarkably fast rate.The result is not only an anti-inflammatory effect, but also one of accelerated healing.This treatment does NOT wear off like most medicines, electrical stimulation, heat or ice.It increases your body's own healing power and enhances that process. If you do not re-injure the area, the pain should not return.

What to Expect During a Laser Therapy Treatment Session.

For most people, laser therapy is quite passive. There are no pulsating shocks felt, as in forms of electric stimulation. No heat used, as with ultrasounds. The most notable sensation is the pressure of the probe head of the laser, as it comes in contact with the skin. Some patients have reported a slight tingling or tapping in a nerve or along a nerve pathway. Some have noted that they are able to sense a slight feeling of warmth. But for the most part, the treatment, which may last from 2 to 20 minutes, is not noticed at all. Following (and even during) a laser therapy session, approximately 75-80% of patients being treated can notice an immediate improvement in their condition. This will depend primarily on the type of condition and the length of time the condition has been present. Generally, the more chronic or severe the condition, the longer it takes to respond. The majority of conditions treated will take anywhere from 4-5 or 10-18 treatments. Once again, the number of treatments depends upon the severity of the condition and its duration. There are some conditions that will never completely resolve but can be helped and maintained with laser therapy. If your condition does not change immediately, it may take 3-4 sessions before a dramatic or marked change is perceived.

For more information on Low Level Laser Therapy contact Sam Forester at Rapides Physical Therapy, 445-4455 or visit their Profile Page.

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