Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) - Theralase Inc.
Laser therapy is the most modern form of therapy
Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) is quickly becoming the first line of attack in pain control and tissue healing in rehabilitation medicine. It is safe, painless, quick and easy to applly and results are often immediate with no side effects.
Laser is a form of light energy
The term laser is an acronym for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation. It is a pure form of light energy of a specific colour and wavelength, which has special healing properties.
Low power lasers stimulate tissue
There are two general types of medical lasers: high power lasers which cut through tissue and low power lasers which stimulate tissue repair. This is referred to as photo-bio-stimulation. Stimulation of tissue includes wound healing, tissue repair, swelling reduction, increased blood flow and pain reduction.
Low power lasers are not harmful
Lasers used for tissue stimulation have insufficient strength to damage cells. However, as the laser beam is often invisible, the patient should avoid staring directly into the beam as it could irritate the retinae and in sustained dosage permanently damage the eye. After 30 years of clinical use, low power lasers have not been found to have any adverse effects or cause cancer. In fact, lasers are proving useful in pain management for chronic cancer patients.
Lasers stimulate biological processes
When laser light interacts with tissue, it causes certain photochemical reactions to occur and stimulates natural biological processes. Many of these reactions have beneficial effects on the body, which help to control pain and accelerate healing.
Lasers treat a variety of conditions
Laser therapy has been valuable in the treatment of a variety of conditions, including patients suffering acute, chronic or postoperative pain. Other conditions which have responded well are: arthritis, osteoarthritis, tendon and ligament problems (tendinitis), nerve root irritations (back and neck dysfunction), shoulder and back pain, repetitive strain injuries, TMJ, plantar fasciitis, burns, wounds and a variety of other skin conditions.
Laser is a painless form of therapy
Low power lasers do not generate perceivable heat. Therefore, when the laser contacts the skin the patient experiences no warmth or burning as a result of the laser. Although certain nerves may be stimulated by the laser light, most people feel nothing at all while a few may feel a a slight tingling during the treatment.
Treatments are few and rapid
Treatments may last as little as 2 minutes or as long as 20 minutes. The total number of treatments required is 6 to 20 depending on the body's natural healing rate. This will be different for each patient. The less severe or acute the condition, the fewer treatments required. The more severe or more chronic the condition, the greater the number of treatments required.
Results are rapid and sustainable
While some patients get immediate results, others usually require three to six treatments before there is a lasting effect. Again, each patient will respond differently according to their own body's natural healing rate.
Laser treatments don't compromise your schedule
Although it is recommended that you come in daily for the first three visits, following this 2 to 3 times per week is usually sufficient to maintain your cells in biostimulation. Your clinician is best able to develop a schedule tailored specifically to your condition.
So talk to your certified laser rehabilitation specialist and discover how laser therapy can help accelerate your healing.