Laser Treatments

AN EPIDEMIC OF PAIN

Pain is one of the top health problems in the United States. An estimated 50 million Americans live with chronic pain caused by disease, disorder, or accident. An additional 25 million people suffer acute pain. Approximately two-thirds of individuals in pain have been living with this pain for more than five years.

The most common types of pain include lower back, neck, joint, and nerve pain. The loss of productivity and daily activity due to pain is substantial. In a study done in 2000, it was reported that 36 million Americans missed work in the previous year due to pain and that 83 million indicated that pain affected their participation in various activities.

People with chronic pain have difficulty finding doctors who can effectively treat their pain. Chronic Pain in America: Roadblocks to Relief study found that one out of four pain patients had changed doctors at least three times reporting that the primary reason for the change was that they still experienced pain.

Laser therapy is a safe, pain-free FDA cleared treatment that only takes a few minutes per session and can substantially reduce pain for many acute and chronic conditions.

Your Health Matters

About Laser Therapy

NEW TREATMENT OPTIONS WITH LASER THERAPY

Laser therapy is a safe, pain-free treatment that only takes a few minutes per session. Laser Therapy does not require the use of drugs or surgery and has minimal to no side effects. It can often achieve results faster and better than other treatment modalities. Many conditions show signs of improvement with the first or second treatments.

The primary mechanism of laser therapy is photobiomodulation, which causes a stimulation of cells and tissue repair that is based on scientific research which has demonstrated positive physiological effects of infrared wavelengths on cellular organelles and electron chain molecules.

Research Results from Laser Therapy:

  • Injuries treated with laser therapy heal faster
  • Laser Therapy has a strengthening effect on tissue repair
  • Laser Therapy improves blood flow, decreases inflammation, and promotes stem cell production
  • It is an effective means of relief for many pain syndromes
  • It can improve immune response

PATIENT FAQS

HOW ARE TREATMENTS ADMINISTERED?

Treatments are performed by continually moving the laser handpiece directly over the skin and surrounding the area of injury. It feels like a hot stone massage and pain frequently dissipates during treatment.

HOW MANY TREATMENTS ARE NEEDED?

Class IV Pain Management Laser Therapy produces results quickly with the majority of patients. For most ACUTE conditions 5-6 treatments are all that is needed for substantial pain relief. CHRONIC conditions may take longer and could require 6-12 treatments. While these are the averages, each person is unique and healing time varies by person and condition. For those with lifelong conditions, your doctor may recommend 1 or 2 follow-up treatments each month.

HOW LONG WILL THE TREATMENT TAKE?

Depending on the condition, treatment times routinely take 10 to 15 minutes but may vary based on the size of the area, depth of penetration required, and condition being treated.

WILL THE TREATMENT HURT?

Most patients notice a warm soothing feeling that feels like a hot stone massage. There is no pain associated with the treatment. Many patients experience reduced muscle tension, tightness, and improved range of motion immediately.

WHEN CAN NORMAL ACTIVITY BEGIN AGAIN?

The moment a person leaves the clinic they may resume normal daily activity. It is important to remember to not overexert for a few days as the body is still healing.

WILL INSURANCE COVER TREATMENTS?

Laser therapy may not be covered by insurance plans. If insurance does not cover the cost of treatments, there are affordable payment plans available.

HOW DOES CLASS IV 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. The cell membrane permeability is altered which triggers a cascade of cellular events including:

  • Stimulation of ATP and stem cells
  • Stimulation of respiratory chain
  • Increased DNA and RNA synthesis
  • Increased levels of beta-endorphins and serotonin
  • Enhanced collagen synthesis

WHAT ADVANTAGE DOES CLASS IV LASER THERAPY HAVE OVER OTHER FORMS OF TREATMENT?

The treatment does not require the use of drugs, injections, or surgery and has minimal side effects or risks. In addition, Laser Therapy provides enhanced treatment outcomes faster than many other treatment modalities.

HOW IS CLASS IV BETTER THAN “COLD LASER THERAPY” TREATMENTS?

Cold Laser Therapy (or LLLT – Low-Level Light Therapy) was introduced into the USA in 2001 with low power levels. Since that time new scientific and clinical discoveries have led to the development of the higher power lasers, including the new FDA cleared Class IV Pain Management Laser Therapy utilized at the Non-Surgical Spine Center.

HEALTH PROBLEMS THAT BENEFIT FROM LASER THERAPY

Why block the pain when you can treat the problem?

Inflammatory Conditions

 

  • Shoulder pain
  • Knee pain
  • Foot and ankle pain
  • Tennis elbow
  • Neck and Back pain
  • Plantar Fasciitis
  • Radicular pain
  • Restricted ROM/stiffness
  • Arthritis pain
  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
  • Bursitis

Pain Management

  • Cervical/neck pain
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Inflammation
  • Low back pain
  • Muscle spasms
  • Myofascial Pain
  • Restricted ROM / stiffness

Connective Tissue Injury / Disorders

  • Edema
  • Effusion Inflammation
  • Muscle spasms
  • Myofasciitis
  • Pain
  • Radicular pain
  • Restricted ROM / stiffness
  • Sprains
  • Strains
  • Tendon Ruptures
  • Tendonitis

Muscle Injury / Disorders

  • Edema
  • Inflammation
  • Muscle bruises, contusions
  • Muscle Contractures
  • Muscle ruptures
  • Muscle spasms
  • Myofasciitis
  • Myositis
  • Restricted ROM / stiffness

Joint Injuries

  • Effusion of joint
  • Inflammation
  • Ligament injury
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Diagnosis Pain in joint
  • Restricted ROM / stiffness
  • Effusion
  • Inflammation
  • Muscle spasms
  • Myofaciitis
  • Neuritis
  • Paresthesia

Treat the Source not Just the Symptom.

Patients prefer Laser Therapy.

Great spine practice! Dr Alexander and ALL of his support staff have been informative and professional. My spine condition has significantly improved due to their wonderful care. I highly recommend their health care programs and advanced procedures to improve your well being.

Mark R.

Five star rating! Treatments worked really well. Staff is great.

Definitely recommend! Excellent care! Very happy to be able to avoid surgery. Wonderful staff, always thoughtful, and in touch with what I needed, Thank you!