What is Photo-Laser therapy?

L-A-S-E-R is an acronym for Light Amplification Stimulated Emission of Radiation.

Lasers have been and are used for a variety of indications. There are high energy lasers like those used in medical/surgical equipment, X-rays, metal cutting, gamma and microwaves, and low energy lasers used in CD players, NASA space exploration, radio broadcasts, and communications. Lasers include low energy (radio, IR-infrared) to visible (light), to high energy (UV, microwave, X-ray, Gamma). Photo-lasers have been extensively researched including human and animal trials since the late 60's, and are extensively used today throughout the world. Their uses include wound/tissue healing in plastic/cosmetic surgery, treatment of cancers, and a variety of musculo-skeletal conditions, some of which are listed below.

Why should I try it?

It is not surgery. It is not cortisone. It is non-invasive. IT IS NOT PAINFUL!! No risk of cancers. It helps repair, regenerate, and promote healthy tissue. It is safe in skeletally immature individuals (no harmful effects on growth plates). No problems with patients with pacemakers. It has a reasonable rate of success (on average ¾ of patients have a beneficial response). Most conditions on average will respond in 1-4 treatments (some may require up to 8).

What does it do?

IR (infra-red) photo-laser is an FDA approved therapy that utilizes the use of low level laser therapy (LLLT) that operates at the wavelength of 830nm to maximally stimulate the photo-sensitive biological receptors (chromophores) in various cellular tissues that significantly accelerates and enhances the body's own natural defense and repair mechanisms in response to injuries and certain inflammatory disease processes. The photo-laser helps limit inflammatory factors to accelerate repair and healing of tissues, and subsequently provides pain relief. The photo-laser activates ATP synthesis (cellular energy source), increases mast cell and macrophage activity (cellular repair mechanisms), release of endorphins, promotion of oxygen utilization by targeting oxy-hemoglobin. This results in increased protein (collagen) production, enhanced blood flow to treated area, reduction of edema, decrease in pain, and promotion of tissue and bone repair.

What does it NOT do?

It does NOT cause cancers, genetic mutations, tissue breakdown, thermal/heat injury, sunburns, bone, nerve, or muscle injuries. These things occur with high-energy lasers (ie: Gamma, microwave, X-ray, Ultraviolet, etc.)

Recommended precautions:

Eye and thyroid protection. Pregnancy precautions (not directly over uterus). It should not be used directly over soft-tissue tumors. No treatment directly over the cardiac region and vagus nerves (in patients with known heart disease only).

What conditions can it be used for?

IR Photo-laser therapy can be used for but not limited for the following: (please discuss any other conditions or questions with our office)

• Acute & chronic bone and soft tissue injuries
• Ligament and tendon problems (ie: tennis elbow, patellar tendonitis, plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, etc.)
• Joint injuries (shoulder, elbow, hand/wrist, hip, knee, ankle, feet/toes)
• Acute & chronic low back, neck, and spine related pains/problems
• Degenerative and osteoarthritic joint problems
• Inflammatory conditions (ie: Rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory arthropathies, Gout, etc.)
• Neurologic conditions (neuropathy, carpal tunnel, neuritis, etc)

What should I expect during the treatment?

You may experience transient warmth (< 1 degree C) on the skin directly at the photo-laser site. No sunburn, redness, rashes, etc.

Any special instructions?

Dress in loose fitting comfortable clothing. The photo-laser will not operate or penetrate through clothing. There are no specific restrictions in activity once the therapy is complete.

Should you have any additional questions, please do not hesitate to contact our office. We will be more than happy to answer any questions you may have.

Phone: (503) 885-8008