LASER is an acronym that stands for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emissions of Radiation. LASER Therapy is also known as photobiomodulation. It entails the use of specific wavelengths of light (red and near infrared) to generate a photochemical response in damaged or dysfunctional tissue.
The LASER works by creating an increase of vasodilatation (blood supply), bringing in oxygen to the cells. It stimulates the lymphatic system, pulling edema (swelling) and inflammation from the area. ATP (Adenosine triphosphate) production is stimulated in the cells, helping them have the energy to function normally. In turn, the pain reflex is broken, offering immediate relief of pain.
LASER therapy can alleviate pain, reduce inflammation and accelerate recovery from a wide range of acute and chronic clinical conditions. Significant reduction in edema (swelling) has been noted and thus tissues are better able to move fluids out through lymphatic drainage pathways.
Cleared by the FDA in 2003, Class IV LASER therapy has become standard of care for many musculoskeletal injuries. Class IV LASERs can penetrate over 4 inches into the deep musculoskeletal tissue. The number of treatments required depends on the nature of the problem and the length of time the patient has been affected by it. Some conditions may be resolved with as little as one treatment. However, chronic and/or deep-seated conditions may take as many as 10 treatments.
LASER therapy technology has been recently endorsed by professional organizations such as the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), World Health Organization (WHO) and International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP). There are no known side effects from LASER therapy and the results can be long lasting.
LASER Therapy has been proven to be effective for a wide variety of conditions. Some of them include:
- Soft Tissue Injuries
- Tendinitis
- Back and Neck Pain
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Myofascial Trigger Points
- Epicondylitis (Tennis and/or Golfer’s Elbow)
- Sprains, Strains
- Repetitive Strain Injuries
- Patella-Femoral Syndromes
- Neurogenic Pain
- Degenerative Joint Conditions
- Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
- Osteoarthritis (OA)
- Post-traumatic Injury
- Fibromyalgia
- Diabetic Neuropathy
What are the effects of LASER therapy?
- Biostimulation including improved metabolism & increased cell metabolism
- Improved blood circulation and vasodilatation (blood supply)
- Analgesic (pain relieving) effect
- Anti-inflammatory and anti-edematous effects
- Acceleration of tissue repair and wound healing
- Relieves acute and chronic pains
- Increases the speed, quality and tensile strength of tissue repair
- Increases blood supply
- Stimulates the immune system
- Stimulates and improves nerve function
- Develops collagen and muscle tissue
- Helps generate new and healthy cells and tissue
- Promotes faster wound healing and clot formation
- Reduces inflammation
- Angiogenesis (improved circulation)
- Reduction in fibrous tissue (scar tissue) formation
Read Our Review From Ed H.
My physical therapy started October 12th 2018 and ended May 6th 2019. My injury was a right quad muscle tear. Dr. Bruner performed surgery October 8th and PT was scheduled with Premier Physical Therapy the next week after surgery.
For my physical therapy was a journey of challenges to gain simple activities lost, just to name a few:
- I had to walk with a walker, cane and restrictive brace
- I could not drive a vehicle
- I needed help getting out of a chair
- I could not put on or tie my shoes
- I lost flex in my right knee
Through a slow and steady process Premier Physical Therapy helped me regain most of my range of motion that I lost due to my accident. But the most defining moment in my PT process was the use of the Laser to treat the muscle tissue. I immediately noticed a major increase in range of motion. I was initially skeptical of the process but the initial treatment with the laser was the defining moment in my physical therapy process and would recommend.
I was discharged on May 7th after 7 months of which a positive attitude and outcomes.
