Low Level Laser Therapy
How do we manage pain?
We have all suffered from aches and pains at some time in our lives, and for many people their first line of defense is to take an anti–inflammatory to help it go away. This is ok once in a while, and certainly can help to alleviate the symptoms, however what about when pain begins to interfere with your life on a regular basis and taking a pill just to get you through the day feels like it’s become a necessity?
What is Low Level Laser Therapy?
Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT), uses light to assist the body in reducing pain, swelling and muscular spasm, as well as helping to increase functionality by boosting oxygen levels to sick and injured cells. When laser light is applied to the skin, damaged cells absorb the light and convert it to energy, stimulating the body’s own natural healing response to kick in. It also stimulates the brain to produce endorphins, and reduce the reception of pain signals from the injury site. It has the ability to penetrate nerves, muscles, joints, organs and bones.
LLLT has been shown to assist in many ways, just some of these are:
• Neck and back pain
• Headaches
• Sinusitis
• Wounds and post operative healing
• Sporting injuries, including muscles, tendons and ligaments
• Tendinitis
• Bursitis
• Arthritis
• Lymphoedema
• Fibromyalgia
And the list goes on…
How many treatments will it take?
With as few as 3-4 laser treatments, for a treatment time of 10-15 minutes, a patient will benefit from improved blood circulation, less inflammation and cell revitalisation, enabling the body to start healing, thus treating the underlying cause of the pain, rather than just masking it. Research shows that cold laser therapy is at least as effective as NSAID’s without the side effects.
“ …laser therapy was able to restore function, to relieve pain and to avoid the complications of the disease or NSAIDs therapy (digestive or renal) at RA onset…”
C. Ailioaie, M.D. Medical Office for Laser Therapy, Iassy, RO Laura Marinela Lupusoru-Ailioaie, M.D. LLLT Original Articles, Laser therapy Volume. 11-2, pg.79
LLLT is non-invasive, painless and fast acting, and has a history of more than 50 years of use without incident or side effects. It works well in combination with other treatment methods and therapies, such as chiropractic, physiotherapy and massage at reducing and managing pain in the body.
“…when combining Chiropractic Manipulative Therapy with LLLT the subjects demonstrated a significantly greater improvement in the outcome measures.”
Saayman et al, Chiropractic and Laser Therapy. Neck Pain. JMPT. March/April 2011
For further information or to book an appointment call our friendly team at (02) 9999 1680.
