At ProHealth & Wellness, we continue to search for medical advances that assist in the treatment of our patients. Most people are aware of the use of lasers in the military and for surgery, but not everyone has heard of non-invasive Cold Laser Therapy. Laser Therapy was initially used by doctors in Europe in the early 1970's. With over 30 years of research, and 20,000 research articles, it finally received FDA approval in 2002, with the stronger Class IV Laser in 2005.
After exhaustive research and testing, I introduced Class IV Laser Therapy to our office in order to assist patients return to health by stimulating tissue repair and growth. That is one of the major benefits to Laser Therapy, improved healing. Of course there are other benefits, such as decreased pain, decreased swelling, decreased scar tissue formation, improved healing time, and increased circulation. Another benefit is that a treatment with the laser has little or no sensation. Occasionally patients will note a soothing warmth, but add that they like the way it feels. It can even feel relaxing!
As a chiropractor, and a chiropractic sports physician, utilizing the laser in conjunction with adjustments has greatly increased my patient healing times, helping alleviate pain quickly so I can focus on correcting spinal problems as efficiently as possible. Laser Therapy isn't only used on the spine. Extremity related issues such as shoulder injuries, knee pain/swelling, plantar fascitis, tennis elbow, and carpal tunnel syndrome have all responded well to the combined treatment of adjustment and Laser Therapy.
How does it work? The process is known as photobiostimulation. Basically, with specific infrared wavelengths of light (not visible), photons penetrate deep into the treated tissues to activate mitochondria. Mitochondria are organelles found within the cells of the body, that act as power-plants. Injured tissues have significantly lower energy production, and is one of the reasons it takes so long to heal. By stimulating the mitochondria, we increase the available energy production of the cell, thereby increasing all activity of the cell, including healing. Of course increasing the metabolic activity of the cell helps to increase the movement of nutrients into the cell. With more food, comes greater energy, and thus the tissue heals...faster!
So many people including doctors are unaware of this therapy. I have been very pleased with Laser Therapy, and the benefits my patients have received with its usage. I am extremely excited about the impact this treatment will have on our community, helping people heal faster and enjoy life to the fullest.
-Dr. Clare
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