What is Laser Therapy?
Laser therapy is a pain free, and drug free treatment for acute and chronic pain. At Springfield Medical Center, we use a Class IV K-Laser, one of the most powerful lasers available.
During a laser treatment infrared laser light interacts with tissues at the cellular level increasing metabolic activity within the cell. By improving the transport of nutrients across the cell membrane, the increased production of cellular energy (ATP) is stimulated, which accelerates the body’s natural healing process and alleviates pain.
History of Laser Therapy
Laser therapy also called “Photobiomodulation” is the use of specific wavelengths of light (red and near infrared) to produce a photochemical reaction to promote a therapeutic healing effect.
Laser treatment is a revolutionary treatment for many acute and chronic pain conditions. The energy from certain wavelengths of light was first postulated by Albert Einstein and then approved as a therapeutic modality by the FDA in the 1970s.
Studies have shown that certain wavelengths of laser light can penetrate deeply into bodily tissues and can stimulate cellular metabolism and function. The benefit is accelerated healing of injured muscles, tendons and joints; pain relief, and restoration of function.
What are the Benefits?
Decreased Pain
Accelerated Tissue Repair and Cell Growth
Faster Wound Healing
Reduced Fibrous Tissue Formation
How is Laser Therapy Performed?
Laser therapy is performed in our office, and each session only takes about 3-8 minutes. This procedure is painless, and quick. We can often offer same day treatments .
How Often Will I Need Laser Treatments?
Acute conditions typically require 6-8 visits, and on average, chronic conditions range from 8-10 visits. On average, most patients have 2 laser treatments per week.
What Conditions are Treated or Benefit from Laser Therapy?
- Musculoskeletal acute and chronic injuries
- General Sprains and Strains of Joint and Muscles
- Back and Neck pain
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Rotator Cuff Injuries
- Foot/Hand Pain/ Contractures
- Tennis Elbow
- Sports Injuries
- Plantar Fascitis
- Golfer’s Elbow
- Achilles Tendonitis
- Diabetic Neuropathy
- Fibromylagia
What Can I Expect from Laser Therapy
Laser treatments can be used alone, or in conjunction with other treatments. We often integrate laser with many of our other treatments performed in our office to promote even better results. Some studies recently demonstrated increased healing and improved outcomes with this integrated approach.
Laser therapy can compliment Injection Therapy, Platelet Rich Plasma Injections (PRP), Prolotherapy, Facet and/or ESI, Trigger Point Injections, Nerve Block Injections, Manual Therapy, Acupuncture, Rehabilitation and Physical Therapy.