Cold Light Laser Therapy

Laser Light Therapy (Cold Laser Therapy)
Laser Light Therapy is a physical modality that emits photons (light) in very specific regions of the electromagnetic spectrum. Laser therapy uses this light to penetrate tissue for increased blood flow and more rapid healing. Laser Light Therapy is the most researched and published modality in physical rehabilitation and has demonstrated a multitude of clinical benefits that include relieving pain from minor muscular and joint aches, pain and stiffness associated with arthritis, relaxing muscle spasms and increasing local blood circulation. Clinically proven and long popular in Europe, laser therapy is now cleared to market in the United States by the FDA.
How does it work?
Cold Laser Therapy (CLT) uses laser light energy to stimulate cells to function optimally. Cold laser therapy is similar to photosynthesis in plants; sunlight is absorbed by the plant and converted into energy the plant can utilize for growth. In the body, light sensitive chromophores and other elements within the cell absorb energy, initiating a series of important photochemical changes such as increased production of nitric oxide, singlet oxygen and ATP, as well as an increase in the cell membrane’s permeability. The mitochondria and Kreb’s Cycle stimulation initiates the production of ATP, providing the cell with the extra energy needed to accelerate the healing process and positively influence pain etc. The additional energy and effects result in normalization of cell function when cell function is impaired. Since the following activities can occur in all types of cells (muscle, ligament, cartilage, nerves etc.) a number of wide-ranging conditions can be treated. Research and clinical experience has demonstrated the following:
Cellular Activities
Increased cell metabolism (Increased cell function)
Increased collagen synthesis (Increased healing of soft tissues)
Increased osteoblast production (Increased healing of bone)
Increased circulation
Increased formation of new capillaries (tiny blood vessels) by release of growth factors
Increased T-cell production (Increased immune function)
Increased production of neurotransmitters such as endorphins, serotonin, ACTH etc. (Increased nerve function)
Increased chronic pain threshold through decreased C-fiber activity (Decreased pain)
Physiological Effects
Accelerated tissue healing and repair by 40%
Increased tensile strength in tissue repair
Increased osteoblast production (Increased healing of bone)
Increased circulation
Increased formation of new capillaries (tiny blood vessels) by release of growth factors
Increased T-cell production (Increased immune function)
Increased production of neurotransmitters such as endorphins, serotonin, ACTH etc. (Increased nerve function)
Increased chronic pain threshold through decreased C-fiber activity (Decreased pain)
Physiological Effects
Accelerated tissue healing and repair by 40%
Increased tensile strength in tissue repair
Increase callous and bone formation
Reduced or eliminated pain
Decreased edema and inflammation
Improved immune response
Stimulates nerve function
Promotes Cellular Oxygenation/Detoxification
The laser's unique ability to interact with and influence the body on a cellular level leads to the following:
Rapid cell growth: CLT accelerates cellular reproduction and growth for faster wound healing i.e. Sports injuries, and repetitive movement injuries.
Faster wound healing: CLT stimulates fibroblast development and accelerates collagen synthesis in damaged tissues. Collagen is the essential protein used to repair damaged tissue. It is the substance that holds cells together and has a high degree of elasticity i.e. Soft tissue injuries, sports injuries, and overuse injuries.
CLT increases metabolic activity: Causing higher outputs of specific enzymes, greater oxygen and food particle loads for cells thus causing greater production of ATP (energy). ATP is the major carrier of energy to all cells. Increases in ATP allow cells to accept nutrients faster and get rid of waste products faster by increasing the energy level in the cell resulting in faster and better wound healing i.e. soft tissue injuries, sports injuries, arthritis, and overuse injuries.
Reduced fibrous tissue formation: CLT reduces formation of scar tissue. By increasing collagen production less scar tissue is formed at the damaged site. Scar tissue has little elasticity i.e. Sports injuries, soft tissue injuries, and repetitive movement strains and overuse injuries.
Anti-inflammatory action: CLT helps to reduce swelling to offer enhanced joint mobility following injury i.e. Sports injuries, soft tissue injuries, arthritis and tendonitis.
Increased lymphatic system activity: Edema, which is the swelling or natural splinting process of the body, has two basic components. The first is the liquid part, which can be evacuated by the blood system. The second is comprised of proteins, which have to be evacuated by the lymphatic system. Research has shown that the lymph vessel diameter and the flow of the lymph system can be doubled with the use of laser therapy. The venous diameter and the arterial diameters can also be increased. This means that both parts of edema (liquid and protein) can be evacuated at a much faster rate to relieve swelling and thus reducing pain as well i.e. Sport injuries, soft tissue injuries, and overuse injuries.
Increased phagocytosis: The process of cleaning up dead or degenerated cells i.e. Sports injuries, soft tissue injuries, arthritis, tendonitis, and shoulder, elbow, wrist, hip, knee, and ankle injuries for the purpose of "clean up." Clean up must take place before healing can occur.
Reduce the excitability of nervous tissue: CLT speeds nerve cell processes, which decreases pain and numbness, associated with certain conditions. The photons of light energy enter the body as negative ions. This calls upon the body to send positive ions like calcium and others to go the area being treated. These ions assist in firing the nerves thereby relieving pain i.e. Arthritis, soft tissue injuries, sports injuries and tendonitis.
Is Cold Laser Therapy Safe?
Cold Laser Therapy has been successfully used around the world for over 30 years, with no reported long-term side effects. In the United States the FDA has ruled that the therapy is safe. The laser used in our office is an FDA certified laser. For the past 30 years the technology of Cold Laser Therapy (also known as Low Level Laser Therapy or LLLT) has been formally accepted in Canada and in many other parts of the world such as Europe, Scandinavia, Russia and Japan. In all this time there have been no recorded long-term adverse effects from its use. It is considered to be non-invasive, painless and safe.
The question is often asked "If it's a laser aren't they used in surgical operations, to cauterize tissue?" The answer is "Yes" - Hot Lasers are able to cauterize (cut) tissue. Our Laser stimulates and energizes the cells.
Is Cold Laser Therapy Painful?
No. Low level lasers do not generate perceivable heat. Therefore, when the laser contacts the skin the patient experiences no warmth or burning as a result of the laser. Most people feel nothing at all while a few may feel a slight tingling (energy) during the treatment.
What conditions does the Cold Laser Therapy help treat?
• Acute and chronic spinal pain in neck, mid and low back.
• Acute and chronic joint pain in shoulders, elbows, wrists and hands
• Acute and chronic joint pain in hips, knees, ankles, and feet
• Arthritis, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis
• Whiplash and spinal strain/sprain injuries
• Post-operative pain Inflamed joints (tendonitis, bursitis etc.)
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Neuralgia
• Fractures
• Rotator cuff Injuries and impingement syndromes
• Bursitis
• Tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow
• Fibromyalgia
• Plantar fascitis
• Neuromas
• Headaches, including migraines
• Tendonitis
• TMJ
• Other Musculoskeletal injuries
What to expect on your initial visit to determine if we can help you?
All patients go through an initial consultation with Dr. Benedikt to discuss the problem so he can answer all your questions about the Cold Laser Program. The laser will be shown and demonstrated so there’s “no fear of the unknown.” Every patient gets a complete evaluation with Dr. Benedikt to determine the best laser protocols to utilize.