Cold Laser Therapy

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Our Apollo Laser is one of the strongest Class IIIB Lasers available that promises deep penetration and short treatment times.

 

Cold Laser Therapy Mechanisms: Photobiomodulation

The word LASER is the name of a device that projects coherent radiation in the visible, ultra-violet, or infra-red part of the electro-magnetic spectrum. It produces photons that are both monochromatic and in-phase.  To put it simply, it produces light of one specific color that doesn't scatter.  The unique properties of coherence and monochromaticity are the key to why laser light is so effective compared to other kinds of light in pain reduction and healing. Cold laser therapy, also known as phototherapy and low-level laser therapy, involves the application of low power laser light to injuries and lesions to speed healing and reduce pain. It is used to increase the speed, quality and strength of tissue repair, reduce inflammation, and give pain relief.Laser therapy has been found to offer superior healing and pain relieving effects compared to other electrotherapeutic modalities such as ultrasound, especially in chronic problems and in the early stages of acute injuries. Laser therapy is a complete system of treating muscle, tendon, ligament, connective tissue, bone, nerve, and dermal tissues in a non-invasive, drug-free modality.  

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Benefits of Laser Therapy to Users

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• Relieves acute and chronic pains 

• Increases the speed, quality and tensile strength of tissue repair 

• Increases blood supply 

• Stimulates the immune system 

• Stimulates nerve function 

• Develops collagen and muscle tissue 

• Helps generate new and healthy cells and tissue 

• Promotes faster wound healing and clot formation 

• Reduces inflammation

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Laser Therapy at our Clinic.  Some of the strongest systems available

 

The cold laser system used at our clinic is an FDA approved Infra-red laser cluster consisting of 4 lasers at 500 milliwatts per emitter.  The Apollo laser was chosen over a variety commercial systems due to its quality, reputation, and most importantly, its overall power output of 3000 milliwatts.  Most cold laser systems used in the field offer only a fraction of this output energy, consequently requiring much longer treatment times**

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We have recently acquired a new laser called the AVANT LZ30Z laser system.  This new device reflects the most modern understanding of laser therapy and can take advantage of the most recent research in cold laser therapy by using powerful lasers at both 810 nm (Infra-red) as well as 635 nm (Red) colors.  It also introduces the ability to deliver light in both continuous mode AND in pulsed mode at different frequencies.

 

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Aside from utilizing these powerful lasers for localized conditions, our point source lasers can be used on specific acupuncture points.  Several studies suggest that laser acupuncture can be effective in treating common diseases at times when acupuncture needles are considered inappropriate.  Patients who are very old, very young, or are extremely fearful of needles would be likely candidates for laser acupuncture.

 

**When researching “Laser Therapy Clinics” and “Pain Centers” offering laser therapy, I strongly encourage patients to ask these centers on both the type of laser they use, and more importantly, the output power of their laser systems.  Many of these centers use lasers that are no stronger than those used in a simple laser pointer found in your local drug store (5 milliwatts).  Lasers at these power levels lack both the penetration depth and power to positively affect the tissue in a reasonable amount of time.  If these centers cannot give a straight answer on laser power or claim that their LED (light-emitting-diode) system is just as effective, walk away.  Decent cold-laser systems should be at least 70 milliwatts of continuous power.  Some laser companies will try to get around this rule by claiming extremely high laser powers, but the beam is pulsed in extremely short bursts.  Nearly all clinical studies are done with continuous laser systems, NOT these pulsed systems.  In my opinion, stay away from these super high-power-but-pulsed-systems until further research has been published.

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What is a laser therapy treatment like?

 

Since our lasers are considered "cold-lasers", there is no burning or damage to bodily tissue.  The patient might feel a slight tingling or warmth due to increased circulation, but the overall treatment should be completely painless.  Due to the exceptional power of our laser systems, treatment times are typically no longer than 20 minutes

 

When can I see results?

 

Like traditional acupuncture, laser therapy is a tool to promote healing.  We recommend several treatments to yield positive results.  While some patients report improvement after just one treatment, we recommend a minimum of two treatments per week for three weeks to yield the highest chance of success.

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So how does laser therapy really work? A deep dive into the mechanisms behind laser therapy:

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