New Laser Therapy Expedites Healing and Relieves Pain
The positive, healing benefits of light have been known for centuries. The ancient Egyptian, Roman, and Greek cultures all recognized the therapeutic effects sunlight has on our bodies, and we have all felt the warmth of the sun, and the positive emotional lift of a sunny day. As technology and the understanding of the nature of light have advanced, devices that can deliver and utilize the power of light for its therapeutic benefits have been developed, refined, and are available for use today.
WHAT IS A LASER?
The word LASER is an acronym for Light Amplification by the Stimulated Emission of Radiation. There are many types of lasers, all of which have certain essential features. The theory was first described in 1917 by Albert Einstein, and was initially used therapeutically in the late 1960’s, in an effort to enhance wound healing rates. Over the past 30 years, laser therapy technology has progressed and expanded with improved therapeutic techniques for the benefit of patients. To date there are over 3000 written publications and studies in this growing and exciting area. In 2004 class IV laser therapy devices received FDA marketing clearance.
Lasers are classified into four classes, depending on the potential for creating a biological effect on the body. When you see a laser it should be labeled with one of these four class designations:
Class I - Not capable of laser radiation at known hazard levels
Class IA - Lasers not intended for viewing, i.e. a supermarket scanner
Class II - Low-power visible lasers, i.e. laser pointers
Class IIIA - Intermediate-power lasers, i.e. laser sights
Class IIIB - Moderate-power lasers, i.e. cold lasers. Have limited penetration ability into the body. Used for superficial applications.
Class IV - High-power lasers capable of deep penetration and significant biological effects.
HOW DOES THERAPEUTIC LASER THERAPY WORK?
Current therapeutic laser application uses red and near infra-red light (600-1000nm) directed towards tissue, in order to create a biological effect on the targeted area. The light must be absorbed in order to produce a biological effect. Studies have shown that when tissue cultures are irradiated by a laser, enzymes within the mitochondria of the cells absorb energy from laser light. It has also been documented that injured tissue cells absorb a greater amount of light when compared to healthy tissue cells, producing the greatest benefit where it’s needed most. Phototonic biostimulation is the trigger for several metabolic changes and numerous effects have been documented:
Accelerated tissue repair and cell growth
Faster healing of injuries
Reduced fibrous tissue formation
Reduced inflammation
Pain reduction through the release of endorphins
Improved vascular activity and blood flow
Increased metabolic rate within the tissue
Improved nerve function
Laser therapy does not require the use of drugs or surgery, and there no known side effects or risks that may occur with other forms of treatment, when administered properly. The chief hazard with therapeutic laser application is eye injury if the eye is directly exposed to the laser beam, and eye protection is required during use of all class IV lasers and recommended with class III laser use.
Recent trends in laser therapy have been to increase power density and the overall dose of treatment, which has been shown to significantly improve therapeutic outcomes. The deeper penetration provided by a class IV laser, such as the LCT-1000 by Litecure, produces up to 1,500 times more energy than class III lasers, and will reduce treatment times. While many patients feel immediate relief after a single treatment, single treatment doses of up to 5000 Joules are often indicated, and several treatments may be required in order to receive the maximum total benefits of deep tissue laser therapy. Treatments typically require 5-8 minutes to complete, and are accompanied by a deep, soothing warmth.
WHO WOULD BENEFIT FROM THERAPEUTIC LASER?
In general, if you have pain that is of musculoskeletal origin, you may be a candidate for laser therapy. This includes arthritis, back pain, bursitis, tendonitis, heel spurs or plantar fasciitis, neck pain/whiplash, knee pain, rotator cuff strains, hamstring pulls, nerve root pain, myofascial trigger points, chondromalacia, contusions, postoperative pain, carpal tunnel, tennis elbow/epicondylitis, joint sprains, and the accompanying swelling of these areas. In addition, if you have not responded well to other conservative treatments or drug therapy, you may receive positive results with laser therapy. As with most other treatment modalities, results may vary. Injury severity, location, and unrelated medical complications may alter individual protocols.
Deep tissue therapeutic laser is another tool that when used properly, will expedite tissue healing and provide a safe effective alternative for pain relief.
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The field for this year’s classic is stronger than ever as co-hosts Billy Andrade and Brad Faxon join PGA and LPGA professionals to include Ratief Goosen, Natalie Gulbis, Peter Jacobsen, Zach Johnson, Anthony Kim, Nick Price, Camilo Villegas, Brett and Dana Quigley at the beautiful Rhode Island Country Club June 21 - 23. As an avid, long time golfer, JC Kovolyan has had the privilege to offer his expertise as a Board Certified Orthopedic Specialist and Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist to the long list of professional golfers that have visited RICC over the past nine years. The Charity Classic is in its 11th year and has raised over 12 million dollars for local charities. To join the fun and see some great golf, click here for tickets. 2009 CVS Charity Classic tickets
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