Looking Into Laser Physical Therapy…
Lasers and Physical Therapy
Is Laser Physical Therapy Right for You?
There may not be anything cooler-sounding than using lasers to treat your injury. Lasers have played a part in popular culture and in science innovation for a long time but they also have an important role in healthcare. Physical therapists have been implementing laser therapy in their care for quite a while and it is likely this technology will only advance as science continues to stretch its capabilities. As laser therapy has gained traction in the PT world it is helpful to know what to expect when receiving this type of treatment. In this article we will take a look at the science of lasers, the types of lasers used in physical therapy as well as their effects on body tissues and the conditions they may treat.
LOOKIN’ INTO LASERS
As we look into the effects of lasers, just remember, the effects may be cool to look at, but never look directly into the laser beam itself without the proper eye protection.
Lasers have their place in many industries. Lasers are used to cut dense materials, to play music and video games, to scan barcodes, to perform medical procedures like LASIK surgery and to promote tissue healing. The word “laser” is an acronym. It stands for “light amplification by the stimulated emission of radiation.” Laser light differs from other light in that it consists of the following three properties. First, all the color in a laser is the same, a phenomenon called monochromaticity. Second, all the waves of laser light are in phase with one another, known as coherence. Finally all of the waves are in parallel with one another and do not diverge significantly from one another even over long distances– a property called collimation. These three properties give lasers the power to affect many different substances. Lasers can be tiny such as those in microchips and they can be huge, requiring large buildings to house them.
Physical therapists typically use two types of lasers. Class III lasers, also known as low level lasers, have an output of less than 0.5 watts. These lasers are often referred to as “cold lasers” because they do not produce warmth or heat on the skin. When applied over an injured area, low level lasers are intended to reduce inflammation within hours to days of treatment. It can also provide relief of pain and stimulate tissue regeneration by stimulating the cells needed to build healthy tissues. Conditions like shoulder impingement, jaw issues, neuropathic pain, plantar fasciitis, knee and back pain may respond well to treatment with a cold laser.
Class IV lasers, on the other hand, have a thermal effect and an output of greater than 0.5 watts. These lasers are called high power lasers. The warming up of the tissues by the high power laser is thought to increase the rate of healing in those tissues. When placed against the skin, the laser light penetrates the skin and gets absorbed by the mitochondria (energy producers of the cells) in the immediate area which then promotes accelerated cell function to help normalize the cells it is targeting. This type of laser therapy may be used to treat conditions like tendonitis, bursitis, osteoarthritis, disc degeneration, ligament sprains and more.
During treatment with a laser, the laser is applied carefully to the targeted area for about five to ten minutes. Laser therapy is used in conjunction with other physical therapy interventions to address the underlying cause of injury and help promote long-term healing. Multiple sessions of laser therapy are often recommended to achieve the desired outcome but exactly how many will be determined by your physical therapist. Often modalities like laser therapy are used more frequently early on in your care plan followed by reduced emphasis on modalities and more emphasis on active treatments emerging later on in the plan of care.
SAFETY FIRST
Lasers can be a helpful tool but if misused, can cause injury. Think about how easily laser cutters can slice through hard materials and you will be reminded of the potential power of lasers. Now, it is important to remember that the lasers used in physical therapy are much gentler, however, they should always be used carefully. When administering laser therapy, special goggles are recommended to protect the eyes and it is important that the laser be directed away from the eyes and reflective surfaces and only at the area being treated. Laser therapy should not be used if the patient is pregnant and is typically avoided if the patient has a pacemaker, any hemorrhages or blood clots and local tumors. If you are unsure if laser therapy is safe for you, speak with your therapist and your doctor.
CHOOSING WISELY
As mentioned above, laser therapy may be helpful in accelerating tissue healing and decreasing pain and inflammation in a number of conditions but is not always necessary or indicated. Laser therapy is just one part of a comprehensive physical therapy treatment plan and you should discuss your interest in laser therapy when you meet with your therapist for the initial evaluation. At that time they can advise you on whether they feel you are a good candidate for this treatment technique and how it will fit into the larger treatment plan. If you are experiencing pain or difficulties moving, call our clinic today to learn how our physical therapists can help you by using all the great tools they have in their treatment toolbox.
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About EvolveNY-
Brooklyn's Premier Holistic Physical Therapy Clinics- There’s physical therapy, there’s training, and then there’s EVOLVE. We use the science of biomechanics merged with fitness to help our patients get better and stay better!
First we evaluate, then we heal, then we strengthen our clients so they can reach their goals, feel better, and live happier lives. We do so by utilizing a range of core techniques and specialized treatments to reduce pain, improve mobility, enhance physical strength and deal with the underlying issues, not just the pain itself.
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