Top 10 Conditions that Respond to Low Level Laser Therapy

PAIN – Everyone has experienced it at one time or another. It can be a life saving mechanism to prevent us from further damaging ourselves – it is our body’s built-in communication system to say ‘HEY – stop what you are doing and pay attention, something is not right, here!’

Pain is the leading reason for health clinic visits. It can be short term or chronic, lasting weeks, months, even years, depending on the cause and condition.

I have recently been re-introduced to low level laser therapy (LLLT or photobiomodulation). I first came across it and used it 10 years ago for acute and chronic pain with good results, and since then the quality of the devices available have much improved.

So what is Low Level Laser Therapy? Glad you asked….

LLLT is pretty much what is says, low levels of laser or light wavelengths that penetrate the tissues, and the body tissue then absorbs the light. The red and near-infrared light cause a reaction, and the damaged cells respond with a physiological reaction that promotes regeneration. This reduces inflammation, reducing pressure on nerves, which reduces pain sensations, and speeds up the healing process. Pretty cool stuff!

What can LLLT help with?

• Ligament or tendon tears
• Tendonitis
• Bursitis
• Muscle strains or sprains
• Arthritis, including rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis
• Back and neck pain
• Carpel Tunnel syndrome
• Migraines and headaches
• Temporomandibular joint pain (TMJ)
• Post-herpectic pain (Shingles)

What to expect

LLLT is cold laser therapy meaning it doesn’t heat up the tissues. Although you’ll feel the laser device touching your skin, the procedure is painless and non-invasive. There will be no sound and no heat, but you may feel mild vibration. Each treatment typically takes 5-10 minutes. But, laser therapy isn’t a one and done type of treatment. If your physical condition is a recent injury, a couple treatments may be all you need, whereas a chronic condition may need up to 10 sessions. But everyone is different, and lifestyle factors play an important role as well. You can support your healing by drinking lots of water to stay hydrated, eating a healthy diet, moving as much as you can, and reducing your stress levels.

Contraindications

If you have cancer/cancerous lesions, or a pacemaker, LLLT is not recommended around the affected areas. Similarly, the laser will not be used around the eyes or thyroid areas.

If interested in a consultation, learning more or have questions, contact me at www.steppingstoneshealthandwellness.com or dana.bodyworks@gmail.com and through Prairie Sky Integrative Health 306-757-4325

Yours in gratitude,

Dana Clay, NP