There were several years in Hollywood where lasers were the weapon of choice in action films. We watched, riveted as the hero dodged lasers fired from guns and saved the world from evil scientists. What no one could anticipate in the dark theaters of the 60's and 70's was how laser therapy would become a fixture in modern pain relief just a few decades later. For those suffering from chronic pain, drug-free laser therapy offers relief without invasive surgery or addictive medications. Let us get you started on your pain relief journey. Contact Back to Health Physical Therapy to find out more about how laser therapy can work for you.
How Does Laser Therapy Work?
Lasers are basically light energy that has been amplified and focused into a particular area. There are two different types of therapeutic lasers, hot and cold. Hot lasers are typically used during surgery while cold lasers are generally used to speed tissue healing. Cold laser Therapy work by flooding the injured tissue with photons, which stimulate healing in damaged cells and increase circulation to the area. The body's natural healing response relieves pain, improves function and reduces swelling without medication or surgery. Best of all, the therapeutic effect of cold laser therapy continues long after the treatment itself. For 18 to 24 hours after the laser is applied to the injured area, your body continues to benefit from the metabolic effect of your treatment.
What Can I Expect From Laser Therapy?
Your physical therapist will be able to identify areas for treatment and the length and number of treatments you may require. Once your treatment plan is set, your physical therapist will administer laser therapy as just one of your many physical therapy services. Treatments typically last five to ten minutes. As soon as the therapy begins, you will begin to feel a soothing warmth in the areas where the laser is applied. Most patients begin to see results in as few as three treatments while others report feeling better after a single session.
What Conditions can be Treated with Laser Therapy?
Laser therapy effectively treats lower back pain, neck pain, arthritis, bursitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, tennis elbow, plantar, and sciatica. It can also be used to treat sports injuries, sprains, and strains, or other soft tissue injuries throughout the body. Anywhere there is pain or injury, laser therapy can help. Even older injuries that have not healed properly can be improved with this type of physical therapy service. However, it is important to note that laser therapy is most effective when combined with physical therapy. While this modality addresses pain, inflammation, and healing, it increases flexibility and mobility only when combined with therapeutic exercise, stretching, and other physical therapy services.
If you are experiencing pain in any part of your body, laser therapy may be right for you. Contact us at River Edge, NJ center today for a consultation and let our physical therapist assess your situation. Start living the life you deserve, pain-free.
