Introducing Laser Therapy to Onion River Chiropractic

We have a new kind of therapy at Onion River Chiropractic called Laser Therapy! Laser therapy is a non-toxic and non-invasive treatment that is extremely easy to apply. There are no side effects and almost no contra-indications to using this therapy, making it safe for most patients. Because Laser is highly effective in reducing pain, it can be an alternative to pain relieving medications and other therapeutic modalities. It might also reduce the need for surgery.

What is Laser Therapy?

L.A.S.E.R. (Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation) is therapy using a high energy beam of light. Laser beams have unique physical properties that increase the speed in which tissues heal, give relief from pain and reduce inflammation.

What conditions does it treat?

Double-blind, randomized studies have shown many conditions can be treated by Laser therapy, including:

· Forearm tendonitis

· Knee tendonitis

· Shoulder tendonitis and bursitis

· Ankle tendonitis

· Plantar fasciitis

· Carpal tunnel syndrome

· Tarsal tunnel syndrome

· Chronic neck and back pain

· Acute neck and back pain

· Myofascial pain syndrome

· Muscle strains

· Soft tissue injuries

· Rotator cuff injuries

· Peripheral neuropathy

· Wound healing

· Scar tissue adhesions

How does it work?

Laser works by emitting photons into mitochondria and cell membrane of the body's tissue, resulting in physiological changes affecting the body's immune and nervous systems. These changes include:

• An increase in cell growth, metabolism and regeneration
• An increase in vascular activity, increasing blood flow to the injured area
• Invoking of the anti-inflammatory response, promoting tissue healing
• Stimulation of nerve function, resulting in increased healing of areas affected by nerve damage
• An increase in the production of endorphins
• Reduction in swelling and inflammation
• Decrease in scar tissue formation from cuts, burns, and surgery

How is it applied?

There are several ways to apply L.A.S.E.R. therapy.

• Tissue saturation- the LASER probe is placed on the skin for a short period of time, before moving it to a nearby area until the entire affected area is covered.
• Tissue penetration- the probe is placed with firm pressure on the skin surface for a longer period of time, resulting in increased penetration of light waves to the treatment area
• Trigger point therapy- the probe is placed on a trigger point for an extended period of time
• Laserpuncture- Acupuncture points are stimulated with light waves, resulting in increased activity along acupuncture meridians.

References:

Kneebone WJ. (2006) Practical Applications of Low Level Laser Therapy. Practical Pain Management November/December