Laser Therapy in Lethbridge
Just as lasers are revolutionizing medical treatments in surgery, dermatology, and cosmetic procedures, it is also at the forefront of technology in the field of sports medicine and pain management. Laser therapy is a painless, non-invasive, side-effect free procedure. At Able Body Health Clinic, laser therapy is used by the chiropractors, physiotherapists, and acupuncturists as part of a complete approach to care of musculoskeletal injuries.
What does it help with?
Numerous studies have been performed that examine the effectiveness of low level laser therapy for a variety of musculoskeletal conditions. While pain reduction is most well-established by research, improved healing and quicker recovery times after injury has also been seen by clinicians and researchers. The scientific literature indicates that treatment with laser is a valuable and effective part of a complete treatment plan for:
Shoulder Tendonopathy: "Laser therapy can offer clinically relevant pain relief and initiate a more rapid course of improvement" DOI: 10.1002/pri.1606
Neck Pain: "Laser therapy reduces pain immediately after treatment in acute neck pain and up to 22 weeks after completion of treatment in chronic neck pain" DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(09)61522-1
Tennis Elbow: Laser therapy "seem[s] to offer short-term pain relief and less disability in lateral elbow tendinopathy" DOI: 10.1186/1471-2474-9-75
Rheumatoid arthritis: "[Laser therapy] should be considered for short term relief of pain and morning stiffness in RA" PMID: 10955339
Meniscus tears: "Treatment with laser...should be considered in patients with meniscal tears who do not wish to undergo surgery." DOI: 10.1007/s10103-012-1219-8
TMJ Disorders: "Laser therapy can significantly improve the functional outcomes of patients with TMJ disorders." DOI: 10.1111/joor.12258
(click on any of the orange links above for the evidence)
What are the Clinical Benefits?
- Reduces pain and speeds healing
- Reduces the need for pharmaceuticals
- Easily applied
- Non-invasive
- No significant adverse effects
- Provides a treatment alternative for patients that have not responded to conventional therapies
How Does It Work?
During this procedure, various wavelengths and outputs of laser light are applied directly to the particular area of concern. The cell membranes and intracellular molecules of the body tissue then absorbs the light, resulting in a cascade of physiological reactions that promotes tissue regeneration. Surface tissue is typically treated with wavelengths between 600 and 700 nanometers (nm). For deeper penetration, we use wavelengths between 780 and 950.