If you’re dealing with a painful condition, laser therapy may provide the relief you’re looking for.
When you think about lasers, physical therapy might not be the first thing that comes to mind. But with recent technological advances, laser therapy is now emerging as a promising new intervention used by some physical therapists to treat a wide array of painful conditions.
The term “laser” is actually an acronym for light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation, and lasers are devices that emit light through a process called optical amplification. These lasers are created artificially, and they produce a monochromatic (one color) light of a single wavelength in a very tight, narrow beam.
Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) is a non-invasive treatment that makes use of these beams of light for the purpose of reducing pain related to an injury or condition. LLLT utilizes a red infrared light and directs it to areas that are damaged from injury. When this laser is targeted upon a painful region of the body, particular changes take place within the cells in a process called photobiomodulation. When used properly and appropriately, the expected result of this process is less pain.
High-Intensity Laser Therapy is What We Offer for Good Reason
High-intensity laser therapy (HILT) is based on the same concepts as LLLT, but as the name suggests, it uses a higher-powered laser. This higher power and use of a particular wavelength allows the laser to penetrate deeper in the body through bone, soft tissue, and muscle. As a result, HILT can stimulate soft tissues at a deeper level and treat a wider area than LLLT, which could possibly make it even more effective in speeding up the healing process and alleviating pain.
HILT has been approved by the FDA and there are no known side effects when it is used by a properly trained professional like the physical therapists here at Bacci & Glinn Physical Therapy. Because it is a newer treatment, new studies are starting to emerge about its effectiveness. In fact, researchers recently performed a powerful two-part study called a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine how effective HILT was for treating painful disorders. They concluded with the following statement:
The results of this study showed that HILT treatment for back and neck pain significantly improved pain and functional disability compared to controls.
While additional research will help to further define the role of HILT and its potential benefits, this high-quality study supports its use for two of the most common painful conditions out there.
Come Try Our LightForce™ Laser Therapy
We use a specific brand of laser therapy called LightForce™ Laser Therapy. It’s one of the best units available on the market. So, if you’re dealing with neck or back pain—or any other type of pain—and have a condition that isn’t responding to conventional medical treatment, you may want to consider HILT.
Contact us for more information on laser therapy and to find out if it’s right for your condition.
