Cary Orthopaedics physical therapist, Chad Moses, PT, Cert. DN/SMT, GTS, CKTP, Dip. Osteopractic, has produced our Patient Education Series to inform patients about various physical therapy techniques. In this episode, athletic trainer, Craig L. Gage, LAT, ATC, CKTP, discusses laser therapy.
What is laser therapy?
Laser therapy is an FDA-approved method of physical therapy. Laser therapy works through a process known as photobiomodulation. Light is introduced to the target tissue during this process, which creates a photochemical reaction at a cellular level. This reaction helps generate the energy a cell needs to repair itself, charging your cells to speed up the healing process.
Benefits of laser therapy
There are many benefits to laser therapy. These benefits include:
- Non-invasive
- Drug-free
- Decreases pain
- Increase circulation
- Increases cellular metabolism
- Decreases muscular spasms
What is it used for?
Laser therapy is a physical therapy technique used for:
- Joint swelling
- Muscle strain/pain
- Tendinopathy
- Myofascial pain
- OA related pain
- Neck and back pain (chronic and acute)
- Neuropathy
- Plantar fasciitis
- Achilles tendon pathology
- DOMS (Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness)
- Headaches
- TMJ pain
- Lymphedema
What is treatment like?
Laser therapy is best utilized when used in conjunction with proper advice and other evidence-based therapies that restore mobility and strength, and improve the resilience of the injured area and targeted tissue. Treatment time is based on the depth of the targeted tissue and the size of the area. Treatment typically takes between 10 to 20 minutes, and most laser protocols require four to six treatment sessions.
Laser therapy in Cary
Laser therapy is a safe and effective technique if used properly and performed by a trained therapist. Patient education and a custom treatment program are a large part of gaining back lost function or skill. For more information about laser therapy or to book an appointment, please contact us today.
