Laser Therapy FAQs
What is laser therapy?
Low Intensity Laser Therapy is the use of low intensity lasers to treat musculoskeletal injuries, as well as chronic and degenerative conditions.
This advanced technology utilizes super-luminous laser diodes of specific wavelengths to treat tissue with photon energy. These particles of energy are absorbed by the mitochondria within a cell. Mitochondria’s function is to produce a fuel called ATP. Laser therapy increases the amount of ATP produced in the mitochondria thereby greatly accelerating the body’s natural healing process.
How does laser therapy work?
Laser arrays are placed in contact with the skin allowing light energy to penetrate tissue where it interacts with cells resulting in restoration of normal cell function. This enhances the body’s natural healing abilities, reducing inflammation and pain, improving range of motion, and reducing the need for medications and even surgery.
Low Intensity Laser Therapy does not heat or cut tissue. Unlike many pharmacological treatments that mask pain or only address the symptoms of the disease, Laser Therapy treats the underlying condition or pathology to promote lasting healing.
Is laser therapy safe?
Yes. Hundreds of research studies have shown Laser Therapy to be safe and effective. Laser Therapy is non-invasive, non-toxic and non-thermal. Laser Therapy is beneficial rather than harmful to tissue.
Does it hurt? What will I feel?
No, the procedure is non-invasive, non-toxic, and non-thermal. As opposed to high-intensity lasers, the lasers used in this procedure are considered cold lasers as they do not produce heat and have no associated discomfort.
Treatments of Low Intensity Laser Therapy are virtually sensation free. The treatment causes no pain, and aside from the red laser diode getting a little warm on the longer treatments, patients should feel nothing other than the weight of the diode resting upon them.
How long does a treatment take?
Depending on the area being treated as well as patient factors, treatments typically take between 45 minutes to an hour. Larger areas, such as the lower back, will have longer treatments than would a smaller area, such as the wrist, as more area needs to be covered and more tissue needs to be illuminated and addressed thoroughly.
How many treatments are necessary?
The number of treatments required will vary with regard to the individual problem as every patient and condition responds to Laser Therapy uniquely. The number of required treatments will also depend upon how acute or chronic the condition being treated is.
Are there any contraindications?
The only instances in which laser therapy should be avoided are treating over the womb of pregnant women and over the site of a cancerous tumor as the research on treating these areas are limited.
We also do not treat directly over the eyes or in close proximity to them. Patients are also asked to provide a list of medications prior to laser treatments as photo-sensitive medications may cause a hyper-sensitivity to laser treatments.
Please note that it is NOT a contraindication to have pins, metal plates, plastic, or pacemakers.
What else will I need to do alongside laser treatments?
Nothing is necessary to do alongside laser treatments. If stretching or other exercises are needed, they will be prescribed on an individual basis. Laser therapy is a passive treatment; all you need to do is show up, we will do all the work. The great thing about it is that the healing effects of the laser continue to work long after treatments stop. Low intensity laser therapy initiates a process that lasts long after ‘the lights go out’.
Are treatments covered by extended medical?
Many extended medical plans do cover laser therapy. However, it varies between plans so you should check with your provider.
What is BioFlex Laser System?
The BioFlex Laser System is a highly sophisticated therapeutic device that combines the benefits of Low Intensity Lasers with Superluminous Diodes for the effective treatment of many medical conditions. Developed and engineered by Meditech International Inc., BioFlex represents the most significant technological advancement in Laser Therapy.
How does BioFlex laser therapy compare with other conventional treatments?
For many years, rehabilitation therapies – including ultrasound, interferential current, TENS, etc. – have been used extensively throughout the world to treat pain and stimulate the healing process. Unlike the BioFlex, however, the healing effects of these treatments have been disappointing as they only modulate symptoms. In contrast, BioFlex is able to influence the pathology directly at the cellular level, resulting in therapeutic benefits that are more profound and generally curative. At best, alternative therapies act as counter-irritants, creating a transient increase in circulation and the release of endorphins, providing only temporary symptomatic relief. Our laser system removes inflammation, promotes a new blood supply to the injured area and gives the area an exponentially increased amount of cellular energy – all necessary for complete healing.
What regulatory approvals does BioFlex have?
BioFlex has been cleared by the FDA and Health Canada. The CE mark of approval has also been obtained and the manufacturing standards of UL and ISO have been met.
First Visit
Your first visit to our office will involve an approximately 1 hour appointment. During this time a chiropractic assistant will first record a comprehensive health history. This is followed by performing a digital posture analysis and surface EMG (electromyography). A surface EMG analysis provides information on how your postural muscles are working in correlation with your spine. This can give an indication of any underlying problems. A digital postural exam is also performed.
Once all the information is gathered, Dr. Thiel will perform a thorough chiropractic evaluation. All information gathered during this time will be used by your Doctor of Chiropractic to accurately determine your course of care. We have full x-ray facilities if an X-ray is appropriate to complete your exam.
After your exam, a follow-up appointment will be scheduled for you to meet with Dr. Thiel where he will go over his findings with you and discuss the treatment plan he has created. He will give you some options and you will tell him what to do with respect to your future care.
Should you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact our office. We are here to serve you, and encourage you to ask any questions you may have. Your participation is vital and will help determine your results.
