Cold laser therapy: Taking health care into the 21st century
PAID CONTENT
Laser therapy aims to chemically stimulate damaged cells by using specific wavelengths of light. Chemically damaged cells stimulate the pain cycle. Lasers excite the mitochondria of the cell, thus creating more energy within the cell by transmitting healing stimuli known as photons.
Once the photons reach the cells of the body, they start a cascade of cellular activities. Lasers can increase the production of enzymes, ATP synthesis, stimulate mitochondria, increase vasodilation and lymphatic drainage, and elevate collagen formation substances to prevent the formation of scar tissues. This is a crucial step in reducing chronic myofascial pain. Simply put, lasers allow patients to get out of pain faster and heal.
The laser is totally safe and easy to use. Professor Andre Mester began using low power lasers in 1967 for medical applications. Dr. Mester is recognized by many as the grandfather of laser therapy. Since then, the cold laser has become one of the most versatile tools we have ever used.
Cold lasers have stimulating effects rather than destructive ones. It may be just the perfect conjunctive tool for chiropractic treatments. There are so many clinical applications of the cold laser: acute and chronic pain reduction, reduction of inflammation, enhanced tissue healing and cell regeneration. Studies have shown rapid pain reduction and faster recovery times, far exceeding conventional methods.
The response of lasers in the body’s cells is amazing. The positive therapeutic effects include the following:
- Rapid cell growth — laser light accelerates cellular reproduction and growth.
- Faster wound healing — laser light stimulates fibroblast development and accelerates collagen synthesis in damaged tissue.
- Increased metabolic activity — higher outputs of specific enzymes, greater oxygen and food particle loads for blood cells, and thus greater production of the basic food source for cells, Adenosine Tri-Phosphate (ATP).
- Reduced fibrous tissue formation — laser light reduces the formation of scar tissue following tissue damage from cuts, scratches, burns or post surgery.
- Anti-inflammatory action — laser light reduces swelling caused by bruising or inflammation of joints to give enhanced joint mobility.
- Increased vascular activity — laser light induces temporary vasodilation increasing blood flow to damaged areas.
- Stimulated nerve function — slow recovery of nerve function in damaged tissue can result in “dead” limbs or numb areas. Laser light speeds the process of nerve cell reconnection to bring the numb areas back to life.
For years, doctors have found the laser to help a multitude of conditions, which include, but are not limited to:
- Acute and chronic pain
- Arthritis
- Back Pain
- Bursitis
- Carpal tunnel
- Fibromyalgia
- Ligament sprains
- Muscle strain
- Soft tissue injuries
- Tendonitis
- Tennis elbow
- Concussions
The benefits of cold laser treatments are so tremendous there’s no down side:
- Non-invasive
- Easy to apply
- No side effects or pain
- Very safe
- Highly effective for patient (more than 90% efficacy)
- Superior alternative to: analgesics, NSAIDs, other medications, other modalities
- Reduces need for surgery
- Non-toxic
- Virtually no contraindications
- • •
Dr. Wayne M. Fichter Jr. is a chiropractor at Natural Spine Solutions. The business is located at 3913 Schreiber Way in Coeur d’Alene, 208-966-4425.