Laser Therapy and Cryotherapy | RJ Physical Therapy

LASER THERAPY

& CRYOTHERAPY

What is Laser Therapy

Laser therapy is the use of near infrared (NIR) laser light to stimulate the mitochondria of the body’s cells to increase production of ATP. Boosting the production of ATP through laser therapy has been shown to treat common concerns, such as reducing pain and inflammation. Laser therapy promotes the natural healing of the body in a safe, non-invasive procedure that is an alternative to pain-reducing drugs.

How Laser Therapy Works

Photochemical Action

Studies have shown that when tissue cultures are irradiated by lasers, enzymes within cells absorb energy from laser light. Visible red light and near infrared (NIR) are absorbed within the mitochondria and the cell membrane. This produces higher ATP levels and boosts DNA production, leading to an increase in cellular health and energy. Therefore, when applied as treatment, lasers have been shown to reduce pain and inflammation as well as stimulate nerve regeneration, muscle relaxation, and immune system response. Lasers have no effect on normal tissues because photons of light are only absorbed and utilized by the cells that need them.

RESEARCH RESULTS FROM LASER THERAPY

Injuries treated with laser therapy heal faster
Laser Therapy has a strengthening effect on tissue repair
Laser Therapy improves blood flow & lymphatic drainage
It is an effective means of relief for many pain syndromes
It can improve immune response

PATIENT FAQS

HOW ARE TREATMENTS ADMINISTERED?

Treatments are performed by positioning the laser hand-piece approximately 1⁄2” directly above the skin and surrounding the area of injury and pain with the laser treatment beam.

HOW MANY TREATMENTS ARE NEEDED?

The Class IV Laser Therapy produces results quickly. For most ACUTE conditions 5-6 treatments is all that is needed. CHRONIC conditions take longer and might require 6-12 treatments. While these are the averages, each person is unique and healing time varies by person and condition. For those with lifelong conditions your doctor may recommend 1 or 2 follow-up treatments each month.

HOW LONG WILL THE TREATMENT TAKE?

Depending on the condition, treatment times for this drug-free, non-invasive procedure will last on average 5-10 minutes but is based on the size of area, depth of penetration needed, and condition being treated.

WILL THE TREATMENT HURT?

Most patients notice a warm, often soothing feeling. There is no pain associated with a treatment. Many patients also experience reduced muscle tension and tightness, reduced inflammation and improved range of motion.

WHEN CAN NORMAL ACTIVITY BEGIN AGAIN?

The moment a person leaves the clinic, they may resume normal daily activity. It is important to remember to not overexert for a few days, as the body is still healing.

WILL INSURANCE COVER TREATMENTS?

Laser therapy may not be covered by insurance plans. If insurance does not cover the cost of treatments, there are affordable payment plans available.

HOW DOES CLASS IV LASER THERAPY WORK?

When the photons of laser light penetrate the skin and underlying tissue, they are absorbed by the cells, and converted into energy. The cell membrane permeability is altered, which triggers a cascade of cellular events including:

• Stimulation of ATP
• Stimulation of respiratory chain
• Increased DNA and RNA synthesis
• Increased levels of beta endorphins and serotonin • Enhanced collagen synthesis

WHAT ADVANTAGE DOES CLASS IV LASER THERAPY HAVE OVER OTHER FORMS OF TREATMENT?
The treatment does not require the use of drugs or surgery, and there are no dangerous side effects or risks. In addition, Laser therapy provides enhanced treatment outcomes faster than any other treatment modality.

HOW IS CLASS IV BETTER THAN “COLD LASER THERAPY” TREATMENTS?
Cold Laser Therapy (or LLLT – Low Level Light Therapy) was introduced into the USA in 2001 with low power levels. Since that time new scientific and clinical discoveries have led to the development of the higher power lasers, including the new Class IV Laser Therapy.

Cryotherapy

Cryotherapy is intended to minimize pain and thermal injury during laser treatments.

Unlike other cooling methods, such as contact cooling, cryogen spray or ice packs, the Cryo 6 can cool the epidermis before, during and after the laser energy has been applied, without interfering with the laser beam.

Studies also have shown that chilling with the Cryo 6 cold air device reduces the patient’s pain sensitivity. This means much better tolerance of the treatment.

What are the advantages of Cryotherapy?

Non-invasive

No side effects

Comfortable and well tolerated

No direct skin contact

Targeted treatment

Benefits of Cryotherapy

Relieving Joint and Muscle Pain

Speeding muscle healing

Reduce Inflammation

Flushes fluid and cellular waste from painful or injured tissue

Increases range of motion and regenerative circulation

It also accelerates healing and recovery by encouraging the body to circulate blood more rapidly into the cooled area. This speeds the removal of by-products of tissue damage while supplying fresh nutrients to the recovering tissue.