Using laser to treat medical conditions certainly sounds like something out of the script of a futuristic movie, but in reality, laser therapy has been used to treat musculoskeletal injuries and pain since 2003. It is used by many professional sports teams to get their players back to action as soon as possible.
How does it work?
A Class IV laser utilizes red and near infrared light energy to activate the mitochondria within our tissue cells to produce increased amounts of ATP (adenosine triphosphate), which powers all the functions of the cell. This excessive energy production results in more efficient and dramatic tissue healing, improved range of motion, and reduced pain and swelling. It also opens blood vessels to deliver more blood flow to the injured area, which speeds healing.
What does it feel like?
Laser therapy feels like a nice warm massage. After 2-3 minutes the therapy creates an anesthetic effect, which almost immediately relieves pain. Swelling almost immediately resolves during treatment as well. The results are dramatic, and the more frequently we perform treatment the longer lasting the results can be.
How much does it cost?
Laser therapy is considered to be experimental by almost all insurance companies. For this reason, the costs for treatment are out of pocket for most patients. We charge $75 for one treatment $300 for a package of 6 treatments. We recommend a minimum of 6 treatments for most painful conditions.
Why not get a cortisone shot instead?
Cortisone works to inhibit the body’s natural functions when it comes to tissue healing. We never perform cortisone injections into tendons because it significantly increases the risk of tendon rupture. We also do not perform cortisone injections around fractures because it significantly inhibits bone healing. Cortisone destroys fatty tissue, which over time can lead to thinning of the fat pat on the bottom of the foot and worsening of symptoms. Steroids do a great job at reducing pain quickly, but the effects are often short lasting and it is a poor long term treatment option. This is often a good option for certain soft tissue and joint problems because it has a faster onset and is more economical, but it is certainly not better from a healing perspective.
The benefits of laser include:
- Accelerated soft tissue and bone healing
- Nerve regeneration and improved function (peripheral neuropathy)
- Improved angiogenesis (blood vessel formation) and lymphatic function (decreased swelling)
- Improved cellular and enzymatic function
- Improved collagen and fibroblast production (soft tissue healing)
- These benefits last well beyond the appointment in which you have the laser therapy performed. Repeating treatment twice weekly with a 3-4 day rest in between is ideal.
When can I start?
We offer laser therapy in 15 minute block appointments all day, every day. Availability depends on our daily schedule, but we can typically accommodate an appointment within 1-2 days.
Call 239-204-5602 to schedule your laser therapy evaluation today!