Cold Laser Therapy
If your problems cannot be traced to subluxated vertebrae, then perhaps it is associated with arthritis, lower back pain, repetitive stress injuries, tendonitis, sprains, tennis elbow, or soft-tissue injuries. In that case, our treatment includes the use of a non-thermal laser capable of directing electromagnetic pulses deep into the affected tissue and joints. In addition to stimulating the immune, lymphatic and vascular systems, the laser provides the tissue the energy it needs to repair itself.
The laser device emits electromagnetic waves traveling at the speed of light at a frequency of about 4700 terahertz, with a wavelength in the red portion of the electromagnetic spectrum: 635 nano-meters (635 nm). A nano-meter is 40 billionth of an inch, so it has the ability to interact with, and affect, cellular molecules. The electromagnetic energy present in these waves penetrates the skin, is absorbed by cells in the damaged or inflamed tissues of the body, and converted into chemical energy. Although the exact mechanism whereby pain is relieved and healing accomplished has not yet been clearly discovered, some believe that the 635 nm laser light promotes an increase in the production of ATP, which is the energy-producing molecule used by cells for growth and repair. The release of endorphins is believed to further relieve pain.
The laser beam used in chiropractic is not like the dangerous high-power lasers that can cut through metal. The lasers used by our office do not heat and destroy tissue; they are low-energy lasers that provide enough energy to affected cells to give them the ability to repair themselves, but not so much energy that they are destroyed. Hot lasers might output as much as 1 million watts or more, while the cold, low-level lasers used in our treatments have an output of 10 milliwatts. That’s one hundredth of one watt, which is 100 million times weaker than hot lasers.
Low-level laser therapy has been shown to be effective in treating acute and chronic pain, and repetitive stress disorders such as carpal tunnel syndrome, inflammation, strains and sprains, and promoting cell regeneration.
If you wish to read more about the almost magical power of the laser to heal, read some excerpts from some of the articles below:
Laser is Superior to Ultrasound in Stimulating Healing and Alleviating Pain
Therapists and doctors continue to debate the value of various electrotherapy modalities. One of the debates concerns the value of ultrasound versus laser therapy. The objective of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of splinting, ultrasound (US), and low-level laser (LLL) in the management of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). Both laser and ultrasound were helpful. However, LLL therapy plus splinting was more advantageous than US therapy plus splinting, especially for the outcomes of lessening of symptom severity, pain alleviation, and increased patient satisfaction. This study substantiates the results of other research projects that have documented that laser is more effective than ultrasound at stimulating healing and reducing pain. (Photomed Laser Surg. 2009 Jan 26.)
PROOF: LASER EFFECTIVE FOR NECK PAIN
This study on lasers and neck pain was so well done that it was published in the prestigious medical journal Lancet. This research was done by performing a meta-analysis. A meta-analysis combines the results of several studies that address a set of related research hypotheses. The meta-analysis used 16 quality studies including a total of 820 patients. The results demonstrated clear benefit with acute and chronic neck pain when using low level laser therapy (LLLT). The researchers concluded that side-effects from LLLT were mild and not different from those of placebo. They found that LLLT reduced pain almost immediately and the results lasted up to 22 weeks after completion of treatment! Wow! This is another landmark study to prove that LLLT is a very safe and effective modality for treatment of all kinds of pain, especially acute and chronic neck pain. (Lancet. 2009 Nov 12.)
Laser Treats Fibromyalgia
MICROLIGHT CORP.OF AMERICA, Rockville, MD, April 19, 2010
Fibromyalgia is a condition in which the brain processes pain in an abnormal way, resulting in chronic, widespread muscular-skeletal pain and chronic fatigue. This condition affects millions of Americans and has been poorly understood and under diagnosed, resulting in billions of dollars in cost to our health care system. In the past, treatments have been primarily with medications; often side effects can make the symptoms worse.
The LOW LEVEL LASER was the first “low level Laser” approved by the FDA in 2002 to treat pain and swelling. The Laser produces no heat to the tissue and causes vassal dilation in the Micro Capillary bed, the treatment is PAINLESS WITH NO SIDE EFFECTS. Bernard Filner M.D. is now reporting on treating over 90,000 Fibro Trigger Points using the Low Level Laser with a 90% success rate.
Bernard Filner, M.D. reports his clinical success in the use of LOW LEVEL LASER THERAPY to treat FIBROMYALGIA SYNDROME (FMS) in the April issue of Fibromyalgia Aware (the quarterly journal of the National Fibromyalgia Association) Dr. Filner sits on the National Advisory Board of the National Fibromyalgia Association. Dr. Filner has been in the forefront of the practice of Pain Management for the past 22 years, (specializing in the treatment of MYOFASCIAL PAIN and FIBROMYALGIA) and an anesthesiologist for the prior 18 years (CV available upon request).
If you have questions for the clinic or Dr. Lorge please contact us at 425.747.5657 or email us at drlorge@drlorge.com.
