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Laser can be helpful for pain relief, reduction in swelling, promoting tissue healing and reduction in the formation of fibrous scar tissue.
Conditions reported in the scientific literature to respond to Laser include pain relief and tissue healing, especially:
Alison and Jodie are certified for Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) at the Free2move practise in North Perth. LLLT can be helpful for pain relief, reduction in swelling, promoting tissue healing and reduction in the formation of fibrous scar tissue.
LLLT or Cold Laser is a painless, non-invasive form of light therapy which is thought to stimulate a healing response in tissues such as muscles, blood vessels, bone, nerve, skin, ligaments, tendons and other connective tissue. The laser beam we use is in the infra-red range of the spectrum. Because it’s wavelength is beyond the red end of the spectrum of visible light, its beam is invisible.
Laser differs from visible light because it has a single coherent wavelength rather than a range of wavelengths (which are what give visible light it’s range of colours). Unlike light, a laser beam does not diverge, but remains parallel and this allows it to be focused in a precise way. Our Laser is different from medical Lasers used in surgery, as it does not generate heat and therefore cannot burn tissue (which is why it is sometimes called Cold Laser). Laser treatment is painless and there is no vibration or sound when it is emitted.
The simplest answer is that we don’t know. The main theory suggests that it affects metabolism at the level of the cells, bringing about chemical reactions which accelerate cellular metabolism. This is thought to result in more faster cellular repair and regeneration with the formation of healthy new cells. It may also work by improving the blood supply to an area. It may reducing pain by it’s effects on the nerve endings and by stimulation of the body’s own pain relieving chemicals (such as endorphins and seratonin).
LLLT is an emerging modality that looks like it will result in a multitude of effective new treatments. It has not yet gained widespread acceptance because the body of scientific research supporting it’s effectiveness is still small. More research needs to be done to show which conditions it is most useful for and what the doseage should be. Quite a lot of the current evidence comes from studies on animals such as mice, though there have been some encouraging human studies.
The main risk is to the retina of the eyes. The intense and focused beam can damage the eyes if it shines directly into them. Safety glasses are worn at all times during treatment to prevent this damage. As an additional precaution, the Laser beam is never turned on until it is placed on the skin. Because the Laser cannot be seen, a blue light indicates that the machine is working and is an added safety feature. Laser should not be done over the ovaries, testicles, thyroid or pregnant uterus. There are some other contraindications to Laser for which you should be screened by your therapist. Provided these precautions are taken there are no known negative side effects.
Read about Exercise, Imaging and Laser for Shoulder Pain
More info: Please call Free2Move on 0405 97 2211 or email info@free2move.com.au
One on One Consultation. A pre-requirement for any service
Be assessed for one of our Exercise Rehab Sessions
Feldenkrais and Pilates floor classes at the Chapel Space
Free2Move recommends Low Level Laser Therapy as part of a normal Physiotherapy treatment programme rather than as a stand alone treatment. Because is is a relatively new treatment, results cannot be guaranteed.
