At Lancaster Brain & Spine, we’re specialists in restoring functionality and repairing damage to the nervous system. At our clinic, we use only the most advanced treatments and tools available to ensure you receive optimal healing. One of these treatments is laser therapy, which has been scientifically proven to accelerate the healing process.
But what is laser therapy, and how can it help you? We’ll walk you through the different classes of lasers, what conditions we treat, and how this new-age tool can help you heal faster.
How Laser Therapy Works
Laser therapy is a specific treatment that uses non-invasive light to create a cellular response in the body when applied to a specific area that has been injured or damaged. This means your body reacts to the light deep underneath the skin’s surface to activate or accelerate repair in the tissues.
Unlike temporary heat-relief practices like applying heat packs, laser therapy actually works long-term to provide relief. Rather than just “numbing” or “distracting” you from the pain, it actually activates and improves the rate of healing, meaning the effects continue long after the light treatment is applied.
This process is also called photobiomodulation (PBM). PBM is just another, more technical name for laser therapy, but it means the same thing.
4 Different Classes Of Laser Therapy
Numerous medical professions offer laser therapy, from low-level to surgical applications. Here’s a quick guide so you know how to distinguish between the different types:
Low Level Laser Therapy (Class 2 & 3)
Also known as LLLT, low level laser therapy is also known as cold laser therapy, because it does not produce heat — it actually uses an infrared light source. LLLT is effective with some types of pain and injuries, especially in conjunction with other therapies or treatments.
High Power Laser Therapy (Class 4)
Also known as HPLT, high power laser therapy is what we offer and specialize in here at Lancaster Brain & Spine. Not only is it effective, but HPLT has also been FDA-approved since 2003, making it a safe, recommended treatment option. It uses a level of power scientifically proven to aid in the healing process without any other outside help.
Surgical Laser
You may be familiar with laser eye surgery, a corrective vision procedure that uses a laser to change the shape of your cornea. This type of laser therapy is surgical and includes cosmetic procedures, such as laser hair removal.
Why We Use Class 4 High Power Laser Therapy
At our Lancaster Brain & Spine clinic, we believe in using the best possible technology for our patients to achieve the quickest, long-term results, which is why we only use Class 4 laser therapy. Not only is this type of therapy FDA-approved, but it also achieves the best outcomes. That means Class 4 patients receive the best possible results, whether they use other treatments simultaneously or not.
The amount and frequency of the light used during Class 4 treatment depends on the severity of your condition and how much healing is possible. As experts in laser therapy, we customize the application for each patient to ensure your unique healing journey begins.
Through scientific studies, Class 4 laser therapy has been proven to:
- Reduce inflammation. By stimulating different cellular components within our tissues, we can create a more advantageous situation for the cells.
- Increase blood circulation. The laser removes chemical imbalances in order to stimulate blood flow. This increases blood circulation and improves overall health.
- Improve tissue oxygenation. To heal, your body needs fuel in the form of nutrients, and laser therapy tools infuse the affected area with oxygen to promote healing. This creates the optimal environment for the body to repair and restore.
What Conditions Can Class 4 Laser Therapy Treat?
Class 4 laser therapy is excellent for treating conditions when the pain is not always visible to the naked eye. You sense the discomfort in your bones, or feel it somewhere in your body, but it’s not easily seen.
A good example would be an injury you might get from playing sports. Let’s say you sprain your ankle — you may experience some bruising or swelling initially, but typically the pain from the injury will linger long after the external symptoms have disappeared. If you are experiencing any pain, aches or soreness, laser therapy could help alleviate those symptoms.
Here is a list of some, but not all, conditions that Class 4 HPLT is helpful in treating:
- Soft tissue injuries
- Acute musculoskeletal injuries
- Arthritis
- Sprains
- Knee, shoulder or hip replacements
- Nerve injuries
- Nerve compressions
- Brachial plexus
- Sciatica
- Numbness
- Tingling
- Spinal conditions
How Can Class 4 Laser Therapy Help You
At our Lancaster-based clinic, we have helped numerous patients experience extreme relief from ongoing, invisible pain thanks to laser therapy treatments. Not only does this treatment option reduce your current aches and pains, but it also improves your rate of healing long after the treatment is finished.
If you’re curious whether laser therapy can work for your particular situation, please contact us for a free 15-minute phone consultation. One of our experts would be happy to discuss it with you.
While there is no obligation to work with us specifically for treatment, we’ll help determine if laser therapy is an option for you. If you are interested in getting started with laser therapy, get in touch today.
