Accelerated healing with laser therapy helps get you back to the activities you enjoy most!

Laser Therapy

Laser therapy is a form of light therapy that utilizes a focused beam of photons (light particles) in the red light spectrum (600-950nm wavelength). This beam of light is applied to the skin through the applicator of the laser machine and can reach deep structures and tissues along with structures closer to the surface of the skin.

Lasers come in different classes based on their strength and penetration power. For example, lasers used in CD players are considered class I, laser pointers are considered class II, laser scanners are considered class IIa, and firearm laser sights are considered class IIIa. Class IIIb lasers are therapeutic lasers and are commonly known as cold lasers and their use in clinical treatment is referred to as low-level laser therapy. Class IV lasers are stronger and penetrate deeper than cold lasers and, because of this, they can produce some heat.

How does laser therapy work?

If you were asked the one thing you remember from high school science class, chances are you might say “the mitochondria is the powerhouse of the cell”. In short, laser therapy uses this fact to speed healing! Mitochondria are small organs that reside in every cell of our body and their job is to produce energy in the form of a molecule called ATP.

Infographic – How Class 4 Laser Therapy Works

They produce ATP through the action of a system of chemical reactions called the electron transport chain. When photons from a class IV laser reach the mitochondria of cells, this activates an enzyme in the electron transport chain called cytochrome C oxidase. When this is activated, the mitochondria are able to produce more ATP for the cell. ATP is like money for the cell, it can be used for countless different functions but one of the most important things it can be used for is healing.

Additionally, producing all of this energy actually creates a significant amount of heat. The energy and heat produced helps bring more blood to the area, delivering more oxygen and helpful nutrients and chemicals that the cell can use for further healing. Furthermore, the extra oxygen brought in by the blood flow is used by the mitochondria to produce even more energy. Simply put, laser therapy boosts the energy that can be used by all your cells!

What can be treated with laser therapy?

Laser therapy has many uses in clinical practice and can be effective to accelerate healing in (almost) any tissue of the human body. Here at Rebound Sport and Spine, some common conditions that are treated with class IV laser include:

Tendon injuries
Muscle strains
Trigger points
Joint sprains
Fractures
Inflammation (e.g. plantar fasciitis, frozen shoulder, etc)

Nerve entrapments (pinched nerves)
Bursitis
Back and neck pain
Sciatica
Osteoarthritis
Many more conditions of the muscles, bones, joints, and nerves

What can I expect during class IV laser treatment?

Since class IV laser uses a powerful red light, all those in the room for treatment must wear protective glasses (provided by the clinic) to protect the eyes from any damage. During treatment, you may feel some slight warmth, or you may feel nothing. The practitioner will move the laser applicator over the skin of the affected area(s) for the duration of the treatment to ensure a large area of effect and to dissipate heat to avoid discomfort.

Laser therapy is a safe and effective treatment option

Help boost recovery of any aches and pains you may be having. Feel free to ask if laser therapy is right for you!