Just what is this new specialty "Photo Medicine" or therapeutic laser therapy all about?

The word laser is an acronym for Light Amplification by the Stimulated Emission of Radiation. The theory was first described by Albert Einstein (1879-1955) who paved the way for the development of the therapeutic laser. The first low level therapeutic laser was developed in 1962. Since then , scientists and doctors around the world have been using laser light to treat conditions that can affect all age groups. Therapeutic laser therapy (Class IIIa and IV) is painless and totally non-invasive. It is the application of white, red and infra-red light over wounds or injuries to improve soft tissue healing and relieve both acute and chronic pain. Therapeutic laser light energy directs bio-stimulative light energy to the bodies cells without injuring or damaging them in any way. The therapy is precise and accurate; and offers safe and effective treatment for a wide variety of conditions.

What conditions respond well to therapeutic laser therapy?

Studies over the last 35 years have shown clear evidence that Therapeutic Lasers are highly effective on both chronic and acute conditions including neck and back pain, tendonitis, sports injuries, tennis elbow, and repetitive strain injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome. In the area of skin care therapeutic laser therapy has been shown to have a positive effect on acne, eczema, scars and keloids as well as fine wrinkles. Exciting new research is also proving the benefit of therapeutic lasers on such conditions as fibromyalgia, migraines, vertigo, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

What about Neuropathies?

What is Neuropathy?  Peripheral Neuropathy, also known as Peripheral Nerve Disease, is one of the most common diseases most people have never heard of (15-20 million Americans have peripheral nerve disease). Caused by deterioration of the peripheral nerves, neuropathy disrupts the body’s ability to communicate with its muscles, organs and tissues. Neuropathy is like the body’s wiring system going haywire, causing unusual or unpleasant irritations including tingling, burning, itchiness, crawling sensation, dizziness, clumsiness and more. If ignored, as they too often are, these neuropathy symptoms can lead to numbness at one extreme to unremitting pain at the other.  Early studies show that many of the various Neuropathies respond extremely well to the point of being pain and/or numbness free with improved balance with our combined Laser Therapy and sensori-motor rehabilitation protocols.

Is it safe?

Therapeutic Laser Therapy is an extremely safe procedure. Since it is non-invasive there is no risk to the patient. In fact, in over thirty years of therapeutic laser use there have been zero complications or unwanted side effects. However it should not be used on anyone taking a drug which causes photosensitivity, cancer patients or pregnant women.  The doctor will discuss these fully with you during the pre-treatment consultation.

What is the benefit to me of High Power Laser therapy?

High Power Laser therapy is the state of the art and highly effective method of treating chronic or acute pain and other neuropathies by accelerating the healing process in areas of the body previously only visited by drugs or surgery.  The healing process can be expected to be reduced by one-third to one-half the usual time. As the necessary inflammatory process proceeds, natural healing takes place and the pain is alleviated.

How many treatments will I need?

The number of treatments varies with each patient. Many of our patients have reported partial or complete relief of pain after only a couple of sessions. Patients with a healthy immune system generally require fewer treatments. The average acute pain person requires 4 to 6 treatment sessions given over a period of two weeks.  Patients with chronic pain and/or neuropathies may require additional sessions.

I've heard of Cortisone injections; is this a safe thing?

We prefer not to use Cortisone injections with any of our patients, although they are available. Long term studies have shown that Cortisone injections actually weaken tissue.  In fact, we have devoted an entire page on Cortisone on this site.  We strongly encourage everyone to read the information on that page before requesting a Cortisone injection, especially since our laser will provide the pain relief they seek without the negativity associated with Cortisone.

Will my insurance cover this?

That depends on the coverage your insurance provides. Most insurance companies consider therapeutic laser therapy investigational and experimental and therefore have not made provisions for reimbursement.  For those with little or no coverage we offer interest free payment plans.