Cold Laser Therapy at Bryn Mawr Chiropractic
FDA Approved Medical Technology
Cold Laser Therapy (also known as Low Level Laser Therapy or LLLT) has been used worldwide for over 40 years to relieve pain, remove scars, heal wounds and regenerate nerves and other damaged tissues.
On January 17th, 2002, the first U.S. Cold Laser Therapy company, Erchonia, which makes the laser used in this clinic, received FDA clearance through clinical trial. The study took 100 patients complaining of neck and shoulder pain. Half were treated with a useless red light (placebo group), similar to that on a computer mouse or grocery check-out, and the other half received cold laser. The treatment group beat the placebo group by 66%! That’s 66% faster and more complete relief, a remarkable margin. Such a study is known as “double blind” research, and is the gold standard for measuring the validity of a therapy.
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Similar studies have been passed by the FDA for carpal tunnel, wounds, scar tissue and acne. There are over 2000 published studies on Cold Laser Therapy (or LLLT) reporting zero negative side effects. Visit www.Erchonia.com for a look at more in-depth research.
In a nutshell, Cold Laser Therapy causes tissues to heal faster – muscle, skin and nerve – 66% faster according to the above FDA study. Specifically, Cold Laser Therapy works at the cell level.
The effects of this are photochemical (cold), not thermal. Hot lasers in the medical world are used for surgical precision while cold lasers are used for healing precision. During treatment of the tissue with this laser, an interaction between cells and photons takes place – a photochemical reaction. Photons from the very specific and energetic wavelengths of the laser affect the tissue at the cellular level. Light from the cold laser enters the tissue, affects the cell permeability, and at the cellular level is absorbed by the mitochondria. The mitochondria are the “Powerhouse” of the cells and make ATP which is needed for the life enhancement process of every cell which facilitates:
- Rapid cell growth. The laser accelerates cellular reproduction and growth.
- Faster wound healing. The laser stimulates fibroblast development in damaged tissue. The reduction in recovery time is an important consideration.
- Increased metabolic activity. Helps the body increase output of specific enzymes, greater oxygen to blood cells and more effective immune response are induced by the laser.
- Reduced fibrous tissue formation. The laser reduces the formation of scar tissue following tissue damage from cuts, scratches, burns or following surgery.
- Anti-inflammatory action. The laser reduces swelling caused by bruising or inflammation of joints to give improved joint mobility.
- Increased vascular activity. The laser stimulates lymph and blood circulation, to allow the affected tissue to have the best possible circulation.
- Stimulated nerve function.
Slow recovery of nerve function in damaged tissue can result in “dead” limbs or numb areas. Laser will speed the process of nerve cell re-connection to bring the numb areas back to life. Laser also increases the amplitude of action potentials to optimize muscle action. These physiological changes affect macrophages, fibrobasts, endothelial cells, mast cells, nerve conduction rates and the energy communication pathways throughout the fascial network (liquid crystalline living matrix). The energy transferred to the cell can increase its kinetic energy, and activate or deactivate enzymes or alter physical or chemical properties of macromolecules. Research has shown that the cells of your body actually communicate with each other through coherent light (laser). With the Erchonia Medical laser, there are specific pulsations (Hertz) that can be programmed with the laser frequency allowing the practitioner to talk “cell talk” with the body.
Different specific pulsations have been shown to create different physiological responses of the cell. This is extremely important when working with a variety of injury and disease conditions to promote healing. The metabolism of injured and diseased tissue tends to be decreased. The laser creates an increase in metabolism and cell communication immediately. The common response from doctors and practice members, when this safe and effective modality is applied, is WOW! Cold Laser Therapy is a universal method of treating muscle, tendon, ligament, connective tissue, bone, neurological dysfunction or damage, and skin tissue with one simple piece of equipment. When the laser is applied with chiropractic care at Bryn Mawr Chiropractic, the best results are achieved to organize the nervous system and promote healing.
Cold laser therapy is being used by those in chiropractic, medical, dental, acupuncture, podiatry, osteopathy, veterinary, physiotherapy, and cosmetic applications. It is very effective and safe for children. Cold Laser Therapy is popularly used for:
- Fractures
- Metatarsalagia
- Brachial Neuralgia
- Plantar Fascitis
- Frozen Shoulder
- Carpal Tunnel and more!
- Soft tissue injuries: sprains & strains, tendinitis & bursitis.
- Chronic back & neck pain
- Myofascial trigger points
- Acute and chronic joint problems – osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, ligament and tendon injuries, chondromalacia patella
- Reduction of inflammation
- Wound management – open wounds, pressure sores, post surgical healing, diabetic ulcerations, burns
- Dermatological conditions – eczema, acne vulgaris, roseacea, psoriasis, herpes, shingles, dermatitis
Number of Treatments Needed
At Bryn Mawr Chiropractic, we find 4-12 treatments are necessary to begin the healing process of tissue, although in some cases, relief can begin immediately. Maximum treatment would be 1x per day per area, minimum would be 1x per week to still see results. Multiple areas of complaint may be treated. The treatment cycle may need to be repeated and eventually spread out.
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