Tendon Health

Can you feel it? Spring is right around the corner! If you’re like us, you probably have the winter blahs and haven’t been as on top of your exercise game lately as you usually are. You are not alone!

During warmer seasons like Spring and Summer, we often see increases in injuries, especially to tendons.

Tendons are bands of connective fibrous tissue which link muscles to bones. They aid in the movement of bones and other structures such as your eyes. Tendons are also incredibly strong and possess some of the highest tensile strengths of soft tissue within the body.

Maintaining your tendon health can be difficult. On average tendons respond slower to exercise and strength training than muscles do. It can take two to three months longer for tendons to respond to changes in exercise routines or strength training. This slower response to activity can leave tenons at a higher risk of injury than muscle groups.

Because tendons work so hard (even when we don’t) it’s important to strengthen those connections whenever possible. Weak tendons can lead to problems all over the body, not just your Achilles!

Common tendon problems

Two of the largest issues that affect tendon health are Tendinitis and Tendinosis. Tendinitis is an inflammation of the tendon, and Tendinosis is a thickening of a tendon characterized by the formation of a lump along the tendon’s length. Tendinitis often evolves into tendinosis if left untreated, and both conditions can be quite painful. They also can be a result of injury, overuse, improper stretching, or incorrect form. Both are common. A 2014 study done by Harvard Health revealed that Achilles tendonitis accounts for 15% of all running-related injuries.

Tendons are found all over the body. Many adults suffer from a tendon condition of the thumb or ring finger called trigger finger which causes the joint to become ‘locked’. You may already know someone who suffers from Tennis or Golfer’s elbow, both are common tendon issues that affect the elbow joint.

Symptoms

If you experience any of the following symptoms, you should seek medical help from a doctor.

Swelling that impairs movement

Intense pain during movement

Joint stiffness

Grating/cracking sensation with movement

Weakness in the affected area

Treatment Options

Tendinitis and tendinosis can be difficult conditions to treat. Rest, ice, and some medications such as NSAIDs are often prescribed to help alleviate symptoms and allow the body to heal. Your doctor may also recommend additional options such as orthotics, heel lifts, or bracing devices. Even with these traditional treatment options, the healing process can be painful and long as these methods do not kick-start your body’s ability to heal itself.

Alternative treatment options are becoming more and more popular. Laser therapy is one such treatment option. Laser therapy is a form of photobiomodulation, in which light energy is used to increase circulation, decrease inflammation, and manage pain in an injury site. It’s also a safe, non-invasive form of physical therapy that has been gaining popularity in professional athletes all over the world. In some cases, the use of lasers can speed recovery by up to 40% as well as aid in muscle fatigue.

The role of laser therapy in maintaining tendon health is evolving. More and more patients want to remain active (and pain-free) as they recover, and what better way to do that than with a non-invasive treatment option with no side effects?

If you are suffering from a tendon injury and would like help managing your healing in a safer, more natural way, don’t hesitate to give us a call today to book your consultation. As always, we hope this has helped shed some light on tendon health and injuries. Thank you for reading and we hope you #livepainfree!

2022 Beginner's Guide to Laser Therapy

The world of laser therapy can be a confusing place. Terms like class IV, cold laser therapy (CLT), low-level laser therapy (LLLT), and even photobiomodulation (PBM) are all over the internet and can make digesting information about therapeutic laser treatment hard. In this blog post we’ll be attempting to answer some common questions, point out important information to look for, and hopefully provide you with enough basic laser knowledge to ensure you get the most out of your laser therapy experience.

We’re often asked what Class IV, CLT, LLLT, and PBM mean, so we’ll begin with defining those terms. Class IV describes the types of lasers that are used in laser therapy. These lasers are typically higher powered and allow for better tissue penetration than class I-III lasers, which are found in your home, office, or manufacturing.

When laser therapy first became available for human use many terms were coined to describe the therapy process. These terms included cold laser therapy (CLT) and low-level laser therapy (LLLT). As with most therapy devices once laser therapy became available to the public there was a rash of late-night devices that hit infomercials everywhere claiming to fall under these categories. This influx of inferior machines spurred the need in the laser world for clear barriers in what laser therapy is and can do. Today, Photobiomodulation (PBM) is considered the appropriate term for the use of laser therapy on tissue.

What is Laser Therapy and what does it do?

 Laser therapy is the non-invasive, non-thermal application of light energy to stimulate cells. Once stimulated by the near-infrared light, cells in the affected area generate more energy and undergo self-repair. There are no known negative side effects from the use of PBM on cells.

When looking into laser therapy remember that not all laser devices are created equal. It’s important to use a PBM provider that utilizes a class IV laser that works somewhere between 808-908nm wavelengths. These ranges are great for not only tissue regeneration, but also in managing inflammation, and pain relief.

Can I be treated if I don’t have a diagnosis?

Laser therapy should always be performed by knowledgeable staff and under the direct supervision of a physician. Currently, some establishments do not require a diagnosis before treatment begins. Doing so is a bit like shooting at a target blindfolded. Treatment protocols for conditions vary widely in time, intensity, and technique. Having a diagnosis before treatment is essential in evaluating the efficacy of a treatment protocol for the patient, and in understanding how to manage treatment for the best possible results.

4 Tips to speed up your recovery

Going through an event such as an illness, trauma, or even a surgical procedure can often feel like a never-ending journey, but it doesn’t have to.  Our bodies move through three phases of healing (Inflammatory, Proliferative, and Maturation), and understanding why and how this process works is vital to forming a plan to help manage a quick recovery. Here is an overview of the phases, some quick tips, and then we’ll dive into what we can do to help speed up your recovery time.

Inflammatory Phase

The first phase of healing is the Inflammatory Phase, and it’s your body’s natural response to an illness, trauma, or even surgical procedure. This phase can last several days from the original event. Symptoms seen during this phase are swelling, bruising, and pain.

Quick Tip: This phase is best managed with ice, elevation, and occasionally even medication.  When managing surgical inflammation, the more you follow this advice the better you’ll do with later phases of healing.

Proliferative Phase

Next is the Proliferative phase and is the time your body takes to “rebuild” or stitch itself back together internally. This phase can last between 4 and 21 days following an injury or procedure. Sensation through tissue in this phase can vary from zaps/zings to crawling, or feeling as if the area is swollen, hot, or even cold. These sensations typically come and go and shouldn’t last very long.

Many forms of therapy exist to help patients manage and speed the recovery process. Some include:

·        Traditional medications such as pain relievers or injectables, topical creams

·        Physical Therapy

·        Photobiomodulation (laser therapy): an alternative form of physical therapy that can help patients both manage inflammation, pain, and speedup recovery by 40%.

Patients should always consult their managing doctor to find the option which is right for their condition.

Quick Tip: If you experience unrelenting burning pain or pressure that makes you feel like you have a fever, this could be a sign of infection and your doctor should be consulted. This is usually the point where most doctors will offer different forms of therapies to help relieve symptoms or speed up the recovery process.

Maturation Phase

Finally, the Maturation Phase is an important and often overlooked phase of healing. Although you may appear to be healed on the outside, internally your body is still coping with getting back to “normal”. This phase can range from day 22 all the way up to a year out from a surgery or injury! In fact, the exact time you’ll be recovering in this phase often depends on the type of injury, illness, or surgery you’ve suffered. 

Quick Tip: Experiencing some swelling, stiffness, numbness, and previously mentioned sensations during this phase of healing is normal. These symptoms and sensations should become less severe over time. Don’t despair, there is light at the end of the tunnel!

Recovery Strategies

Unfortunately, there is no one right way to make sure your body has everything it needs to move through these phases. BUT here are those juicy tips we promised to make the process easier for you.

1.      Ensure your body has enough energy to heal. This means drinking plenty of water and eating appropriate foods. Your body is a machine and needs fuel to convert into the energy your tissue will use to heal itself.

2.      Rest. This probably seems like a no-brainer, but when you don’t adequately rest your body utilizes the energy it normally would for healing during other processes, and by not resting you might be making it harder for yourself to heal by stressing the injury site.

3.      Follow directions. Your doctor has years of experience which has taught him/her the best practices to follow when dealing with an injury, trauma, or surgery. Follow their instructions.

4.      Ask questions. Ultimately your recovery is up to you, and if something isn’t clear, or you’re not 100% sure about something, you might do more harm than good by assuming something is ok instead of just asking your doctor. Most doctors agree, the only silly question is the one not asked.

As always, we hope this post helps some of you navigate your own healing journey. For more information about MLS laser therapy and its role in speeding recovery click here. Or if you feel like laser therapy might be right for you give our office a call to schedule a consult.

Laser Therapy in Sports Medicine

Sports medicine options are becoming increasingly popular with professional athletes and die-hard couch potatoes alike. Regardless of your activity level, these treatment options can help your body perform more efficiently. Athletic programs from the collegiate to professional level all over the US have made laser therapy a standard treatment protocol in their sports medicine arsenal, and most doctors offer some forms of treatment related to the practice. Here are just a few of the MANY key benefits that have made Photobiomodulation-PBM (laser therapy) such an effective addition to sports medicine.

Cellular Repair

The draw of sports medicine for most people is to remain as active as possible while healing. Laser therapy allows for better management of conditions while keeping patients engaged in activities that will not hinder their healing process.

Light energy in specific wavelengths can stimulate fibroblast development in damaged tissue. Fibroblasts are the building blocks of collagen, which is the essential protein required to replace old tissue or to repair tissue injuries.

PBM also has an anti-inflammatory effect on tissue. We’ve mentioned that it promotes vasodilation in other posts, but it also activates the lymphatic drainage system which drains swollen areas. This reaction helps reduce swelling caused by inflammation or bruising. Due to the nature of vasodilation, these effects can also help relieve “tight” sensations through muscles and tendons by increasing the supply of nutrients to the area.

Currently, blind studies are also being done on the effects of PBM in decreasing muscle fatigue.

Pain Management

The world of pain management can sometimes feel… limited. Go to treatment options often include topical, oral, or injectable medications with multiple side effects. Examples like cortisone or NSAIDS designed to fight pain and inflammation are but a few.

Laser therapy promotes several pain management mechanisms in tissue. By utilizing the analgesic effect of light energy laser therapy promotes the production of high levels of pain-killing chemicals like endorphins and enkephalin from the brain and adrenal gland. Light energy also affects nerve cells and can block transmissions by nerve cells to decrease sensitivity and pain. 

Side Effects

Many traditional forms of therapy (such as injections, and prescription medications) come with a list of side effects or possible reactions between differing medications, and in some cases can weaken tissue over time with extended use (steroid injections). Laser therapy is one of the few non-invasive, safe treatment options available today. Most patients don’t even feel any sensation at treatment. 

Conditions treated include:

Arthritis

Burns

Bursitis

Cuts

Fractures

Joint Pain (i.e.., ankle, back, knee)

Muscle Sprain / Strain/ Fatigue

Neuritis

Neuropathy

Plantar Fasciitis / Heel Pain

Post-Surgical Healing / Pain Management

Scarring

Tendonitis

Wound Healing

Treatments

Other therapies can also sometimes be used in conjunction with laser therapy. These can include icing, stretching, and even specialized tapings. Remember, any sports medicine related, or laser therapy treatments should always be performed under the direct supervision of your recommending doctor.

As always, we hope this information is helpful, and if you’d like more information regarding what laser therapy can do for you contact our office. We’re also on Facebook and Twitter @TripodLaser.

4 Tips when dealing with a Sprain, Strain, or Fracture

It’s 5PM on a Saturday afternoon…

You take that step off your porch, and immediately your heart drops as you feel unsteady on your feet, As your ankle rolls you feel and hear that noise we all dread. POP… You try to stand, but you can’t put weight on the ankle much less walk. Is it a bad sprain, a strain, or worse… is there a break? What do you do?

First and most important— don’t panic.

Second, if there are no bones protruding or excessive bleeding, ice and elevate the area.

Third, seek medical advice from a doctor who specializes in the affected area. For example, if you’ve hurt your foot or ankle talk to a podiatrist. Often podiatrists can catch smaller fractures on an x-ray that emergency rooms may miss.

Lastly, knowing the difference between a sprain, strain, and a fracture can help save you both time and money.

A sprain is an injury to a ligament (tissue that connects bone at a joint). When a sprain occurs one or more ligaments are stretched or can even be torn. Ankle sprains are the most common injury in America (nearly 2 million yearly). While most sprains are minor injuries that often heal without incident, repeated strains can cause long term problems like chronic ankle pain, arthritis, and instability. If you believe you’ve suffered a sprain, you should still consult a doctor. Sprains can lead to more serious injuries if not properly diagnosed or treated.

The three grades of sprains include:

·         Mild: slight stretching and microscopic tearing of the ligament fibers with mild tenderness and swelling.

·         Moderate: partial tearing of the ligament with tenderness and swelling around the ankle.

·         Severe: complete tearing of the ligament, significant tenderness and swelling with substantial instability during certain movements.

A strain is an injury to a muscle or tendon (fibrous cords of tissue that connect muscle to bone). The injury results in a muscle or tendon that is stretched or torn.  In some cases, such as shin splints, a muscle can be stretched to the point it pulls away from the bone. If a muscle strain has occurred and persists, consult a doctor. Strains left improperly treated can lead to other serious medical complications.

Most people know a fracture is an injury to a bone. There are multiple types and grades of fractures. Fractures can even occur with no known trauma as is the case with stress fractures.  Signs of possible fracture can include: swelling around the injury site, bruising, and deformity (the limb may appear “out of place” or bone may puncture skin). If you suspect you may be suffering from a fracture consult a doctor immediately. Improperly diagnosed or treated fractures can lead to serious problems with arthritis and bone deformities or worse in extreme cases.

Exploring alternative therapies such as laser therapy can also be a great way to help you manage any of these injuries. If you’d like information on how MLS Laser Therapy can help speed recovery, control inflammation, and reduce pain associated with any of these conditions check out our page 10 Key Benefits of Laser Therapy or you can follow us on Facebook for more information.

Laser Therapy Guide

The world of laser therapy can be a confusing place. Terms like class IV, cold laser therapy (CLT), low-level laser therapy (LLLT), and even photobiomodulation (PBM) are all over the internet and can make digesting information about therapeutic laser treatment hard. In this blog post we’ll be attempting to answer some common questions, point out important information to look for, and hopefully provide you with enough basic laser knowledge to ensure you get the most out of your laser therapy experience as possible.

Are there different types of Laser Therapy?

We’re often asked what CLT, LLLT, and PBM mean, so we’ll begin with defining those terms. Class IV describes the classification of lasers that are used in laser therapy. These lasers are typically higher powered and allow for better tissue penetration than class I-III lasers, which are found in your home, office, or manufacturing.

When laser therapy first became available for human use many terms were coined to describe the therapy process. These terms included cold laser therapy and low-level laser therapy. As with most devices, once laser therapy became available to the public, a rash of late-night devices hit infomercials everywhere claiming to fall under these categories. This influx of inferior machines spurred the need in the laser world for clear barriers in what laser therapy is and can do. Photobiomodulation is now considered the appropriate term for the use of laser therapy on tissue.

What is Laser Therapy and what does it do?

 Laser therapy is the non-invasive, non-thermal application of light energy to stimulate cells. Once stimulated by the near-infrared light, cells in the affected area generate more energy and undergo self-repair. There are no known negative side effects from the use of PBM on cells.

When looking into laser therapy remember that not all laser devices are created equal. It’s important to use a PBM provider that utilizes a class IV laser that works somewhere between 808-908nm wavelengths. These ranges are great for not only tissue regeneration, but also in managing inflammation, and pain relief.

Can I be treated if I don’t have a diagnosis?

Laser therapy should always be performed by knowledgeable staff and under the direct supervision of a physician. Currently, some establishments do not require a diagnosis before treatment begins. Doing so is a bit like shooting at a target blindfolded. Treatment protocols for conditions vary widely in time, intensity, and technique. Having a diagnosis before treatment is essential in evaluating the efficacy of a treatment protocol for the patient, and in understanding how to manage that treatment for the best possible results.

What kind of training is required to perform laser therapy?

Right now several states including Michigan do not require certification for laser therapy technicians. So how do you ensure you’re receiving the best treatment and care possible? Ask about requirements for your state and the technician’s experience, and if the same technician will be performing each treatment. Typical training for laser therapy includes topics such as laser history and theory, application of techniques, and courses on common conditions treated as well as basic healing, bandaging, and wound care in some cases.

As always if you have any questions, or would like to see us tackle a specific topic, please leave us a comment below. We hope you found this information helpful, and we look forward to helping you #livepainfree.

Managing Arthritis

The Center for Disease Control estimates 54 million Americans experience limited activity due to Arthritis. That’s 23% of adults in the US who report severe joint pain associated with this condition. Most of us have put a few hard miles on our bodies during the time we’ve been around. So what do those years of wear and tear mean when dealing with arthritic symptoms, and how can we manage them better?

Arthritis is a term used to describe, or blanket, over 200 conditions which affect joint health. There are many different forms of Arthritis, and it does not discriminate based on age or gender. At the heart of the problem lies a list of symptoms which often have gradual onset and may go un-noticed.

Associated symptoms include:

·         Pain

·         Inflammation

·         Decreased range of motion

·         Redness of the skin surrounding the joint

Despite advancements in medicine, typical treatment protocols for arthritis haven’t changed much over the years. Most doctors attempt to alleviate symptoms to manage the condition, as there is no cure. Often analgesics like acetaminophen or hydrocodone are used to treat pain. Some practitioners will recommend NSAIDS (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) or Ibuprofen to both control pain and decrease inflammation. Additionally, topical creams are prescribed to help block transmission of pain signals. In some cases, surgical options like joint replacement may be considered as well as physical therapy to strengthen muscle surrounding affected joints.

But what if these options don’t work for you?

While there is no cure for arthritis, other management options are available to help you stave off the symptoms associated with this condition.  Alternatives include weight loss, exercise, hydro therapy, and laser therapy. With the exception of hydro therapy and laser therapy, weight loss and exercise attempt to relieve additional stress on joints while aiding in range of motion, and strengthening surrounding muscles.

Hydro therapy is a form of physical therapy in which exercise and water are used to decrease inflammation while supporting the body and allowing for increases in range of motion.

Laser therapy is a different form of physical therapy that uses light energy to stimulate your body’s ability to repair itself. When applied to symptomatic joints, laser therapy decreases pain and inflammation, but also helps improve mobility. Because of the laser systems used, patients note no pain associated with the treatment, or negative side effects. Laser therapy is completely non-invasive and safe.

We hope this blog post helps shed light on the different management options available to patients who deal with Arthritic pain and related symptoms. Don’t forget to subscribe to our monthly blog, or you can follow us on Facebook @Tripodlaser. We look forward to helping you #livepainfree.