Unfortunately, 25 to 30% of Americans suffer from a condition called Peripheral Neuropathy in which the information that should be transmitted to the brain is interrupted by damaged or malfunctioning nerves.
Interruption of these signals is often life-changing for patients and can affect a wide range of areas such as your feet, hands, and even face.
Aging isn’t for the weak of heart. Our bodies change as we age, and at times it may seem as if new medical ailments pop up overnight like mysterious bruises, swelling, or areas that become stiff. Adults have 206 bones in our bodies which are anchored to muscles by tissue that can account for some of the aches and pains we feel. These dense fibrous tissues are called tendons.
Aging isn’t for the weak of heart. Our bodies change as we age, and at times it may seem as if new medical ailments pop up overnight like mysterious bruises, swelling, or areas that become stiff. Adults have 206 bones in our bodies which are anchored to muscles by tissue that can account for some of the aches and pains we feel. These dense fibrous tissues are called tendons.
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.
Today we're talking about post surgical healing. You’ve made the decision to have surgery, but now what? Did you know that the body goes through more than one phase of healing in it's journey to get back to normal? We’ll be talking about the three phases of healing and how your body navigates through those phases.
