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.

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.

6 Benefits of Laser Therapy you didn't know about

At Tripod Laser Services our goal is to educate the community about laser therapy. So we’ve compiled a handy list of the top six benefits of laser therapy that most people aren’t aware of. Before we dive into the list you need to know what laser therapy is. Laser therapy is referred to as Photobiomodulation, and is a form of physical therapy that uses light energy to affect tissue, and is often used instead of injections and other medications. Currently, laser therapy is used to help manage conditions like arthritis, wound healing, and acute injuries like ankle sprains.

Now that we’re on the same page, on to the good stuff:

6. Laser therapy can help reduce the formation of fibrous tissue (scar tissue) following tissue damage from cuts, scratches, burns or a surgery.

5. Studies have shown that when participating in Photobiomodulation the tissue in treatment areas increase vascular activity, and vasodilation which is an increase in the diameter of blood vessels to allow better blood flow. This helps speed up the healing process to allow wounds to close more quickly and with less scarring.

4. Laser therapy doesn’t just affect damaged tissue; it can also help improve nerve function as well. Light energy helps speed nerve cell reconnection and regeneration. Nerve’s typically regenerate at an extremely slow rate, much slower than tissue.

3. 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. As mentioned before, light energy also affects nerve cells, and when discussing pain can help block transmissions by nerve cells to decrease sensitivity and pain.

2. Light energy has a direct effect on immunoregulation. Laser therapy utilizes light to increase the production of ATP in tissue which is a major carrier and energy source for all chemical reactions in your cells.

1. Photobiomodulation also has an anti-inflammatory effect on tissue. We’ve mentioned that it promotes vasodialation before, but it also activates the lymphatic drainage system which drains swollen areas. This reaction helps reduce swelling caused by inflammation or bruising.

For more information on the many benefits of laser therapy follow us on Facebook @TripodLaser, and remember— why live with pain, if you don’t have to?

6 Steps to Improve Your Surgical Experience

Surgeries can be scary. Many people put off much needed procedures because they’re afraid of the outcome, pain, or the time that might be required to get back into “normal” activities. While every surgery is different, there are some tips and tricks that can help ease these worries. We’ve compiled a handy list of things to consider before surgery to get you ready for the big day.

1.      Talk to your Doctor. This seems like a no brainer, right? Many people become shell shocked once the word surgery comes into play. No one wants to have a procedure done, and sometimes even the possibility that it might be needed and everything it entails can leave your head spinning. Most doctors will set up specific appointments to talk to you about what you can expect with your healing, surgical procedure, and care afterward.

2.      Follow ALL of your Doctor’s recommendations to the letter. Your doctor’s care instructions are not a guideline. They’re recommendations that are made to help ease you through the healing process, and when followed to the letter can reduce the risk of post-surgical problems as well as decrease recovery time.

3.      Listen to your body. Many of us are not good at taking it easy. We all want to get back into routines as quickly as possible. Listening to your body and resting when an area becomes achy, tired, or painful will give you the best chance at a speedier recovery.

4.      Ice. Your body’s natural response to trauma (surgery) is to increase inflammation in the area. Following most surgeries, ice is your best friend because it decreases inflammation in the area.

5.      Keep your incisions dry and clean. Depending on the surgery, each procedure has specific care guidelines unique to the procedure being done. We often have friends who’ve had surgery, and what worked for them, may not be appropriate for you. After care instructions given by your doctor should always be followed to the letter to prevent infection or other complications.

6.      Ask about therapy options. People often think of therapy and immediately think of traditional physical therapy or rehabilitation centers. However, many less traditional forms of physical therapy can aid the healing process. These therapies can ease the transition from surgery into activity, and make the process pain-free.

Laser therapy is a great example of an alternative form of physical therapy that significantly increases healing when used post-surgically (patients who make laser therapy a part of their surgical care heal 30-40% faster, and have less scarring along their incision sites.) Laser therapy also helps manage pain, and decreases inflammation.

As always we hope this information helps you make an informed decision about your care. If you missed our blog post on the phases of healing, or would like additional information on laser therapy check out our other posts here.

Neuropathy

What is Neuropathy?

Pain comes in many shapes and sizes. We all have stories where we managed to burn our fingers on something hot. These sensations (and in fact the pain you feel when stepping on your son’s lego pieces) are all transmitted along a super information highway of nerves called the peripheral nervous system. The primary function of this system is to transmit data like pain from your extremities to your brain. 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.

Signs and symptoms can include:

·         Gradual onset of numbness, prickling or tingling in your feet or hands, which can spread upward into your legs and arms

·         Sharp, jabbing, throbbing or burning pain

·         Extreme sensitivity to touch

·         Pain during activities that shouldn't cause pain, such as pain in your feet when putting weight on them or when they're under a blanket

·         Lack of coordination and falling

·         Muscle weakness

·         Feeling as if you're wearing gloves or socks when you're not

·         Paralysis if motor nerves are affected

If you are experiencing tingling, weakness, or pain in your hands, feet or face be sure to consult a doctor immediately. Early diagnosis and treatment offer the best results in both managing symptoms and preventing additional damage to the nerves.

There are a variety of problems that can cause nerves to work inappropriately. Some examples include trauma, infection, diabetes, tumors, exposure to poisons, medications, vitamin deficiencies (B vitamins, E vitamins, and even niacin are all important to nerve health), and alcoholism.

While making better life choices such as diet, avoiding overindulging in alcohol and limiting factors for diabetes can all help manage risk and in some cases prevent symptoms, what do you do if you’re already suffering from Peripheral Neuropathy?

Speak to your doctor.

Learn what options are available to help you normalize your nerve function and promote regeneration. Nerves do regenerate, but very slowly. Some alternative therapies have proven helpful for patients trying to manage symptoms. Sadly, most treatments tend to focus on pain and don’t address the damaged nerve. Speaking with your doctor about treatment options is vital to managing Neuropathy. Knowing what treatments are being used to manage which symptoms can save you time and energy later.

In recent years, studies have shown laser therapy is a viable option of managing multiple symptoms associated with Neuropathy. Laser therapy is an alternative form of physical therapy that doesn’t just focus on one symptom. By utilizing light energy on a cellular level, laser therapy allows the body to regenerate damaged nerves, as well as relax tensed muscles, and can even help to manage pain.

For more information on the benefits of laser therapy check out our other posts here:

What is Laser Therapy

What is Laser therapy?