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.

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?