The light emitted from class 3 & 4 , therapeutic lasers, have a powerful healing effect on the tissues of the body. These types of lasers are classified in two main categories and are termed either as low level (cold lasers) or high powered (hot lasers). The former mentioned category, the cold lasers, produce light energy with an intensity that is measured in milliwatts, were as the latter category, the hot lasers light energy, is measured in Watts.
In my practice I use 3 different lasers. I have two cold lasers, one that produces up to 500 mW and one that had a 1500 mW capacity. The hot laser I use has 40 Watts of power. Calculating the power output and the time taken to treat a specific area of body tissues, gives a reading that is measured in Joules of energy. This can then be used to produce specific effects on the sight of treatment. For example, high energy outputs ( joules of energy), will have more of an analgesic/ pain killing effect on the nervous system. Lower levels of light energy will have a greater healing effect on the cells of the body. There are also other factors that need to be taken into account when treating with a laser. For example, the depth, the area and the type of tissue that needs treating.
Laser therapy is painless and reduces inflammation without side effects
The laser light penetrates into the body where an interaction between cells and photons takes place causing a photochemical reaction, which is known as photobiomodulation. This process is similar to photosynthesis when plants absorb light energy from the sun but instead it is the cells of the body that are stimulated producing physiological activity by changing cell membrane permeability. The photons are absorbed by the mitochondria which are like the power houses of the cell.
Therapeutic benefits of laser therapy:
Anti- inflammatory action to reduce swelling and decrease pain.
Increased vascular activity with vasodilation in blood vessels and increased blood flow, bringing oxygenated blood into the tissues and flushing out metabolites.
Accelerated cellular activity leading to faster healing of tissues
Laser light stimulates fibroblast development and collagen synthesis in damaged tissues
Reduction in fibrous tissue formation resulting in less scar tissue, which produces more complete wound healing, with less chance of weakness and re-injury
Stimulated nerve function to produce a pain killing, analgesic effect
Improves joint mobility
Increased output of specific enzymes, cellular communication and immune response
Conditions treated using laser therapy:
Acute soft tissue injuries such as sprains and strains of joints, muscles, ligaments and tendons
Back and neck pain
Osteoarthritis
Wounds and diabetic foot ulcers
Verrucas
Fungal nail infections
Some skin conditions such as eczema & shingles
Plantar heel pain and heel spurs
Fractures
Trochanteric bursitis
Patella tendinopathy
Shoulder pain caused by adhesive capsulitis
The light from a laser stimulates the cells and has powerful healing effects
Treatment for verruca’s and Fungal nail infections:
The Remy Class 4 laser is multifunctional and also has the capabilities to treat non musculoskeletal issues effecting the feet.
