When most people picture lasers, they think of searing hot beams from science fiction films. There are actually many different types of lasers, and not all of them are associated with extreme heat.
At Chiropractic Natural Care Center, we use lasers at a wavelength called Class IV – these lasers are often called Multiwave Locked System (MLS) or cold lasers. They have multiple applications with regard to fostering healing in the musculoskeletal system.
Pain is almost always an indication of tissue or cellular damage. It makes sense that a treatment that can affect the body on a cellular level and encourage its own healing processes would be effective.
Through a process known as photobiomodulation, the laser spurs the damaged tissue to begin renewal and regeneration processes, essentially encouraging the body itself to repair the damage that is causing the pain to begin with.
Common Conditions Treated by Class IV Laser Therapy
Because of its ability to encourage the damaged musculoskeletal tissue to renew itself, Class IV Laser Therapy is particularly useful for the following issues:
- Inflammation – particularly in joints, due to arthritis or other causes, including overuse of the joints. Patients with chronic inflammation tend to treat the pain with medication and get temporary relief from anti-inflammatories. Still, ultimately the tissue needs to be put on a healing path for real relief.
- Carpal tunnel syndrome – repetitive stress injuries to the hands and wrist, wherein the median nerve gets compressed, causing intense pain, tingling, or numbness, which can be relieved with stimulation of the affected areas with a cold laser.
- Tendinitis – the microtears and small traumas associated with overuse or repetitive stress of tendons can cause tremendous pain in areas that see daily use, such as the wrist, elbows, shoulders, and knees. Targeted application of the laser can address these traumas and promote healing.
- TMJ (Temporomandibular joint dysfunction) – severe pain in the jaw, also due to inflammation in a joint. Often due to clenching or grinding, TMJ can be extremely painful, and targeted laser therapy can address the tissue trauma that causes the pain.
- Plantar fasciitis – when the fascia along the sole of the foot becomes damaged, the pain can be excruciating, making it difficult even to walk. When the laser is applied along the fascia, relief is made possible as the heel’s tension is reduced.
In all of these cases, the laser can deeply penetrate the affected tissue in a non-invasive manner. Inflammation and pain go hand in hand, with the inflammation often causing trauma to nerves and joints that results in the pain that the patients experience.
If you have been thinking about getting treated with Class IV Laser Therapy Fort Lauderdale, Lauderhill, Plantation, Sunrise, or anywhere in Broward County, call us today to schedule a free consultation.