Laser Therapy in Westchase

What is Laser Therapy?

Laser Therapy is also known as photobiomodulation. It entails the use of specific wavelengths of light to generate a photochemical response to help repair damaged or dysfunctional tissue.

How does Laser Therapy work?

The laser works by creating an increase of blood supply, bringing in oxygen to the cells. It stimulates the lymphatic system, pulling swelling and inflammation from the area. The body’s basic unit of energy, ATP (Adenosine triphosphate), production is stimulated in the cells helping them have the energy to function normally. The pain reflex is broken, offering immediate relief of pain.

Laser therapy can alleviate pain, reduce inflammation and accelerate recovery from a wide range of acute and chronic clinical conditions. Significant reduction in swelling has been noted as well as tissues are better able to move fluids out through lymphatic drainage pathways.

Cleared by the FDA in 2003, Class IV Laser therapy has become standard of care for many musculoskeletal injuries. Class IV Lasers can penetrate over 4 inches into the deep musculoskeletal tissue. The number of treatments required depends on the nature of the problem and the length of time the patient has been affected by it. Some conditions may be resolved with as few as one treatment. However, chronic and/or deep-seated conditions may take as many as 10 treatments.

Laser therapy technology has been recently endorsed by professional organizations such as the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), World Health Organization (WHO) and International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP). There are no known side effects from Laser therapy and the results are long lasting.

Conditions Treated by Laser Therapy in Westchase & Palm Harbor

• Soft Tissue Injuries
• Tendinitis
• Back and Neck Pain
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
• Myofascical Trigger Points
• Epicondylitis (Tennis Elbow)
• Sprains, Strains
• Repetitive Strain Injuries
• Chondromalacia Patellae
• Plantar Fascitis
• Degenerative Joint Conditions
• Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
• Osteoarthritis (OA)
• Neurogenic Pain
• Herpes Zoster (Shingles)
• Post-traumatic Injury
• Trigeminal Neuralgia
• Fibromyalgia
• Diabetic Neuropathy

Benefits of Laser Therapy

Physiological Effects:

• Biostimulation including improved metabolism & increased cell metabolism
• Improved blood circulation and vasodilatation (blood supply)
• Analgesic (pain relieving) effect
• Anti-inflammatory and anti-edematous effects
• Acceleration of tissue repair and wound healing
• Relieves acute and chronic pains
• Increases the speed, quality and tensile strength of tissue repair
• Increases blood supply
• Stimulates the immune system
• Stimulates and improves nerve function
• Develops collagen and muscle tissue
• Helps generate new and healthy cells and tissue
• Promotes faster wound healing and clot formation
• Reduces inflammation
• Angiogenesis (improved circulation)
• Reduction in fibrous tissue (scar tissue) formation

Biochemical Effects:

• Releases Nitric Oxide
• Increase ATP Production
• Increase Fibroblast Migration
• Increase Macrophage Activity
• Increase Keratinocyte Activity
• Increase RNA DNA Synthesis
• Increase Enzyme Production
• Increase SOD Production

Laser Therapy Results in Westchase & Palm Harbor

You should notice improvements to your condition within 5 to 10 brief treatments. It entails the use of specific wavelengths of light (red and near infrared) to generate a photochemical response in damaged or dysfunctional tissue. The Laser works by creating an increase of vasodilatation (blood supply), bringing in oxygen to the cells. It stimulates the lymphatic system, pulling edema and inflammation from the area. ATP (Adenosine triphosphate) production is stimulated in the cells helping them have the energy to function normally. The pain reflex is broken, offering immediate relief of pain. Laser therapy can alleviate pain, reduce inflammation and accelerate recovery from a wide range of acute and chronic clinical conditions. Significant reduction in edema (swelling) has been noted as well as tissues are better able to move fluids out through lymphatic drainage pathways. Cleared by the FDA in 2003, Class IV Laser therapy has become standard of care for many musculoskeletal injuries. Class IV Lasers can penetrate over 4 inches into the deep musculoskeletal tissue. The number of treatments required depends on the nature of the problem and the length of time the patient has been affected by it. Some conditions may be resolved with as few as one treatment. However, chronic and/or deep-seated conditions may take as many as 10 treatments.

How can I get started?

Do you have one of the symptoms listed above? Are you suffering from pain? Are you not able to breeze through your daily tasks anymore? If so, Laser Therapy may be for you.

Contact our Tampa physical therapy office today to request your appointment and meet with one of our dedicated physical therapists who will determine the best course of treatment for you. Don’t suffer through life any longer – take a stand with physical therapy!