LASER THERAPY & TREATMENTS

How Does Laser Therapy Work?

During the last three decades, low-level (non-surgical) lasers have been developed as an effective tool for the treatment of addictions, injuries, pain, wound healing, and many other conditions, and is now gaining widespread international acceptance. Low-level laser therapy (laser acupuncture) can be used as a treatment modality on its own or combined with other therapies in a variety of situations to provide enhanced treatment results.

Invisible meridians, which run over the surface of the body and head, are connected to nerve pathways, which project from the skin surface and underlying muscles. When a low-level laser is used to stimulate specific reflex points (acupuncture points) on the body, the stimulation of these reflex points on the skin surface and underlying muscles activates the nerve pathways that travel from the nerves to the spinal cord and from the spinal cord to the brain. These altered neurological reflexes then transmit messages to higher nervous centers.

When tissue is irradiated with laser light, certain cell functions are stimulated, especially when the cells in question have an impaired function. All irradiation, even of healthy tissue, activates a variety of processes, leading to the production of oxygen. Small amounts of oxygen build up when the tissue is irradiated with laser light. This laser light influences the oxidative process by increasing cell metabolism, collagen synthesis, action of nerve cells, and stimulation of the formation of DNA. This laser light also improves blood circulation in the tissue, has local effects on the immune system, and anti-inflammatory and pain relieving effects. As well, cells in the tissue subjected to the light produce substances that then spread and circulate in blood vessels and the lymphatic system such as transmitter signal substances like endorphins and serotonin, which have a direct effect on the nerves.

    The use of laser therapy is safe, painless, drug free and highly effective. After 30 years of use, there are no known side effects associated with laser therapy. The benefits of laser therapy are well documented and over 2500 research reports have been published world-wide. Also, studies have shown that up to 80% of people who have received laser therapy have responded positively.


Laser Therapy Treatments

The success of the treatments increases with the addtition of guided imagery, hypnosis and the exercise of will power and the commitment to making positive lifestyle changes.

NOTE: We do not treat individuals who are pregnant, have pacemakers, have had organ transplants, taking immunosuppressant drugs or are receiving radiation or chemotherapy treatments.

    •  Smoking Cessation

A low-level laser is used to stimulate specific reflex points on the ears, face, and hands, which releases the body’s own natural endorphins, which have a calming effect on the central nervous system. This release of endorphins also replaces the physical dependency on nicotine and alleviates the cravings, anxiety and other withdrawal symptoms associated with quitting smoking.

A pencil sized probe is used on specific reflex points for sixty seconds and creates a warm tingling sensation, which is due to increased blood circulation. Each treatment takes about one hour and there is no discomfort to the client during of after the treatment. As a precaution, clients wear special protective glasses during the treatment to protect their eyes from the laser light. The effects can last from six to eight weeks after the treatment. Laser therapy is also the only smoking cessation treatment that helps control weight gain and helps to reduce stress associated with quitting smoking.

A redo and three boosters are included with the initial treatment. In case you slip, the redo is good up to a month after your initial treatment and the boosters are good up to three months after the initial treatment provided you have not smoked. The boosters are recommended at three days, three weeks and three months.

    •  Weight Loss

A low-level laser is used to stimulate specific reflex points on the ears, face, hands and feet to accelerate one’s own metabolism, suppress the appetite and cravings for certain foods. This happens as a result of the body releasing its own natural endorphins and serotonin. The effects last up to four weeks. The laser therapy treatments combined with a proper diet and regular exercise can aid in weight loss. If you want to lose six to eight pounds, one treatment may be all that is needed.

During your initial treatment, you will be provided with nutritional guidance and information on detoxification to help you reach your goals. If you want to lose more than six to eight pounds, boosters are recommended about every four weeks after the initial treatment until your ideal weight is achieved.

    •  Pain Relief

A low-level laser is used to stimulate specific reflex points on the external ear to help manage acute and chronic pain. Stimulation of corresponding body points on the external surface of the ear sends messages to the brain which helps alleviate abnormal changes in the body tissue, caused by disease in other parts of the body. The number of laser therapy treatments needed is dependent upon the type of pain being treated. Even after only one treatment, many clients have noticed a reduction in the amount of pain they were experiencing.

A positive aspect of the laser therapy treatment is that pain can be alleviated as early as during the treatment session itself. Clients may experience increased pain the day after the treatment, which is normal after the treatment of common complaints. It occurs because an injury is made acute when the process of healing starts, which is a short-term and positive sign.

Treatment intervals differ depending on whether the condition is chronic or acute, and also whether there is just a need to treat pain or achieve a more long-term effect. Depending on the condition(s) being treated and for the most effective results, the laser therapy treatments are usually scheduled every other day or every third day for the first couple of weeks and then once a week for a few weeks. The laser therapy treatments have been shown to be cumulative (the dose from one treatment lasts some time, and what remains of the dose is added to the dose at the next treatment). If the treatments are too close together the effectiveness of the laser therapy treatments can be suppressed. For example, for sports injuries, it takes a little more than half the ordinary healing time if the healing process is stimulated with laser therapy. The injured area however, must be allowed to rest and training to be resumed gradually. Treatment should not be interrupted just because the pain is gone.