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Laser Therapy
Specialized Summus® Laser Therapy
Laser Therapy is the use of specific wavelengths of light (red and near-infrared) to stimulate the body’s natural ability to heal. The effects of laser energy include improved healing time, pain reduction, increased circulation and decreased swelling without the need for dangerous drugs or surgery. Photobiomodulation (PBM) therapy occurs when a dose of light energy reaches target tissue and results in decreased inflammation, decreased pain, and accelerated healing. This doctor-prescribed, technician-driven modality effectively treats a wide variety of conditions including pre-surgical, post-surgical, acute, and chronic disease states. And Summus Medical Laser (formally known as K-Laser) is leading the way in pain management, tissue repair, safe treatments, and fast treatment times.
Focusing In On Your Pain
Laser therapy works by stimulating the production of cellular energy in damaged cells and by enhancing the cell membrane permeability. This promotes the speed and the quality of healing enhances the exchange of nutrients and wastes across the cell membrane and improves the elasticity of injured tissues. Laser therapy also modulates pain and reduces inflammation. It can be used immediately on acute injuries and over metal implants. Laser therapy enhances the rate and quality of healing of acute injuries and can help with the resolution of chronic complaints such as arthritis.
Patient Guided Pain Relief
During each painless treatment, laser energy increases circulation, drawing water, oxygen, and nutrients to the damaged area. This creates an optimal healing environment that reduces inflammation, swelling, muscle spasms, stiffness, and pain. As the injured area returns to normal, the function is restored and pain is relieved.
Common Conditions
Whether you’ve been dealing with a chronic condition or an acute injury, we are here to help you through it. Numerous Studies Show That Laser Therapy Can Reduce Pain Associated with:
- Lower Back Pain/ Sciatica
- Neck Pain / Arthritis
- Muscle Spasms
- Knee Pain
- Shoulder Pain
- Elbows: Tennis Elbow or Golfer’s Elbow (Epicondylitis)
- Hand Pain
- Hip Pain
- Foot and Heel Pain
- Upper Leg: Iliotibial Band (IT Band) Dysfunction
- Headaches
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Sports Injuries
- Auto & Work Related Injuries
- Plantar Fasciitis
Any given laser therapy session may only take a few passes over the structure. However, it almost always accomplishes greater results in a shorter amount of time compared to other musculoskeletal therapies. Given its high level of effectiveness, Laser Therapy is great for treating musculoskeletal conditions whether it be athletic injuries or work-related pain.
What Are The Physiological Effects?
Laser Therapy is has clinically shown to have the following effects:
- Enhances tissue healing
- Improve local micro circulation leading to improved tissue metabolism
- Reduce Inflammation
- Eliminate pain
- The immune response is stimulated
- Lymphatic drainage is improved
- Angiogenesis (formation of new blood vessels)
- Cortisol production is increased (cortisol is the precursor of cortisone). This enables the body to combat the stress associated with trauma or the disease process
How Long Does Treatment Take?
The typical course of treatment is 5-10 minutes, although it depends on the size of the area being treated. Acute conditions may require daily treatment, in particular if they are accompanied by significant pain. Chronic problems typically respond better when the treatments are received 2-3 times per week. With each patient, we determine their treatment plan on an individual basis. Laser therapy treatments must be administered directly to skin, as laser light cannot penetrate through layers of clothing. You will feel a soothing warmth as the therapy is administered.
What Are The Benefits?
Laser Therapy works with your body’s natural healing abilities helping it heal quicker through the method of photo-bio-modulation. Laser therapy is especially beneficial to patients experiencing acute pain due to auto injury, sports injury, slip-and-fall, work injury, and patients experiencing post-surgical pain. It is also especially helpful to patients suffering from chronic pain.
Does Laser Therapy Hurt?
For many people, there is little or no sensation during treatment, and there is no pain. You may feel a mild, soothing warmth. Laser treatment is relaxing — some people even fall asleep! On the other hand, it sometimes occurs that pain can increase or begin 6-24 hours after a treatment session. Pain may occur because the laser light begins the healing process. This type of pain is more likely to arise if the health problems being treated are chronic in nature. The pain usually subsides after a few days but can, in rare cases, last longer.
What To Expect During Your Laser Treatment
- Your physician will do an evaluation and identify the treatment site or sites.
- They will then direct you to remove any body jewelry and instruct you to wear safety goggles.
- Treatment will be performed directly on the skin or slightly above the surface of the skin. The treatment hand piece is moved in a motion pattern during the course of the treatment.
- During the treatment, your physician may ask you to reevaluate your level of pain and you may be requested that you perform basic range of motion exercises to optimize laser delivery and effectiveness to the treatment areas.
- The best results come from more than one treatment. Your doctor may schedule additional treatments for best healing and recovery. They may also schedule regular maintenance treatments for chronic or recurring conditions.
- Most patients experience pain relief by the end of the treatment, while others may not experience pain relief for a few hours or even until the next day. Many patients also report improved sleep after their laser treatments.
Experience Laser Therapy Now
If you live or work near the SF Telegraph Hill – North Beach – Financial District and feel you would be a good candidate for our Laser Therapy treatments, we would love to meet you. To schedule an appointment with our San Francisco Sports Chiropractor, please call 415–421–1115 or book an appointment online. Whether you are an athlete or would love to keep healthy give us a call.
