What is Laser Therapy?
Class IV Laser Therapy produces numerous therapeutic benefits. It starts with high powered Near InfraRed (NIR) laser diodes that produce electro-magnetic energy, which enters the body as millions of photons. The light beam of photons stays narrow and does not diverge like a regular light bulb. The amount and depth of penetration of the Class IV Laser Therapy machine varies significantly depending upon several different factors. Factors include: the patient, the injury, the location on the body being treated, the power output (Watts) of the Class IV Laser Therapy machine being used, the wavelength(s), which is measured in nanometers (nm) the number of wavelengths and the duration of the treatment. The power of the laser is the single most important factor determining the length of treatment, coupled with the ideal wavelengths to support optimal depth of penetration.
Biological Effects and Benefits of Laser Therapy
1. Accelerated Tissue Repair and Cell Growth: Unlike other treatment modalities, only powerful Class IV Laser Therapy can penetrate the bony patella and deliver healing energy to the articular surface between the underside of the patella and the femur. Cells of cartilage, bone, tendons, ligaments and muscles are repaired faster as a result of exposure to high powered NIR or Near InfraRed Laser photons.
2. Reduced Fibrous Tissue Formation: Class IV Laser Therapy reduces the formation of scar tissue following tissue damage. This point is paramount because fibrous (scar) tissue is less elastic, has poorer circulation, is more pain sensitive, weaker, and much more prone to re-injury.
3. Anti-Inflammation: Laser light therapy supports the body's inflammatory response as it causes vasodilation and activation of the lymphatic drainage system. It deactivates 7 of 9 enzymes that cause inflammation by up to 70%. As a result, there is a reduction in swelling caused by biomechanical stress, trauma, overuse, or systemic conditions. Laser therapy easily promotes the movement of lymph, which also supports faster healing.
4. Analgesia: Laser therapy has a multifaceted beneficial effect on pain relief. It activates production of high levels of pain killing chemicals such as endorphins (dopamine and serotonin), and enkephalins from the brain and adrenal gland. Additionally, it initiates the suppression of nerve signal transmission over unmyelinated c-fibers that transmit pain to the brain. This means that it supports pain relief for musculoskeletal and nerve pain related issues simultaneously.
5. Improved Vascular Activity: Laser light will significantly increase the formation of new capillaries (angiogenesis) in damaged tissue that will speed up the healing process. It has also been noted in the literature that microcirculation increases secondary to vasodilation during laser treatment.
6. Increased Metabolic Activity: Laser therapy creates higher outputs of specific enzymes that support intracellular metabolic activity.
7. Improved Nerve Function: Class IV Laser Therapy machines accelerate the process of nerve cell regeneration and increases the amplitude of action potentials within nerve cells.
8. Immunoregulation: Stimulation of immunoglobulins and lymphocytes.
9. Stimulates Trigger Points and Acupuncture Points: Stimulates muscle trigger points to help release contracted tissues and helps to restore muscular tonus and balance. It can also be used to quickly and easily treat acupoints and trace meridians to quickly open up blocked energy flow within numerous body and organ systems from the macro to the micro-systems.
The Following Conditions Are Treated With Class IV Laser Therapy:
- Arthritis
- Gout
- Herniated Discs
- Joint Sprains
- Knee Injuries
- Ligament Tears
- Muscle Strains
- Neck Injuries
- Nerve Conditions
- Shoulder Injuries
- Sciatica
- Surgical Swelling
- Stress Fractures
- Tendonitis
What is Cytochrome C Oxidase and Why is it Important?
Most current research shows that tissues targeted by high power laser herapy are stimulated to increase production of a cellular enzyme (Cytochrome C Oxidase) that is critical to the production of ATP. ATP is the primary fuel of all living cells and this form of chemical energy is dramatically increased with the use of high quality Class IV Laser Therapy. With increased ATP production and greater bioavailable cellular energy, a host of biological responses are facilitated, such as dramatic pain relief, improved inflammatory response, reduced scar tissue, increased cell metabolism, improved vascular activity, and accelerated healing.
The Science Behind Class IV Lasers
Class IV Lasers emit electromagnetic light (near-infrared light waves). When we utilize these light waves for healing, the process is called PHOTOBIOMODULATION.
Once laser light touches the skin, photons (light particles) penetrate underlying tissue and our cells absorb the light's energy. This results in an increased production of a molecule called ATP (adenosine triphosphate).
ATP is responsible for carrying energy in order for other cells to perform their necessary functions. It is, basically, the fuel source for all other cells. When ATP production is increased, studies have shown accelerated cell growth, tissue repair and nerve regeneration vital criterion for expedited healing and pain relief.
The Pain-Killing Effects of Class IV Laser Therapy
Class IV Laser therapy is a painless, non-invasive, drug-free modality that has been scientifically documented to significantly reduce, and often completely eliminate pain. The main goal of laser therapy is to stimulate cells to perform their natural functions, but at a rate that expedites healing by up to 300 times faster than normal.
Research shows photobiomodulation results in the following:
ANTI-INFLAMMATION
Laser therapy activates the body's natural lymphatic drainage system, which is necessary to rid excess fluid that collects in response to injury and causes edema/swelling. Heat, redness, discomfort and pain are often associated with swelling. In this sense, Class IV Laser therapy serves as an anti-inflammatory analgesic.
BETA-ENDORPHIN RELEASE
Laser therapy induces stimulation of beta-endorphins the body's natural painkiller and stress reliever. Beta-endorphins block the nervous system's ability to send signals of pain to the brain.
ENHANCED BLOOD FLOW
Cell generation caused by photobiomodulation also results in the formation of capillaries within the vascular system, allowing oxygen and key nutrients to travel to damaged tissue faster. This accelerates wound healing and reduces the formation of painful scar tissue.
What You Can Expect During Treatment
Q: What does the laser feel like when it's on my skin?
A: You will be able to relax during your treatment. As the light energy activates the cells, all you will experience is a warm, soothing feeling. Patients often express feelings of comfort and enjoy their office visit.
Q: How long are treatments & how many do I need?
A: Treatment time is dependent on the size of the affected area and the severity of pain, however, most treatments are no more than ten minutes. Typically no less than six treatment sessions are recommended for desired long-term effects.
Q: Is laser therapy superior to other options?
A: Patients often have anxiety regarding cortisone injections as they may have a fear of needles in addition to the general discomfort of the injection itself. Pill-form painkillers have high addiction rates and other negative, long-term physiological effects. Topical analgesics, cortisone injections and opioids do not heal at the cellular level, making pain relief temporary.
Laser therapy is needle-free, pain-free, drug-free and regenerates cells so that the body can heal itself naturally. This results in real, lasting effects vs. temporary masking of pain.
Meet Dr. Lincoln Kamell, CCSP
Doctor of Chiropractic
Dr. Kamell is a Certified Chiropractic Sports Physician (CCSP). He received his Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at Oberlin College in 1982 before graduating Magna Cum Laude from Logan College of Chiropractic in St. Louis, Missouri. With an interest and active participation in multiple sports, Dr. Kamell received his advanced degree in sports injuries and rehabilitation in 1996. He continues to remain abreast of the latest research and treatment innovations through continuing education pertaining to spinal and extremity orthopedics, neurology, radiology, manipulation and chiropractic science. Dr. Kamell is a member of the American Chiropractic Board of Sports Physicians (ACBSP) as well as the Washington State Chiropractic Association (WSCA) and American Chiropractic Association (ACA).
Dr. Kamell is focused on providing skilled chiropractic care that incorporates the most current research findings into your personalized program of care. His goal is to help you get better as quickly as possible while giving you the tools to keep yourself well.
Wishing you a healthy 2025!
