Cold Laser Therapy/ Photobiomodulation Therapy

 

If you’re experiencing wounds that won’t heal, foot, ankle, heel or lower limb pain, Cold Laser Therapy also referred to as Photobiomodulation Therapy (PBMT) is a solution and evidenced-based healing option that is cost effective and pain free. 

Cold Laser also known as Photobiomodulation Therapy (PBMT) heals soft tissue structures such as; muscles, ligaments, tendons and skin through a process of light energy that naturally and rapidly repairs strains, sprains and skin breakdown (wounds). 

These conditions are often a challenge to heal on their own (given we need to walk daily). Repetitive straining occurs with each step we take causing that pain and inflammation and ongoing cycle. PBMT increases collagen synthesis at a cellular level and moves the body’s cells naturally into the “proliferative phase” of rapid healing repairing tears, reducing inflammation and pain. These treatments also reduce the risk of reoccurrence by strengthening all supportive structures. 

The most common condition we have successfully treated for over twenty years is plantar fasciitis. Our plan of care protocol is on average six treatments done within 2-3 weeks as this process must accumulate through cellular stimulation. 

Other common conditions we treat successfully are; heel spurs (pain), Achilles tendonitis/tendinosis, knee pain/tears, metatarsalgia and ankle strains and sprains. 

Cold Laser Therapy/ Photobiomodulation Therapy is painless and deeply penetrates the affected area providing immediate relieve of pain and inflammation. In most cases, the problem will be permanently resolved as we are targeting the actual cause and not a band aid approach such as pain or anti-inflammatory medication that simply masks symptoms rather than eliminating the condition. 

The following is a list of common conditions we treat at our clinic. 

  • Pain Management & Control
  • Plantar Fasciitis
  • Ligament tears
  • Achilles Tendinitis/ Tendinosis
  • Diabetic/ General Wound Healing
  • Heel Pain/Injury
  • Metatarsalgia
  • Morton’s Neuroma’s
  • Lower Leg Edema/Lymphedema
  • Knee Pain
  • Arthritis Inflammation
  • Lower Limb Circulatory Impairment
  • Diabetic Neuropathy
  • Toenail Infection
  • Post Surgical Healing of Bone Fractures

Phototherapy (Super luminous and laser)

Phototherapy provides light energy to cells to function – promoting enhanced tissue healing, pain control, and stimulation of the vascular, immune, and lymphatic systems. It is similar to the mechanisms of photosynthesis in plants; sunlight is absorbed by the plant and converted into energy that the plant can utilize for growth. In the body, light-sensitive chromospheres and other elements within the cell absorb light energy, initiating a series of important photochemical changes such as increased production of nitric oxide, singlet oxygen and ATP, as well as an increase in the cell membrane’s permeability. The additional increased energy and effects result in normalization of the cell function when cell function is impaired. Since the following activities can occur in all types of cells (muscle, ligament, cartilage, nerves, bones etc.) several wide-ranging conditions can be treated.

Benefits of Phototherapy

Effective in treating conditions that do not normally respond to traditional therapy interventions. Fast and effective outcomes, patients often feel better within the first few treatments. However, typically require a series of 6 treatments 2 x 15 mins per week for common foot and lower limb conditions based on the cumulative effects on cellular activity.

Increased Cellular Activities

Cell metabolism, collagen synthesis, Osteoblast production, increased circulation and the formation of new capillaries by release of growth factor, T-Cell production, production of neurotransmitters (e.g. endorphins, serotonin, ACTH), Action potential of nerve cells.

Physiological Effects

Accelerated tissue healing by 40%, enhanced tensile strength in tissue repair, increases callous and bone formation, reduces or eliminates pain, decreases edema and inflammation, moving body to the proliferative phase of healing rapidly and improves immune response.

Benefits of Phototherapy

This is a conservative non-invasive treatment accelerating and enhancing clinical outcomes, effective for treating conditions that are difficult to treat, cumulative clinical effects, both quick response and long-lasting results, short treatment times compared to other modalities and light therapies.

 

Treatment is generally non-invasive and well tolerated. LLLT is specially designed to deliver therapeutic light without the tissue-heating effects associated with high-powered surgical lasers.

There isn’t one treatment schedule that works for every problem. The number and frequency of sessions depend on the condition, severity, treatment area, response to therapy and laser parameters. PBMT is commonly delivered as a series of treatments rather than assuming one session will resolve a condition.

Depending on the condition and treatment protocol, PBMT is used clinically for purposes such as pain management, reducing inflammation, supporting tissue repair and wound healing, and rehabilitation of some musculoskeletal conditions. Evidence varies by condition and treatment parameters.