Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT)
Here at Torkelson Chiropractic, P. A. we are pleased to offer our patients Low Level Laser Therapy with our Chattanooga Vectra Genisys System. Once again, just because we live in rural Kansas doesn't mean we can't have cutting edge health care. We strive to offer our patients the best care available including the most advanced therapy equipment available.
LLLT is a treatment that utilizes specific wavelengths of light to interact with tissue and is thought to help accelerate the healing process. It can be used on patients who suffer from a variety of acute and chronic conditions in order to help eliminate pain, swelling, reduce spasms and increase functionality.
The FDA classifies medical lasers into three catagories:
- Class 4 Surgical lasers
- Class 3B Non-Surgical Lasers (what we offer at Torkelson Chiropractic, P.A.)
- Class 3A Low Level Lasers
Class 4 Surgical Lasers are used to cut, coagulate, and vaporize tissue. This is different from Class 3B and Class 3A non-surgical lasers, which are painless, non-burning and non-cutting forms of lasers. Class 3B or Class 3A Low Level Lasers do not have the intensity to damage cells. Class 3A lasers help heal superficial wounds and conditions and will typically not penetrate below the skin's surface. However, Class 3B low level lasers have the ability to penetrate and assist in the healing process of deep tissue and joint problems.
How It Works?
LLLT are hand held devices used by the clinician that are often the size of flashlight. The laser is placed directly over the injured area for 30 seconds to several minutes, depending on the size of the area being treated and the dose provided by the laser unit.
During this time, the non-thermal photons of light that are emitted from the laser pass through the skins layers. The light has the ability to penetrate 2-5 cm below the skin at 90mw and 830nm.
Once the light energy passes through the layers of skin and reaches the target area, it is absorbed and interacts with the light sensitive elements in the cell. This process can be compared to photosynthesis in plants. When cells absorb this light energy, it initiates a series of events in the cell that is theorized to eventually result in normalizing damaged or injured tissue, a reduction in pain, inflammation, edema and an overall reduction in healing time by increasing intracellular metabolism. [1,2]
References:
1. Martin R. Laser-Accelerated Inflammation/Pain Reduction and Healing. Practical Pain Management. Nov/Dec 2003 3(6): 20-25.
2. Marovino R. Cold Lasers in Pain Management. Practical Pain Management. Sep/Oct 2004. 4(6): 37-42.