Cold laser therapy, otherwise known as low level laser therapy (LLLT) is a painless and non-invasive physical therapy procedure that has been scientifically proven to increase healing in a targeted area by over 400%! LLLT is approved by Health Canada as an effective procedure to manage chronic pain and it has been shown to achieve long-term results when other therapies have failed. Laser therapy at Essential Health involves a Class 3 laser, which is today’s standard in LLLT care, producing effects on everything from skin and muscles to nerves and bones. The laser therapy technicians at Essential Health are certified and have extensive experience and are always working under the supervision of Dr Cobi.
Conditions commonly treated by laser therapy:
- Accidental Injuries
- Bulging and Herniated Discs
- Bursitis
- Calcifications (e.g. Bone Spurs)
- Carpal Tunnel
- Contusions
- Discongenic and Vertebrogenic Radiculopathy
- Epicondylitis (Tennis Elbow)
- Fractures with Soft Tissue Injury
- Knee Injuries
- Ligament and Tendon Tears
- Osteoarthritis
- Plantar Fasciitis
- Repetitive Strain Syndrome
- Rotator Cuff Injury
- Spinal Stenosis
- Sports Injuries
- Synovitis
- TMJ Dysfunction
- Tendonitis
- Torn Muscles
- And more….
A laser therapy appointment at Essential Health will involve:
- An initial assessment and screening by Dr Cobi, who will also oversee the entire treatment.
- A personalized and detailed treatment plan that includes approximately 10 sessions (typically, 3 visits per week), depending on your body and health.
- Sessions of approximately 30 – 45 minutes each during which time you will be required to wear eye protection and a trained cold laser technician will apply the painless treatment.
- Other recommendations to help you heal quickly and naturally.
Laser Therapy FAQs
What is laser therapy?
Low Intensity Laser Therapy is the use of low intensity lasers to treat musculoskeletal injuries as well as chronic and degenerative conditions.
This advanced technology utilizes super-luminous laser diodes of specific wavelengths to treat tissue with photon energy. These particles of energy are absorbed by the mitochondria within a cell. Mitochondria’s function is to produce a fuel called ATP. Laser therapy increases the amount of ATP produced in the mitochondria thereby greatly accelerating the body’s natural healing process.
How does laser therapy work?
Laser arrays are placed in contact with the skin allowing light energy to penetrate tissue where it interacts with cells resulting in restoration of normal cell function. This enhances the body’s natural healing abilities, reducing inflammation and pain, improving range of motion and reducing the need for medications and even surgery.
Low Intensity Laser Therapy does not heat or cut tissue. Unlike many pharmacological treatments that mask pain or only address the symptoms of the disease, Laser Therapy treats the underlying condition or pathology to promote lasting healing.
Is laser therapy safe?
Yes. Hundreds of research studies have shown Laser Therapy to be safe and effective. Laser Therapy is non-invasive, non-toxic and non-thermal. Laser Therapy is beneficial rather than harmful to tissue.
Does it hurt? What will I feel?
No, the procedure is non-invasive, non-toxic and non-thermal. As opposed to high-intensity lasers, the lasers used in this procedure are considered cold lasers as they do not produce heat and have no associated discomfort.
How long does a treatment take?
Depending on the area being treated as well as patient factors, treatments typically take between 30 to 45 minutes.
How many treatments are necessary?
The average number of treatments required is 10 but will vary with regard to the individual problem as every patient and condition responds to Laser Therapy uniquely.
Are there any contraindications?
The only instances in which laser therapy should be avoided are treating over the womb of pregnant women and over the site of a cancerous tumor as the research on treating these areas are limited.
Please note that it is NOT a contraindication to have pins, metal plates, plastic or pacemakers.
What else will I need to do alongside laser treatments?
Nothing is necessary to do alongside laser treatments. If stretching or other exercises are needed, they will be prescribed on an individual basis. Laser therapy is a passive treatment; all you need to do is show up, we will do all the work. The great thing about it is that the healing effects of the laser continue to work long after treatments stop. Low intensity laser therapy initiates a process that lasts long after ‘the lights go out’.
Are treatments covered by extended medical?
Many extended medical plans do cover laser therapy. However, it varies between plans so you should check with your provider.
How much do laser therapy treatments cost?
A single treatment of one area is $50. A double treatment of two areas is $75.
Call our clinic to book your laser therapy appointment at 604 467 9554.