Laser Therapy: Conditions That It's Used For

spinal stenosis

Laser therapy uses monochromatic light emissions from a low power laser. It is used to treat many conditions including musculoskeletal injuries, degenerative and chronic conditions and some wounds. This technology enhances the body's natural process for healing.

There are conditions that conventional therapies are inadequate. For these health problems, laser therapy can offer a great deal of relief. These conditions include carpal tunnel syndrome, fibromyalgia, ligament or tendon tears, soft tissue injuries, herniated discs, tendinitis, bursitis, spinal stenosis, and so on. Some of the other illnesses and conditions include ulcers, burns, shingles, gout, and arthritis. This is merely a partial list of the conditions that this type of treatment may be beneficial for.

Using this type of treatment offers many advantages that a patient will not find with other types of treatment. To begin with, this is a non-invasive procedure. There is no surgery involved. Also, this non-toxic treatment is highly effective and features a cure rate of around 95%. It has no known harmful side effects and is easy to use. This therapy has other positive effects as well. For example, the immune system is stimulated and the natural healing process is enhanced, resulting in tissue regeneration.

For years, therapies such as ultrasound and TENS have been used exclusively for pain treatment and to stimulate the healing process. These types of treatments have been a disappointment to some because they seem to only tone down the symptoms but do not promote the natural healing process. One benefit that this type of treatment has over many of the other types is that it is not harmful to other tissue. Cells that are functioning normally are not adversely impacted by the use of low intensity lasers.

When used for pain or other medical conditions, the number of treatment required may vary. The biggest factor is the individual that is receiving the treatment and their own response to it. A single treatment can last anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour. The prices vary as does insurance coverage

Another use for laser therapy is smoking cessation. Although it is not covered by insurance, a typical smoker will spend approximately 1/3 the amount they spend annually on cigarettes to pay the cost of this type of therapy. The laser must be applied to very specific points on the face, ears, wrists, and hands that are associated with nicotine addiction. When used for smoking cessation, there is usually only one treatment with other sessions available if needed.

Lasers are also used by veterinarians to treat animals with chronic pain and age related diseases. Vets can use this treatment to help reduce inflammation and promote healing in tissue that is damaged. This treatment can help a pet that is suffering with arthritis, degenerative joint disease, post surgical pain, and so on. This is a safe and effective way to help improve the quality of life and restore the mobility in your elderly pets.

Laser therapy, although still under a lot of experimentation, is a practical and non evasive way to help doctors care for their patients. Over time, the use of lasers will no doubt advance even further than it is right now.