Frequently Asked Questions Pain Management

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Depending on your condition, treatment will be administered with a massage ball that will touch the surface of your skin or a non-contact application that will hover over the surface of your skin. Treatments must be delivered directly to exposed skin to enable the light to properly penetrate to target tissue. The laser is warm and gives a very soothing feeling as it is working and most patients enjoy the feeling of a warm massage during their appointments. 

Laser therapy uses a process called known as photobiomodulation (PBM) to change the condition of damaged tissue by stimulating cellular metabolism thereby accelerating the healing process. As near-infrared light pours into the tissue, photons are absorbed into deep tissue structures. The primary target for PBM is the cytochrome c complex which is found in the inner membrane of the mitochondria. As light is absorbed, cytochrome c is stimulated leading to increased production of ATP, nitric oxide, and reactive oxygen species. the result of the production of these molecules is increased microcirculation in the damaged tissue, reduction of inflammation, and acceleration of healing.

Click here to watch a video on this process.

• Back pain
• Neck pain
• Shoulder pain
• Elbow and joint pain
• Sciatica
• Knee Injuries
• Lateral Epicondylitis
• Tendinopathies
• Migraines
• Neuralgia
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
• Arthritis
• Osteoarthritis
• Sports Injuries
• Soft Tissue Damage
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Diabetic Neuropathy
• TMJ 
• Fibromyalgia

Yes! Laser therapy can be used alongside physical therapy, ultrasound, electric muscle stimulation, chiropractic manipulation, massage and other soft tissue therapies, and any form of exercise. 

Laser therapy is cumulative, meaning it will take a series of treatments for lasting results. The nature of the condition and your response to the treatments will play a key role in determining how many treatments  you will need. Most laser therapy plans of care will involve 6-10 treatments, with more treatment needed for longer standing, chronic conditions.