Laser therapy is a cornerstone in the physiotherapy industry and transcends treatment for a fusion of advanced science and therapeutic efficacy. This technology concentrates light energy, and it offers diverse benefits related to musculoskeletal treatments. Laser treatment takes various forms and offers manifold advantages that are relatable for both practitioners and patients alike. In this blog, we will talk about what is laser therapy, its types, benefits, side effects, contradictions, and precautions of laser therapy.
What is Laser therapy?
Laser therapy, or Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation (LASER), eventually operates on the principle of photo biomodulation. This process has the targeted use of specific wavelengths of light to permeate the skin and solve the underlying issues. By doing this, laser therapy stimulates cellular activity and enhances the body’s natural healing processes. This procedure is meticulously calibrated to ensure that the energy delivered is therapeutic and does not cause damage to the surrounding tissues.
Types of Laser therapy
Laser therapy is not monolithic, but it has a variety of modalities to consider. Each modality has distinct characteristics and applications:
1. Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT):
This is known as cold laser therapy, as it employs low-intensity lasers that penetrate the skin without producing heat. Although this method is not effective in reducing inflammation, alleviating pain, or accelerating tissue repair, it is commonly utilized in treating conditions such as tendonitis, arthritis, and chronic pain syndromes.
2. High-Intensity Laser Therapy (HILT):
In contrast to LLLT, HILT utilizes high-powered lasers, generating a considerably large amount of heat. This is adequate for deeper penetration of the tissues and can be applied for more serious conditions such as deep tissue injuries, joint disorders, and some neuropathic pains.
3. Pulsed Laser Therapy:
This method involves intermittent rather than continuous laser energy delivery through pulses. It helps reduce thermal damage risks while retaining the therapeutic efficacy of the laser treatment. It is usually applied where great control over the tissue interaction is required, like in treating delicate or sensitive areas.
Benefits of Laser Therapy in Physiotherapy
The advantages of laser therapy in physiotherapy are both extensive and profound:
Pain Relief:
Laser therapy’s analgesic efficacy is the major reason for its applicability and popularity. By modulating nerve conduction and causing an anti-inflammatory effect, it provides excruciating pain relief from a wide variety of situations, from acute injuries to chronic pain conditions.
Enhanced Tissue Repair:
This photo biomodulation will increase cellular activity, improving tissue repair and regeneration. This makes Laser therapy particularly useful in laser therapy for wound healing, tendinous lesions, and ligamentous sprains.
Reduction of Inflammation:
Laser therapy can efficiently decrease the production of the pro-inflammatory mediators responsible for inflammation. This is very important in treating diseases like arthritis, which is characterized by chronic inflammation leading to pain and dysfunction.
Improved Circulation:
Laser therapy’s vasodilatory effects increase blood flow to the affected area, ensuring the delivery of nutrients and oxygen to the area. This would help in tissue repair and reduce the risk of further injury.
Non-Invasive and Painless:
One of the most significant advantages of laser therapy is that it is a noninvasive procedure. It provides a pain-free alternative to more invasive treatments, which will appeal to patients with a low threshold for pain or in whom other forms of therapy are contraindicated.
Side Effects of Laser Therapy in Physiotherapy
- Skin Irritation: After treatment, the skin may become slightly reddened or irritated at the application site, which is generally transient and resolves in a few hours.
- Heat Sensation: High-intensity laser therapy may cause a sensation of warming. While intended to help treat deep tissue, excess heat could cause discomfort or even slight burning in some cases.
- Eye Damage: Direct exposure to laser beams, especially into the eyes, could be hazardous. To avoid potential retinal damage, protective eyewear should be worn throughout sessions.
- Temporary Increase in Pain: Occasionally, after the first few sessions, patients may experience a heightened sense of pain before the body begins the healing process. This is usually transient and an indicator that the therapy is stimulating tissue repair.
Contraindications of Laser Therapy in Physiotherapy
Laser therapy is not suitable for everyone. There are specific conditions and circumstances where this treatment should be avoided:
- Pregnancy: In general, laser therapy should be contraindicated with pregnancy, particularly over the abdominal area, since research concerning its effects on the fetus is still lacking.
- Cancer: Individuals with active cancer, particularly in the treatment area, should avoid laser therapy as it may stimulate cellular growth, potentially exacerbating the condition.
- Pacemakers: Pacemakers users should exercise caution, as laser therapy can interfere with the device’s function, particularly if it is applied near the chest.
- Photosensitivity: Patients with conditions that cause photosensitivity or those on medications that increase sensitivity to light should avoid laser therapy, as it may exacerbate skin reactions.
Precautions of Laser Therapy in Physiotherapy
When undergoing laser therapy, adhering to certain precautions can ensure the treatment’s safety and effectiveness:
- Consultation and Assessment: Always have an extensive assessment performed by a competent physiotherapist before laser therapy. This will effectively determine whether the treatment is appropriate for your condition.
- Protective Measures: The patient and practitioner should wear proper protective eyewear to avert any accidental exposure of the animal’s eyes to the beam.
- Monitor Intensity: The intensity and duration of the laser must be monitored carefully and adjusted based on the patient’s responses to avoid overheating and discomfort.
- Avoid Tattoos: Laser therapy must be carefully used over tattooed skin since the ink may absorb the energy differently, causing burns or changes in the appearance of the tattoo.
Choosing the Right Laser Therapy Doctor
Selecting the right practitioner is pivotal for effective laser therapy in physiotherapy. Here are key considerations:
Qualifications and Experience:
Choose a physiotherapist with specialized training in laser therapy. Experience treating conditions like yours is an added advantage.
Clinic Reputation:
It will be good to choose a well-recognized clinic like Shivechchha, which is credible in the department of physiotherapy and laser treatments. Customer reviews and testimonials say a lot about the kind of service being provided to patients.
Personalized Treatment Plans:
A competent practitioner will tailor the treatment to your specific needs, adjusting laser intensity and frequency based on your condition and progress.
Follow-Up Care:
Make sure the therapist gives you follow-up care to check your progress and modify the treatment plan if necessary. Support is a crucial part of the optimum recovery process.
Wrapping up,
Laser Therapy is a sophisticated and versatile tool within the physiotherapist‘s armamentarium. Its ability to deliver laser treatment for physiotherapy targeted to the problem, reduce pain, hasten healing, and enhance the quality of the patient’s outcome makes it indispensable in contemporary therapeutic practice. As physiotherapy evolves, laser therapy remains at the cutting edge of innovation and patient-centered care.
