The number of people taking drugs to relieve joint and muscle pain is staggering. These drugs can often have dangerous side effects, especially when taken for extended periods of time and do not fix the underlying problem causing the pain. The side effects include digestive problems (including stomach bleeding), liver damage, and even addiction. Low level laser therapy is a better, safer option for dealing with pain.

Low level laser therapy (LLLT) 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. LLLT uses light from a laser to relieve the underlying inflammation that can cause pain, while speeding the healing process. Laser light delivered directly to the injured area or joint can be helpful for not just relieving pain but also actively promoting the healing process. The laser reduces inflammation, provides deep tissue therapy, improves blood flow to the area, and accelerates pain relief.

LLLT works by emitting non-thermal photons of light which pass through the skins layers to the injured area. 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. Stimulation from the light helps the body use its own cellular resources to heal itself, without side effects.

More than 3,000 published studies show LLLT is safe and effective. It is painless. The photons from the laser do not generate any heat, so it cannot damage tissues. Typical treatment time only takes three to five minutes. Most people feel pain reduction soon after the first session. Common treatment schedules are two treatments a week for three weeks in a row to get long-term relief.

LLLT is particularly effective for sports injuries such as tennis elbow and Achilles tendon inflammation. It is also helpful for other types of pain, such as neck and low back pain, plantar fasciitis and mild to moderately arthritic joints. It is also very helpful for headaches and neck pain related to concussion and whiplash. LLLT is an effective, noninvasive modality for the treatment of acute and chronic pain.

For more information, contact Dr. Wendy at haydenhealth@gmail.com.