Saturday, February 1, 2014

All About Laser Therapy Coquitlam

By Marissa Velazquez


Lasers are classified by their power output which is Class 3a at 5 milliwatts maximum output, Class 3b at 500 milliwatts maximum output, and Class 4 over 500 milliwatts. Class 3a lasers are mostly red wavelength and only affect one to two millimeters which is about an 1/8th of an inch into the skin. Laser Therapy Coquitlam should be consulted for those seeking pain relief using laser therapy.

The red laser is good for treating abrasions, cuts, and superficial wounds, but they are not useful for pain relief. Infrared lasers penetrate deeper and can go several centimeters into the body which will reach most injured tissue.

Class 4 lasers provide therapeutic doses of light to much larger volumes of tissue and the photons of light can penetrate deeper allowing for treatment of deeper pain conditions. Infrared therapy helps to enhance tissue healing, reduce inflammation and pain in hard and soft tissues including ligaments, bones, and muscles. Microcirculation is enhanced by more red blood cells flowing to the treated area.

Lymphatic and venous enhancement oxygenates the tissues and stimulates hemoglobin molecules to infuse oxygen at the site of treatment. Cytochrome oxidase enzymes in the cells' mitochondria are stimulated which then produces more ATP for the cells allowing them to function more efficiently. It enhances what the cells do naturally so they can function normally again after being damaged.

Lasers have typically been used in medicine for surgical procedures, these instruments are very precise and are used for cutting or the removal of tattoos. The Class 4 instead diffuses light in the area it is applied. This therapy should be considered prior to surgery for acute conditions. The cost is much lower, there is no pain or long recovery time, and there are no side effects.

Another modality used with this treatment is spinal decompression, this is particularly useful for those who suffer from herniated or bulging discs. Inflammation and tissue irritants can be reduced and blood flow in the area is stimulated which aids in the healing process. It is helpful for such injuries as chronic issues like arthritis, traumatic injuries such as a vehicle accident, repetitive use injuries like carpal tunnel syndrome, and acute injuries like sprains, strains, and shoulder injuries.

One of the effects of laser therapy is vasodilation in the tissues. Metabolic waste products are released that may cause one to become a bit sore. Drinking a lot of water will flush out the waste products eliminating the symptoms.

Therapy lasers are cleared by the FDA. Four hour training sessions are taught to medical professionals who purchase the laser to teach them how to use the machine and how to treat various conditions with it. A typical session can last 5 to 20 minutes based on what the injury is. The number of treatments needed will depend on the person and the injury that they are being treated for, usually 6 to 12 sessions over 2 to 4 weeks time will produce noticeable results. Not only this the used on humans, but vets are seeing great results when used on dogs for hip dysplasia and intervertebral disc disease as is seen in dachshunds. Contact Laser Therapy Coquitlam for more assistance.




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