PATIENT INFORMATION

LOW INTENSITY LASER THERAPY:

What is Laser Therapy?

Laser Therapy uses superluminous and laser diodes to irradiate tissue afflicted by a disease process. When the appropriate light source is placed on the dermis, photons which are particles of energy, penetrate multiple layers of tissue and are absorbed by a variety of intracellular molecules; this initiates a cascade of positive physiological responses, resulting in the restoration of normal cell morphology and function.

Laser Therapy has been successfully utilized to treat a broad range of medical problems relating to the musculoskeletal system, arthritis, sports injuries, dermal ulcers and dermatological conditions.

Unlike many modalities and pharmacological solutions which only modulate symptoms or mask the perception of pain, Laser Therapy is directed to treat the underlying condition, curing the problem and thereby its attendant symptoms.

The Advantages of LILT

Non-invasive
Highly effective
Non-toxic
Cure rate >95%
No known adverse effects
Easily applied

Therapeutic Process

Our objectives with regard to patients are to permit them to be completely functional, pain-free and independent of pharmaceuticals.

The therapeutic process involves clinical evaluation and whenever possible the establishment of a correct diagnosis, followed by the initiation of Laser Therapy, periodic clinical re-assessment and the appropriate adjustment of protocols according to the clinical response. While undergoing treatment patients are encouraged to discuss any concerns with the medical staff as required.

Our collaborative efforts are focused to achieve the optimal clinical outcome with regard to any condition being treated. Despite best efforts, in medicine, there is never a guarantee of a completely successful outcome, however in a small number of cases this can occur. At the same time, utilizing our clinical approach along with the customization of treatment protocols as indicated, we are able to achieve more than satisfactory clinical results in over 90% of all patients treated.

MEDICAL APPLICATIONS

The healing potential of LILT extends to a wide range of medical conditions and provides a treatment alternative for patients who have not responded to other therapies. Some of the problems most effectively treated are listed below. In many instances LILT is the treatment of choice:

GENERAL

repetitive stress injury

carpal tunnel syndrome

epicondylitis

reflex sympathetic dystrophy

temporo-mandibular joint dysfunction

rotator cuff tendinopathy / tear

INFLAMMATORY

tendonitis

myositis

synovitis

bursitis

plantar fasciitis

rheumatoid arthritis

INJURIES

ligament and tendon tears

fractures with associated soft tissue injuries

facet joint syndrome

contusions

bulging and herniated discs





DEGENERATIVE

osteoarthritis

chondromalacia patella

calcifications (e.g. bone spurs)

discogenic and vertebrogenic radiculopathy

spinal stenosis

OTHER APPLICATIONS

wound healing (acute & chronic) - venous stasis, atherosclerosis, contact, diabetes, trauma

dermal ulcers secondary to:

burns - thermal, chermal

dermatological - herpes zoster (post herpetic neuralgia), eczemas / non-specific dermatitis, psoriasis, acne, acne rosacea

gout / arthritis

neuropathies (diabetic, neurogenic)

lymphedema

remodelling of dermal lesions (keloid scars etc.)

Some of the physiological effects of low intensity laser therapy

Short-Term Effects

• Production and release of beta-endorphins (these are morphine like substances produced by various cells in the body that inhibit the sensation of pain)
• Cortisol production is increased (cortisol is the precursor of cortisone). This enables the body to combat the stress associated with trauma or the disease process
• The short-term effect is significant in 5-10% of cases during or after the conclusion of the initial treatment but is not as important as the long term or cumulative effect
• Increases ATP levels which improves cellular metabolism
• Enhances DNA replication, resulting in cell division (replacement of damaged cells)
• Regulates cell membrane potential thereby controlling permeability and Na+,Cl-, Ca2+, K+, ion transmission
• Increased protein synthesis, providing the building blocks for new cell production
• Elevates levels of serotonin and acetylcholine to facilitate neurotransmission
• Vasodilation - relaxation of smooth muscle in blood vessels, which improves arterial circulation and tissue oxygenation
• Angiogenesis - development of new arterial channels (capillaries, arterioles, etc.)

Additional Effects

• Immune response stimulated
• Lymphatic drainage improved
• Histamine response positively altered
• Production of growth hormone increased
• Accelerates the body’s natural healing process

The positive physiological changes noted above, result in tissue regeneration and improved cellular function. Many other activities are also modulated, including beneficial effects on both humoral components and the cerebro-spinal fluid.

PATIENT DIRECTIVES

• Should you experience an increase in pain subsequent to any treatment, utilize ice on the area involved and pain medication as required.
• Notify clinic staff on your next visit that an increase of pain has occurred. The existence of this phenomenon is due to sensitive tissue response and protocols will be adjusted accordingly on your next visit.
• If this is considered to be an emergency, call the clinic at (416) 251-1055 or after clinic hours (416) 567-4098.
• Usually treatments are scheduled three times per week or more frequently in acute cases, at least initially. Subsequent treatments are scheduled in accordance with the patient’s clinical status.
• The majority of patients will not notice any change with regard to their symptoms until treatment session 3 or 4. There are however exceptions to this rule. If at any time you have questions regarding your progress, bring these to the attention of the clinic staff.
• With regard to the number of treatment sessions, these may vary from 1-30. Acute injuries generally respond more rapidly than chronic problems and each individual’s tissue response varies due to genetic and other factors. It is important to be aware that before treatment is initiated, the exact number of treatments cannot be predicted. In most cases we expect to see some change in symptomatology after 3-5 visits, in a small percentage however, a more prolonged period of treatment may be required. This is particularly true in long-standing back problems, frequently accompanied by spinal or foraminal stenosis. In these situations there is encroachment on the spinal cord or the nerve roots as they exit the spinal canal. Almost without exception we are able to relieve those symptoms; however patience and time may be required. Please remember that our objective is to minimize the duration of treatment and the number of visits. However, on occasion even our best efforts require multiple treatments, patience and time.
• We recommend massage therapy as a complementary therapy. In most instances when performed in the early phase of treatment, this process breaks down adhesions, increases muscle mobility, lymphatic drainage and vascular circulation. It is considered a complementary modality that can accelerate the healing process.

HOME CARE REGARDING OPTIMAL WOUND MANAGEMENT

• Daily visual inspection for changes in wound (size, color).
• Elevate the limb as much of the time as possible whenever edema is involved.
• Leave the ulcer open to the atmosphere (oxygen exposure and avoid irritation).
• Relieve the wounds from pressure and contact (i.e. protective devices / frames).
• Compress the wound as much of the time as possible with warm saline (bactericidal).
• Gently clean wound with dilute hydrogen peroxide soaked Q-tips 3-4 times each day (debridement in early stages only).
• In critical and extreme conditions where imminent gangrene may be a factor, the hyperbaric chamber (H.B.C.) should be employed as an adjunct therapy and may be continued until complete healing occurs. H.B.C. may be utilized daily if available.
• Avoid using topically applied antibiotic gels and lotions, as prolonged use increases the risk of concomitant infections and macerates cells.
• Pharmaceuticals locally, intravenously and orally applied should be avoided as much as possible as they are implicated in delaying/preventing cell replication.
• Laser therapy - strict adherence to treatment frequency as recommended by the attending therapist is important to initiate and continue the healing process. Ideal treatment frequency may be every day for the first 4-5 days followed by every other day for the next 2-3 weeks, with decreasing frequency as healing occurs.