Frequently Asked Questions About
Laser Therapy
We offer a safe way to find the pain relief you’re searching for!
Are you living with persistent pain? Are you tired of depending on over-the-counter pain medication to find relief? You may be surprised to learn that there are actually several noninvasive options to help manage your discomfort, many of which we offer at Innovative Physical Therapy Solutions. Today, we want to explore one of our favorites: deep tissue laser therapy.
Laser therapy can sound intimidating. Many people hear the word “laser” and immediately think of a weapon from a science fiction movie. Fortunately, the reality of laser therapy isn’t quite so dramatic.
Deep tissue laser therapy – also known by its full name, low-level laser therapy or LLLT – uses lower-powered light waves to generate several therapeutic effects. Several research studies show that it’s a safe, effective way to manage both acute and chronic pain.
We frequently incorporate laser therapy into our comprehensive treatment plans. Below are some frequently asked questions about this innovative approach to pain management. Keep reading to find out if it might be the right treatment for you!
How Does Laser Therapy Work?
During a laser therapy session, our certified laser technician will use a wand to apply low-level light waves to your skin. These light waves penetrate deep into your body’s tissue (your muscles, ligaments, tendons), where they help kickstart cellar repair and regeneration. This provides three key benefits:
- Reduces inflammation in the affected tissue, which can help reduce swelling and discomfort
- Promotes blood circulation to the affected area, which helps reduce pain and facilitates healing
- Encourages tissue repair, which also facilitates the healing process
That Sounds Good — But Does It Hurt?
Not at all! Most patients don’t feel anything. Some experience a warming sensation during the procedure, but they all report that they find it relaxing, not uncomfortable.
LightForce laser treatment heads offer a warm, soothing sensation with an on-contact massage ball or an off-contact attachment.
What Specific Condition Can Laser Therapy Benefit?
Laser therapy can bring relief from a variety of injuries and conditions, including the following:
Arthritis
- Laser therapy can help reduce pain and inflammation in osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, making it easier to get active (crucial to managing these chronic conditions).
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve becomes entrapped in the carpal tunnel, leading to pain, numbness, and tingling in your fingers. Laser therapy helps manage symptoms and facilitate tissue repair in carpal tunnel syndrome and other types of nerve entrapments.
Overuse Injuries
- If you’ve ever developed “mysterious” pain out of nowhere, it was likely an overuse injury resulting from repeated movements. Tennis elbow is a good example. Laser therapy can help alleviate your symptoms while facilitating the healing process.
Plantar Fasciitis
- Plantar fasciitis refers to irritation in your plantar fascia, a tissue that stretches across the bottom of your foot. As with other soft tissue injuries, laser therapy can help address your symptoms and promote healing.
Herniated Discs
- When an intervertebral disc ruptures or bulges, it can cause intense pain in your back or neck. Laser therapy can reduce that pain so you can move more easily as you work through your rehabilitation.
Is Laser Therapy All I Need to Find Relief?
At Innovative Physical Therapy Solutions, we like to incorporate laser therapy into our comprehensive treatment plans. For example, let’s say you’ve developed patellar tendonitis, an inflammation of a tendon in your knee. Targeted strengthening and stretching exercises are essential in addressing the root cause of patellar tendonitis, helping to resolve the condition completely. But what if your pain is too intense for exercise?
That’s where laser therapy comes in. We’ll start your session with a few minutes of laser therapy to help reduce your acute pain so we can utilize manual therapy techniques (like knee mobilizations) and guide you through your prescribed exercises. These treatments work together to fully address your condition — not just mask your symptoms.
Will Insurance Cover Laser Therapy?
We currently offer laser therapy as a stand-alone wellness service, meaning it’s cash pay only at this time. However, we’re happy to discuss payment options with you!
Laser Therapy Sounds Great! How Do I Get Started?
Getting started with laser therapy is easy. If you’re dealing with persistent pain – whether from an injury or a chronic condition – schedule an appointment at Innovative Physical Therapy Solutions.
Contact us today to get started.
Call our office at (315) 786-0655 or click here to request a free consult with our Certified Laser Therapy Technician today! We will be happy to meet with you and create a plan for your journey toward health, healing, and pain relief.
“I heard about laser therapy from a family friend. What a difference! I was on the mend after my first session and fully healed within a few months.”
“What a great service this is. I had suffered for almost a year with pain in my right leg after a fall. I tried physical therapy, an MRI, nerve conduction test, chiropractic therapy, and a tens unit. Nothing helped. I heard about laser therapy from a family friend. What a difference! I was on the mend after my first session and fully healed within a few months (2 sessions per week). I now go for maintenance every 2 weeks and I couldn’t be happier and healthier. I was very discouraged as I thought I was going to have to live with it due to my age (60). Pain meds and nerve block offered as last resort options, but I was not interested as I wanted very much to be better not mask the pain. Mike is a true professional and treats his clients with kindness and care. The gals in the office are equally kind, friendly, and helpful. I’m back in the gym and just can’t believe the difference this therapy made for me. Give it a try and see. Great for extremities, neck, hip, and back pain.” — Elizabeth O.
“I cannot recommend Innovative PT Solutions enough.”
“I cannot recommend Innovative PT Solutions enough. The entire staff is so friendly and helpful. Ashley is an amazing pelvic floor physical therapist. I not only learned so much and my lower abdominal pain was resolved, she was always so friendly and approachable about all of my concerns. I highly recommend this place!” — Mallory V.
Boost Your Game with Injury Prevention Tips!
At Innovative Physical Therapy Solutions we are totally focused on helping athletes like you get back on track if you’ve had a recent injury. Let our physical therapists check out what’s causing any aches or trouble moving to figure out the best way to help you.
You will be guided through the steps to prevent injuries and ensure you are getting stronger and ready to return to the sport you love so much.
Exercise of the Month
Standing March
Start by standing up straight (place both hands on the back of a chair for support if needed). Slowly lift one knee up towards the ceiling until it reaches hip height and then lower it back down. Do the same with the other leg keeping the abdominals contracted the whole time. Repeat exercise 10 times.
FOR MORE EXERCISES, CHECK Out Our Videos Page!
Salmon Burgers
Ingredients
- 1 cup finely chopped red onion
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced fresh basil
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1 pound salmon fillet
- 1 tbsp hot pepper sauce
- 1 large egg white
- Cooking spray
- 8 slices focaccia, toasted
Combine first 5 ingredients in a large bowl. Combine hot pepper sauce and egg white in a small bowl; add egg white mixture to salmon mixture, stirring well to combine. Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions, shaping each into a 1/2-inch-thick patty. Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Coat pan with cooking spray. Add salmon patties, and cook 3 minutes on each side or until desired degree of doneness. Serve patties on toasted focaccia.
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