Y’all!! We got a Class IV laser!! What does that mean exactly? I’m so glad you asked.
Class IV lasers are also called High Intensity Light Therapy or HILT. Lasers are used to treat pain and promote healing. Light energy does to the human (and animal) cell what sunlight does to the plant cell. In plants we call it photosynthesis, in humans we call it photobiomodulation or photochemistry. Basically, light at the higher end of the spectrum, or in the infrared band just beyond what is visible to the human eye, can cause a photochemical response in the mitochondria or power house of the cell to increase oxygen absorption to produce energy and release toxins. https://www.handson-austin.com/services/high-intensity-laser-treatment/
Pain relief
HILT can address pain that is acute, subacute, and chronic. Pain relief is achieved by increasing oxygenation which promotes production of the needed energy source called ATP in cells. Laser light can help the body produce and release the natural pain killers known as endorphins and enkephalins. All of this helps to alter the chronic pain cycle by changing or suppressing the nerve signals that transmit pain messages to the brain. Laser therapy has been shown in the current research to decrease neuropathic pain or neuralgias such as diabetic neuropathy and sciatica. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31405365/
Healing and tissue repair after trauma
Enhanced and quicker healing happens because of Increased blood flow which carries oxygen and other vital nutrients needed to repair and heal at the cellular level. High intensity and deep saturating light enhances cell growth of bone, cartilage, muscle, tendons, nerves, and other tissues of the body by stimulating DNA and RNA healing factors. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kn7JXDGpEfI Laser helps speed up the removal of immune system toxins that can create inflammation and swelling.
Scar tissue changes
Laser light therapy softens scar tissue by encouraging collagen alignment in an organized pattern as opposed to a chaotic pattern often seen with keloids or old, restricted scars.
High Intensity Laser Therapy has NO KNOWN negative side effects when used appropriately by someone well trained to apply it.
Our laser is called LightForce and is the only laser on the market currently to use both off-the-body and “on contact” treatments which simply means several of the applicator heads rest directly on the skin. This allows for less scattering of the light when compared to laser varieties that only offer light therapy delivered off the body. This is the preferred laser used by the NFL and NBA to treat on the sidelines as injuries occur. https://lightforcemedical.com/athletic-training/.
Fortunately, you DO NOT need a prescription to come in and receive the treatment. Unfortunately, health insurance does not cover laser therapy. Please call the office to set up an appointment see what it is about and discuss pricing and packages. We offer very competitive pricing!