Laser Therapy
Laser therapy, also known as photobiomodulation, is a non invasive, cutting edge rehabilitation tool to help with healing and recovery.
How does it work?
A powerful class 4 laser delivers energy into tissues and stimulates cells - specifically cytochromes on the mitochondrial membrane. It also provides heating to tissues.
The effects are:
Photothermal - warming up local tissues to a greater penetration depth than surface heating
Photochemical - absorption by cytochromes causing biochemical changes
Photomechanical - transient mechanical stress in the extracellular matrix of cells stimulating changes in cell signalling
This stimulates healing by reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines, promotes cellular growth and a reduction in pain.
How often are treatment sessions?
Initially laser sessions are given quite frequently, once or twice a week until an effect is established, then treatment sessions are gradually reduced in frequency until a steady state to keep the patient comfortable, is found