There are many questions that arise when our doctors bring up laser therapy as a recommendation to a patient.
This blog post will cover these questions, so you are more comfortable discussing it with your doctor.
What is laser therapy? How does it work? Can it help me? Does it hurt? How many sessions will I need? How much will it cost?
Types of Laser Therapy
Many of you have probably heard of some sort of laser treatment provided by a doctor. There are many forms of it including laser hair removal, laser fat reduction, laser eye surgery, and laser therapy for the musculoskeletal and nervous system.
Laser Therapy at Elite Sports and Spine Chiropractic
We offer laser therapy for all kinds of conditions and injuries. Some of the most common things we use it for include headaches, sprains/strains, post-surgical healing, TMJ, neuropathy, and joint pain. Simply put, it works well on anything that is inflamed, has damaged tissues, or is causing pain.
Let’s answer the questions: What is laser therapy and how does laser therapy work?
During each painless treatment, laser energy increases circulation, drawing water, oxygen, and nutrients to the damaged area. This creates an optimal healing environment that reduces inflammation, swelling, muscle spasms, stiffness, and pain. As the injured area returns to normal, function is restored and pain is relieved.
Laser Therapy is the use of specific wavelengths of light (red and near-infrared) to stimulate the body’s natural ability to heal. The effects of laser energy include improved healing time, pain reduction, increased circulation and decreased swelling.
Now that we’ve answered the question: What is laser therapy? – let’s look at some frequently asked questions!
FAQs About Laser Therapy
How many sessions will I need?
The amount of sessions needed depends on the condition that is being treated. Our doctors determine if it is an acute or chronic injury/complaint. Acute complaints typically respond well to 4-6 treatments. These treatments are usually done close together to get optimal results. Chronic conditions may require more treatments (6-12) with a treatment plan that is more spread out with a few days between each treatment. Condition such as severe arthritis may require ongoing periodic care to control pain.
Is laser therapy the only treatment I need?
Our doctors will typically recommend other forms of treatment in addition to laser therapy. Results are enhanced if laser therapy is combined with other treatments, such as chiropractic adjustments, therapeutic exercise, muscle therapy, and mechanical traction, to name a few.
When will I feel results?
Most people feel results after one or two treatments. If results are not felt after the first few treatments, it does not mean the treatment is not working, it just means there is a lot of tissue damage and/or inflammation that the body is still fighting. Each treatment is cumulative, and results are usually felt after 3-4 treatments. It is not uncommon to feel a few increased symptoms shortly after a treatment due to the healing response being more active after treatment. Do not be alarmed if you have increased discomfort, this is a good sign!
How long does a treatment take?
Each laser therapy session takes between 4-8 minutes depending on the area of the body that is being treated and the specific setting the doctor puts into the machine to customize your treatment. You can be in and out of the office in 15 minutes if laser therapy is the only thing you are receiving. If you are undergoing a treatment for neuropathy in multiple regions of the body, your treatment may take up to 30 minutes.
Does my insurance cover the cost?
Currently, laser therapy is a non-reimbursable service through most insurance companies. That is why our office offers packages that help reduce the cost of each session. Sessions focused on one region can range from $29-$39, depending on the package you purchase. Neuropathy treatment ranges from $53-$59 depending on the package you purchase.
Laser therapy can benefit almost everyone that has pain or an injury. Talk to one of our doctors about how it can help you on your next visit!
