Laser therapy light is infra-red electro-magnetic energy entering the body as photons. The light beam of photons stays fairly narrow and does not diverge like a regular light bulb. The amount and depth of penetration from this photonic energy depends on a number of different factors related to the patient and the power of the laser therapy machine. The most powerful lasers are single wavelength, continuous wave, high output lasers.

Research shows tissues targeted by High Power Laser Therapy are stimulated to increase production of a cellular enzyme (Cytochrome C Oxidase) that is critical to the production of ATP. ATP is the currency of chemical energy in living cells. With increased ATP production and thus greater cellular energy a host of biological responses are facilitated, such as mediation of pain, reduction of inflammation, reduced scar tissue, increased cell metabolism, improved vascular activity, and accelerated healing. This is the photo-chemical effect of High Power Laser Therapy.

Dimed laser physiotherapy machine is powered by 60.0 Watt GaAlAs Diode Laser, one of the most powerful available, emitting a continuous wave at a 980nm (near infra-red wavelength) for maximum bio-stimulation. This is a powerful, non-addictive, and side-effect free form of pain management that decreases inflammation and scar tissue formation. These therapeutic qualities enable laser therapy to accelerate wound healing and reduce injury recovery time

Our high power laser therapy especially in combination with the other therapies we provide such as Active Release Techniques soft tissue treatment. Dimed high intensity Class IV laser physiotherapy equipment can also be used to treat:

Arthritis

Bone spurs

Plantar Fascitis

Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis)

Golfers Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis)

Rotator Cuff Strains and Tears

DeQuervains Tenosynovitis

TMJ

Herniated Discs

Tendinosis; Tendinitis

Enthesopathies

Stress Fractures

Shin Splints

Runners Knee (Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome)

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Ligament Tears

Sciatica

Bunions

Hip Discomfort

Neck Ache

Back Pain

Muscle Strains

Joint Sprains

Achilles Tendinitis

Nerve Conditions

Healing After Surger

Biological Effects of Laser Therapy by Laser Physiotherapy Equipment

1. Accelerated Tissue Repair And Cell Growth

Accelerate cellular reproduction and growth. No other physical therapy modality can penetrate the bony patella and deliver healing energy to the articular surface between the underside of the patella and the femur. Cells of cartilage, bone, tendons, ligaments and muscles are repaired faster as a result of exposure to laser light.

2. Reduced Fibrous Tissue Formation

Laser therapy reduces the formation of scar tissue following tissue damage and acute and chronic inflammatory processes. This point is paramount because fibrous (scar) tissue is less elastic, has poorer circulation, is more pain sensitive, weaker, and much more prone to re-injury and frequent exacerbation.

3. Anti-Inflammation

Laser light therapy has an anti-inflammatory effect, as it causes vasodilation and activation of the lymphatic drainage system. As a result, there is a reduction in swelling caused by biomechanical stress, trauma, overuse, or systemic conditions.

4. Analgesia

Laser therapy has a beneficial effect on pain through the suppression of nerve signal transmission over unmyelinated c-fibers that transmit pain to the brain. This means that a greater amount of stimuli is required to create an action potential within the nerve to signal pain. Another pain blocking mechanism involves the production of high levels of pain killing chemicals such as endorphins and enkephalins from the brain and adrenal gland.

5. Improved Vascular Activity

Laser light will significantly increase the formation of new capillaries (angiogenesis) in damaged tissue that will speed up the healing process. Additionally, it has been noted in the literature that microcirculation increases secondary to vasodilation during laser treatment.

6. Increased Metabolic Activity

Laser therapy creates higher outputs of specific enzymes

7. Improved Nerve Function

Class IV laser therapeutic machine accelerates the process of nerve cell regeneration and increases the amplitude of action potentials

8. Immunoregulation

Stimulation of immunoglobulins and lymphocytes

9. Stimulates Trigger Points and Acupuncture Points

Stimulates muscle trigger points, restoration of muscular tonus and balance

Cold vs Hot Therapeutic Laser

The majority of therapeutic laser equipments used are commonly known as "cold lasers". These lasers have very low power and for that reason do not generate any heat on the skin. Treatment with these lasers is known as "Low Level Laser Therapy" (LLLT).

The lasers we use are "hot lasers". These lasers are much more powerful than cold lasers normally more than 100x more powerful. Therapy with these lasers feels warm and soothing because of the higher energy. This therapy is known as "High Intensity Laser Therapy" (HILT).

Both hot and cold lasers have similar depth of penetration into the body. The depth of penetration is determined by the wavelength of light and not the power. The difference between the two is the time it takes to deliver a therapeutic dose. A 15 watt hot laser will treat an arthritic knee to the point of pain relief, in about 10 minutes. A 150 milliwatt cold laser would take over 16 hours to deliver the same dose.