One of the most underutilized treatments at Center for Wellness is also one of the most impressive: our Class IV therapeutic laser.
Laser therapy uses targeted light energy, known as photobiomodulation, to influence cellular processes involved in inflammation, circulation, energy production, pain signaling, and tissue repair. It is noninvasive, requires no medication or injections, and can be incorporated into treatment for many acute and chronic musculoskeletal conditions.
We use laser therapy for conditions including sprains and strains, tendon injuries, muscle pain, joint pain, arthritis, and other soft tissue injuries.
A Recent Example That Was Hard to Ignore
I recently sprained my ankle and unexpectedly became the patient.
On day one, I had a quarter-sized hematoma, pain of 5/10 with walking, and a noticeable limp. Despite rest, ice, elevation, topical treatments, and lymphatic massage, the pain remained 5/10 with walking on day two.
By the morning of day three, I had improved somewhat, but I was still walking gingerly with a slight limp. Pain was 2/10, swelling remained, and the ankle felt unstable.
Then we treated it with our Class IV laser.
Immediately after treatment, my pain with walking was 0/10, the swelling visibly decreased, and the ankle felt noticeably more stable. The swelling did not return.
By day five, I completed a three-mile walk on pavement without pain or swelling.
Ankle sprains often require several weeks to regain this level of comfort and function. One personal experience cannot prove that laser therapy accelerated ligament healing, but the immediate change in pain, swelling, and function following treatment was striking.
Why Consider Laser Therapy?
Laser therapy does not replace appropriate evaluation, rehabilitation, or the normal time required for injured tissue to heal. What it may offer is another way to reduce pain, influence inflammation, and support recovery while that healing occurs.
It is also one of those treatments many of our patients simply do not realize we offer.
Class IV laser therapy is currently available to established Center for Wellness patients when clinically appropriate. If you are an established patient dealing with a recent injury, persistent joint or muscle pain, tendon irritation, or another musculoskeletal problem that is limiting your activity, ask our staff whether laser therapy may be a good fit for your treatment plan.