Suffering from acute or chronic pain can be a very frustrating process. There are so many different options out there for those struggling with pain, from medications to surgery. However, many alternative physiotherapy clinics offer pain management treatment options that are non-invasive. When we are looking for ways to combat pain, we often opt for treatment options that are safe, painless, and offer little to no downtime, so we can start feeling better and get back to our everyday lives. Laser therapy in Kitchener is a great option for those who want to go down the non-surgical route of treatment. Lasers might seem daunting; however, the entire process is quick, painless, and has zero recovery time.
Laser therapy is a non-invasive treatment method that involves the application (directly to the skin) of laser beams of light over injuries to reduce pain and inflammation. Laser therapy is used by physiotherapists to transmit energy below the skin and into the tissues surrounding the area where an injury has taken place. Lasers used in physiotherapy clinics are classified as low-level “cold lasers,” meaning they do not generate heat like surgical lasers. The lasers used in a physiotherapy setting are safe, effective, non-surgical, and like other forms of medical devices, are heavily regulated in Canada.
A physiotherapist will first assess if laser treatment is a good option for you, depending on the type and severity of your injury. If you are deemed an appropriate candidate, your physiotherapist will either have you come in for a single session or include laser therapy during your allotted appointment time frame. Laser therapy may be used on its own, or in conjunction with other physiotherapy treatments.
Laser therapy comes from a process called “photobiomodulation.” During this process, protons carry an electromagnetic force that works to repair cells and alter tissue levels of the body. Different wavelengths are applied to these areas and outputs of light are sent to the points of the body that are experiencing pain, trauma, and inflammation.
To avoid any contact with the eyes, lasers are administered directly to the skin. Although the laser beams are powerful, this procedure does not hurt, and the process only lasts around 2-10 minutes. With no recovery time or side effects involved, you will be back on your feet after your appointment, without any soreness or pain. The number of treatments needed may vary, however, long-lasting relief can be achieved for both acute and chronic pain.
Here are just a few examples of conditions that can be treated with cold laser therapy:
● Neck pain
● Shoulder pain
● Arthritis
● Plantar fasciitis
● Disc injuries
● Chronic or acute back pain
● Muscle strains
● Tennis elbow
● Fibromyalgia
● Fractures with Soft Tissue Damage
● Migraines
Cold laser therapy is one option among many alternative pain management tools used by physiotherapists to relieve their patients of acute or chronic pain. At Highland Physio & Rehab, we have a team of physiotherapists who offer a 360-treatment approach to many different musculoskeletal issues. Those who are candidates for cold laser therapy can benefit from long-term pain relief without facing painful and invasive operations. If you are seeking laser therapy in Kitchener, or are just interested in learning more about available pain management options, contact us!
