Laser therapy treatments in North York have recently emerged as a popular treatment option for various health conditions, like back pain. It is a noninvasive procedure that uses focused light of a specific wavelength to increase the healing process within the body.
While laser therapy is noninvasive, you may experience minimal swelling or itching in the affected area. During your consultation before your laser therapy procedure, the therapist will discuss this with you. During the consultation, you will also learn how many sessions you require and the importance of aftercare.
If you’re considering laser therapy for back pain or wound healing, this article sheds light on how the laser therapy procedure works.
Laser Therapy: How it Works
Laser therapy is a safe procedure that promotes healing in the body using focused light that emits a specific wavelength and penetrates deep into targeted tissues. This focused light will interact with body cells to trigger a cellular process known as photobiomodulation.
The goal of this process can either be to increase cellular energy production, improve blood flow, reduce inflammation, or all of the above.
Regardless of the type of laser therapy your therapist recommends, the core principle remains the same. It is a minimally invasive treatment that offers a safe and effective approach to promoting recovery.
Here’s how the laser therapy procedure works
Selection of Wavelength
Different wavelengths of light penetrate tissues to different depths and have various biological effects. The choice of wavelength depends on the condition you’re treating.
Absorption by Cells
When the laser light is applied to the skin, it penetrates the underlying tissues. Certain cells within these tissues, such as mitochondria (the energy producers of cells), absorb the light.
Stimulation of Mitochondria
The absorbed light energy stimulates the mitochondria, triggering cellular responses. This can include increased adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production, which provides energy for cellular activities.
Cellular Effects
The increased ATP production can lead to several effects, including enhanced cellular metabolism, improved circulation, reduced inflammation, and accelerated tissue repair and regeneration.
Modulation of Biological Processes
Through these cellular effects, laser therapy can modulate various biological processes, such as reducing pain and swelling, promoting wound healing, and even stimulating hair growth in certain conditions like alopecia.
Treatment Parameters
The effectiveness of laser therapy depends on various factors, including wavelength, power density (energy delivered per unit area), treatment duration, and frequency of sessions. These parameters are often adjusted based on the specific condition being treated and your response to therapy.
Related Article: What are the Types of Physical Rehabilitation Therapy?
What to Expect at Your First Laser Therapy Session
Feeling unsure about what to expect when preparing for your first laser therapy session is normal. Generally, there is no cause for alarm if you visit an experienced therapist.
Here is a breakdown of what you can expect at a laser therapy treatment in North York.
Consultation
During the consultation, your therapist will want to know more about you and your health history. They will first want to know your current health concerns, if any, and your aspiration with laser therapy. With this information, they can determine if laser therapy is the right option for you.
Preparation
Once the therapist has concluded from the consultation that you need laser treatment, they will prepare you for the procedure. However, depending on the area of your body that will be treated, you may be asked to remove any clothing or jewellery that can interfere with the laser treatment.
The therapist may also provide protective eyewear to shield your eyes from the laser light. All of these are done to ensure nothing goes wrong during the procedure.
The procedure
After the preparation, the actual laser therapy procedure session will begin. You may be asked to sit or lie down depending on the affected body area. The physiotherapist will then use a handheld device to deliver the laser light into the affected area. The procedure generally feels like a slight tingling or warm sensation and is painless.
Duration
The session duration depends on two primary factors: the treatment area and your condition. However, the session should last a few minutes to about 30 minutes.
Number of sessions
Your therapist will decide the number of sessions you’ll need during your consultation. This number often depends on your condition or how well you respond to treatment.
Aftercare
Following the procedure, your therapist will give you some aftercare instructions. They may ask that you minimize sun exposure and regularly clean and moisturize the affected area.
Results
As discussed earlier, you can expect several sessions as determined by your therapist. That means you might wait to see results or notice improvements. Your physical therapist in North York will monitor your progress and determine the treatment plan accordingly.
Side Effects
Laser therapy is a safe procedure. Still, some people may experience redness at the treated site, swelling, or itching. These effects are temporary and will go away independently, but if they don’t regress after a couple of days, please see a doctor.
Cost and Insurance
The cost of laser therapy can vary depending on the provider and the size of the treatment area. Some insurance plans may cover laser therapy for certain conditions, so it’s worth checking with your insurance provider.
Related Article: Diagnosing Lower Back Pain And Finding Treatment
Laser Therapy Treatment Sessions in North York
Laser therapy is a safe, effective, and noninvasive method for promoting healing and recovery in various health conditions. Using the power of focused light, this procedure can reduce pain, improve blood flow, and accelerate the body’s natural healing processes.
If you need a physical therapist in North York, Body Dynamics offers professional physiotherapy and laser therapy services. We also specialize in shockwave therapy, acupuncture and concussion management for athletes and active individuals.
If you’re in North York, Ontario, book an appointment with us to discuss your laser therapy needs. Reach us at 647-799-2686
