Modern technology has impacted numerous areas of our lives, and some of the most important involve various medical or physical treatments that benefit people in wide-ranging ways. One great example here within the realm of physical therapy is known as deep tissue laser therapy, which utilizes forced light to stimulate photobiomodulation (PBM) and provide several direct healing benefits.
At ImPackt Physical Therapy, we’re proud to offer an extensive range of physical therapy programs and services to patients around Riverton and South Jordan, including Class IV deep tissue laser therapy for varying needs. Here are some basics on how this therapy works, plus some of the different kinds of people who may be quality candidates for it.
How Deep Tissue Laser Therapy Works
As we noted above, our Class IV deep tissue laser therapy stimulates a process known as photobiomodulation. This process involves the interaction of photons with cells within the body, which is then turned into usable energy by the cell’s mitochondria – this helps increase cellular metabolism and promote natural healing processes.
The basic principle here is that properly applied light energy can lead to increased cell function and regeneration in various areas, including those recovering from injury or dealing with pain. In fact, numerous studies have shown that deep tissue laser therapy is able to positively impact both soft and hard tissues within the body.
Who can benefit from this treatment, and might be a good candidate for it? Here are some good examples.
Chronic Pain or Inflammation
Likely the widest category of individuals who may be great candidates for deep tissue laser therapy are those dealing with chronic pain – and particularly those dealing with inflammation as part of this pain. Laser therapy is able to reduce or eliminate swelling and inflammation in the targeted area, helping to alleviate pain and improve mobility. This makes it a fantastic choice for athletes, aging individuals or anyone else dealing with long-term discomfort.
For instance, let’s say you’re dealing with arthritis in your knee and it’s been causing you pain for years. While there are several treatment methods out there, laser therapy is one of the most effective in reducing inflammation and pain associated with this condition – without the need for invasive surgery or other potentially harmful interventions.
Injury Recovery
Another large category here is injury recovery, and particularly in cases where surgery may be averted by using laser therapy. This includes injuries like sprained ankles, torn ligaments or tendons and several others that are common in active individuals, including athletes. Laser therapy can even help with bone fractures and other issues that involve both hard and soft tissues.
In addition to helping reduce pain and swelling associated with these types of injuries, deep tissue laser therapy is also able to improve overall circulation and promote healing in these areas. This means a faster recovery time, plus the ability to return to normal activities or sports sooner than you might with other treatment methods.
Post-Surgical Recovery
Down related lines, deep tissue laser therapy is also a fantastic option for individuals who are recovering from surgery. In fact, many surgeons and medical professionals recommend this therapy in the post-op period due to its effectiveness in reducing inflammation and pain without any invasive methods.
One great example here is following knee replacement surgery, where patients may be dealing with significant swelling or discomfort. Laser therapy can help manage these issues and promote faster healing, even in cases where the surgery was more invasive or complex.
Muscle Spasms
In some cases where other treatments may have failed, deep tissue laser therapy may be able to reduce or eliminate muscle spasms. It’s particularly effective at this when combined with other techniques like massage or exercise.
This is because the increased cellular function and healing promoted by laser therapy can help relax tight muscles and improve overall muscle function. This makes it a great option for individuals dealing with conditions like fibromyalgia or chronic back pain.
Neuropathy
Another possible application for deep tissue laser therapy is in treating neuropathy, which can manifest as tingling, numbness, or pain in the hands or feet. This condition often responds well to PBM and the increased cellular function that comes with it.
If you’re dealing with any of these issues or others where deep tissue laser therapy may be an option, don’t hesitate to contact our team at ImPackt Physical Therapy today. Our experienced therapists will assess your condition and determine if this therapy is right for you, helping you recover faster and get back to living your life without pain or discomfort. With our state-of-the-art equipment and personalized treatment plans, we’re committed to providing the best care possible for all of our patients around Riverton, South Jordan and nearby areas.
