Low Level Laser Therapy

Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) is the application of red and near infrared light over an injured site to promote tissue healing. Low Level Laser therapy is also known as Medical Laser, Cold Laser or Photobiomodulation Therapy.

How does Low Level Laser therapy work?

The laser light penetrates deep into the affected tissue where it is absorbed by cells and converted into energy which then promotes a number of biochemical effects:

Anti-inflammatory – Through its positive effects on local immune mechanisms, LLLT has a powerful anti-inflammatory effect. LLLT stimulates blood flow and lymphatic drainage, improves delivery of O2 and nutrition to the area, and removes waste products. This means swelling is quickly reduced, tissue healing is accelerated, wounds close over more quickly and scar tissue is reduced.

Accelerated Tissue Repair -  Rapid regeneration of skin, muscle, tendons, ligament, cartilage, blood vessels, bone and nerves. Laser therapy aims to ‘biostimulate’ the cells in the body - particularly the mitochondria, the power-house or energy producing part of the cells. This has many positive effects some of which are: increase ATP and protein synthesis; improved cell proliferation; strengthening of the immune system response.

Pain relief – as a result of increased endorphin release, increased serotonin and suppression of nociceptor action. The above anti-inflammatory and accelerated tissue healing benefits also reduce pain in the injured area, allowing normal function to be restored.

So in summary, Low Level Laser therapy is used to reduce inflammation, accelerate tissue healing and reduce pain.

At Foundation Podiatry we have invested in the industry leading LLLT – The MLS Difference

Most lasers used for treating musculoskeletal pain are a Class 3 or lower and only have 1 wavelength emission which affects inflammation only. The MLS (Multiwave Locked System) is Class IV and generates a combined continuous and pulsed emissions at two different wave lengths. The 905nm super-pulsed laser treats pain and promotes tissue healing, while the continuous 808nm beam simultaneously reduces inflammation and oedema. The MLS laser has a large multi-diode head which delivers a 5cm diameter focused target beam via three laser sources that produce 3 x 25w peak power. This provides reduced treatment times as larger areas can be targeted.

Advantages of Low Level Laser Therapy:

• Painless and often immediate analgesic effect at time of treatment
• Dramatically shortened recovery time with rapid reduction of swelling and inflammation
• Can be used for both acute and chronic injuries
• Non-invasive and extremely patient friendly treatment, no side effects
• Accelerates body’s own ability to heal

Low Level Laser Therapy is well-researched and utilised world-wide for the treatment of:

• Musculoskeletal pain (sprained ligaments, tendon injuries, muscle and joint pain)
• Fibrous lesions and scar tissue break down
• Lymphoedema and wound healing

Conditions treated at Foundation Podiatry Townsville using Low Level Laser Therapy include:

• Acute injuries such as ankle sprain
• Plantar Fasciopathy (Heel pain) esp if interstitial tear present
• Forefoot pain (Morton’s Neuroma, intermetatarsal bursitis, capsulitis)
• Achilles tendon pain
• Joint pain due to Rheumatoid arthritis and Osteoarthritis
• Breaking down scar tissue (especially post-surgery scars)
• Managing pain and swelling post-surgery (bunion surgery, knee surgery)
• Tendinopathies (peroneal, posterior tibialis etc)

At Foundation Podiatry Townsville we often use Medical Laser therapy in conjunction with other therapies, such as massage, taping and Medical Acupuncture. Laser can be applied to acupuncture points instead of inserting an acupuncture needle; and can also be applied beside an acupuncture needle to enhance the benefits of the acupuncture and also reduce the needle time.

Treatment length and frequency with laser therapy varies depending on the individual, the injury, whether it is acute or chronic etc. Improvements in symptoms however is usually noticed between 1- 4 appointments.

MORE RELATED READS:
>  Low Level Laser Therapy in the management of Plantar Fasciitis
> Medical Acupuncture

Our Services

• Active Foot Formula
• Low Level Laser Therapy
• Medical Acupuncture
• Running Gait Assessment
• Shockwave Therapy
• Custom-made Foot Orthoses
• Foot Mobilisation
• Kinesio & Rigid Taping
• Footwear