Science
Laser therapy is a medical treatment that uses focused light to stimulate a process called photobiomodulation (PBM). During PBM, photons enter the tissue and trigger a biological cascade of events that leads to an increase in cellular metabolism, which can decrease pain and inflammation and accelerate the healing process.
The number 1 reason you will love laser therapy? It works! When you are suffering from a painful injury or condition, deep tissue laser therapy can provide powerful pain relief, promote tissue repair, and reduce swelling– even when other therapies have failed.
Deep tissue laser therapy treatments are very fast – typically lasting between 4-7 minutes, depending on the size of the area treated. The results are often fast too, with many patients reporting pain relief and improved range of motion after the very first treatment.
The therapeutic benefits of deep tissue laser therapy extend far beyond the treatment itself. After each treatment, patients can expect notable pain relief, with the effects lasting longer after each treatment.
Deep tissue laser therapy can be used on most patients with minimal contraindications. With over 1 million treatments performed worldwide each month, it offers a safe alternative to opioid pain killers and surgical intervention in many cases.
There is a significant body of evidence supporting the use of deep tissue laser therapy as both an adjunct and a standalone treatment for a variety of musculoskeletal conditions. From head to toe, researchers have concluded that laser therapy is effective for reducing pain, increasing range of motion and improving overall quality of life for patients suffering from many common and difficult-to-treat conditions
Laser therapy treatments must be administered directly to skin, as clothing or topical dressings interfere with delivering light to tissues beneath the skin. Patients will feel a soothing warmth as the therapy is administered. Many patients receiving LightForce Therapy Laser treatments report enjoying the experience, especially when the massage ball treatment head is used to deliver what is often referred to as a “laser massage.” Patients receiving treatments with higher-power lasers also frequently report a rapid decrease in pain. For someone suffering from chronic pain, this effect can be particularly pronounced.
With LightForce lasers, treatments are quick, usually 4-7 minutes, depending on the size, depth, and chronicity of the condition being treated. High-power lasers are able to deliver a lot of energy in a small amount of time, allowing therapeutic dosages to be achieved quickly.
Patients generally see results after 3 to 5 treatments. Clinicians will develop specific plans of care based on the diagnosis and the tissues that are involved. Chronic conditions often require more therapy than acute.
Class 4 laser therapy, sometimes called photobiomodulation therapy (PBM) or therapeutic laser therapy, uses specific wavelengths of light to deliver energy to the tissues being treated. The goal is to support the body's natural healing processes and help manage pain and inflammation associated with musculoskeletal injuries and conditions.
Unlike a laser used for cutting or surgical procedures, therapeutic laser treatment is a non-invasive therapy that is applied to the surface of the skin. Treatment is typically comfortable, and many patients experience a gentle warming sensation in the area being treated.
At Lindley Chiropractic Health, laser therapy is not used as a stand-alone treatment for every patient. Dr. Lindley first evaluates your condition and determines whether laser therapy may be an appropriate part of your care.
Depending on your needs, laser therapy may be incorporated alongside:
Chiropractic adjustments
Rehabilitation and therapeutic exercises
Soft tissue therapy
Decompression therapy
Other conservative treatment approaches
The area being treated, treatment settings, and duration can be adjusted based on the condition being addressed and how you respond to care.
Class 4 laser therapy may be considered for a variety of painful or injured areas, including:
Back and neck pain
Muscle strains and soft tissue injuries
Tendon and ligament injuries
After a shoulder, knee or hip replacement
Shoulder pain and sports injuries
Knee pain
Elbow and forearm conditions (tennis or golfers elbow)
Foot and ankle pain
TMJ and jaw-related pain
Injuries following an auto accident/ car crash
Other musculoskeletal conditions involving pain or irritated tissues
Laser therapy may be particularly useful when we want to address a painful or irritated area while also working to restore normal movement and function.
Chiropractic care and laser therapy can address different aspects of a musculoskeletal problem. Chiropractic treatment may focus on improving joint movement and addressing mechanical restrictions, while laser therapy can be used as an additional tool to support the body's response to an injured or painful area.
For some patients, combining therapies can provide a more comprehensive approach to care. Dr. Lindley will determine whether laser therapy makes sense for your specific condition based on your examination findings, symptoms, and treatment goals.
Laser therapy is performed while you are comfortably positioned, with the laser applicator directed over the area being treated. The treatment is non-invasive and does not require needles or injections.
You will feel a gentle warming sensation during treatment, although the experience can vary depending on the treatment area and settings being used. Treatment time can vary based on the size and location of the area being treated and the goals of your care.
After treatment, you can generally return to your normal activities unless you have been given other instructions as part of your overall treatment plan.
Laser therapy may be appropriate for patients experiencing pain or recovering from certain musculoskeletal injuries, particularly when there is localized pain, irritated soft tissue, or an area that is not responding as expected to other conservative approaches.
However, laser therapy is not appropriate for every patient or every condition. Dr. Lindley will evaluate your individual situation and discuss whether it may be a useful addition to your care.
Yes. Laser therapy can be incorporated into a broader chiropractic treatment plan when appropriate. At Lindley Chiropractic Health, we may combine laser therapy with chiropractic adjustments, rehabilitation, soft tissue work, or other therapies based on your individual examination findings.
There is no single treatment schedule that is appropriate for everyone. The number and frequency of treatments depend on your condition, symptoms, response to care, and overall treatment goals. Your care plan can be reassessed as you progress.
The best way to determine whether laser therapy may be appropriate is to have your condition evaluated. Dr. Lindley can discuss your symptoms and examination findings and determine whether Class 4 laser therapy may be a useful part of your individualized treatment plan.
If you are dealing with an injury, persistent pain, or a sports-related problem, Lindley Chiropractic Health offers Class 4 laser therapy in Gig Harbor as part of an individualized approach to chiropractic and rehabilitative care. Contact our office to discuss your condition and determine whether laser therapy may be appropriate for you.
