Low Level Laser Therapy and Photobiomodulation
Low level laser therapy (LLLT) is a non-invasive light treatment used to treat musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions, often used alongside LED (photobiomodulation/PBM) therapy. Focused and bright, LEDs and lasers provide focused single colors of light(coherent and collimated single wavelengths). Lasers with wavelengths between 632 and 904nm are used most often in the treatment of MSK conditions. These red (and invisible infrared) lights can pass thru the skin into muscles, ligaments, and tendons to support healing and wellness. LLLT has been found by many to lessen MSK pain, support healing/repair and regeneration processes, and reduce inflammation. The light enters the cells and the energy is available to the body. LLLT devices have less than 0.5 watts of output power, are generally labeled Class III (3) in the US, and are referred to as "cold lasers" since they do not heat the area being treated. The minor and infrequent adverse effects of professional LLLT reported in studies and trials were the same as for placebo devices, essentially there are no side-effects when properly used.
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Many people and studies have reported improvements in the following situations:
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general musculoskeletal(MSK) pain: neck, back, shoulder, knee, etc.
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sports injury recovery
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wound healing
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peripheral neuropathy
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general arthritic symptoms
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carpal tunnel syndrome
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TMD/TMJD/TMJ temporomandibular(jaw) dysfunction
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shoulder impingement syndromes
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bursitis of the hip and shoulder
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disc degeneration or hernia
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tendonitis
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plantar fasciitis
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lymphedema
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tennis elbow(lateral epicondylitis)
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golfers elbow(medial epicondylitis)
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neuropathic pain
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sciatica
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chemotherapy side-effects including mucositis
Unfortunately, insurance companies are not yet covering this wonderful treatment (cpt code S8948).
We currently offer 15 minute personalized professional LLLT sessions to our patients for $25.
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Please Contact us if you have any questions
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Contraindications according to The North American Association for Laser Therapy are strictly followed:
Eyes: Do not shine laser or LED light towards the eyes, even if they are closed.
Cancer: Do not treat over the site of any known primary carcinoma, or secondary metastasis.
Pregnancy: Do not treat directly over the developing fetus.
Epileptics: Exercise caution, as blinking lights may trigger a seizure in sensitive patients.
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Class IV (4) lasers do exceed 0.5 watts of power, can heat the area being treated, and may produce unwanted side-effects. At Prairie Path Wellness, we choose to maximize your potential benefit whilst minimizing your risk by using Class III (3) LLLT exclusively over the higher-powered Class IV (4) devices often promoted by other establishments. Space agencies, veterinary medicine professionals, assembly-line manufacturers, academia, and even military divisions the world over have all contributed to the research and studies made so far on LLLT. Professional studies can easily be found online by searching for keywords on websites such as PubMed. For us, research findings on LLLT and PBM is fascinating reading, and the future looks promising!