Cold Laser Therapy

Polishuk Physical Therapy is one of the few providers in the area to offer Erchonia® Low Level Laser Therapy. This laser has been getting extraordinary results for our patients. It reduces pain, inflammation, and swelling, and helps to accelerate the healing process, but for the more inquisitive minds, the following will give a little more scientific detail. 

The Erchonia® laser is a low level laser therapy device, or cold laser, that was designed to correct and heal soft tissue dysfunction and ailments. It works through the penetration of billions of photons of visible and invisible laser light deep into tissue structures. Cold laser therapy is defined by the North American Association of Laser Therapy (NAALT) as “a therapeutic physical modality, using photons from the visible and infrared spectrum (600nm-1000nm) for tissue healing and pain reduction”. 

Laser technology has been used for over 30 years in Europe, Asia, and Canada with great success. Low level laser therapy was made available in the United States after 12 years of study and research. The Erchonia®  Laser is FDA approved and can be safely used anywhere on the body. 

Tissues naturally contain protein strands called chromophores and cytochromes located in the cell’s mitochondria (cell’s powerhouse). These proteins have a unique ability to absorb laser light energy and transform it into chemical energy for the cell to use. In that sense, low level laser therapy is similar to photosynthesis in plants; sunlight is absorbed by the plant and converted into energy the plant can utilize for growth. In the body, light sensitive chromophores and other elements within the cell absorb energy, initiating a series of important photochemical changes such as increased production of nitric oxide, singlet oxygen and ATP, as well as an increase in the cell membrane’s permeability. Through the Kreb’s cycle, the mitochondria produces ATP, providing the cell with the extra energy needed to accelerate the healing process and positively influence pain. Since the following processes occur in all types of cells (muscle, ligament, cartilage, nerves, etc.), a number of wide-ranging conditions can be treated. 

When should laser therapy be used?

Laser therapy can be used for both acute and chronic conditions, including neck pain, shoulder pain, back pain and sciatica, arthritis, bursitis, disc injuries, TMJ, sports injuries, plantar fasciitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, migraines, soft tissue damage, and MORE!

Before determining your treatment plan, one of our dedicated Ambler, PA physical therapists will conduct a physical evaluation and assessment of your medical history in order to diagnose your condition and decide which treatment options will best benefit you. Both the type of the laser and its strength will be dependent upon the results of your initial evaluation.

What else should I know about laser therapy?

Laser therapy has earned a reputation as being one of the safest, non-invasive treatment options on the market. In fact, medical lasers are approved by the FDA and they adhere to strict ISO standards. Laser treatments are administered directly to the skin, in order to avoid contact with the eyes.

Get started today!

If you are suffering from pain, contact Polishuk Physical Therapy today! Laser therapy in Ambler, PA is limited, and our practice is equipped with the best methods and technologies for treating your pain. Request your appointment today and get started on the right path toward quick and effective pain relief!