Phototherapy

Description: Used for over 30 years in Europe, Phototherapy is a newly available therapeutic physical modality using photons of light from the visible red to the infrared spectrum for tissue healing and pain reduction.

• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome • Arthritis • Tendonitis • Tennis/Golfers Elbow • Swelling/Edema

• Neck Pain • Lower Back Pain • Repetitive Stress Injuries • Nerve Regeneration • Bone Healing

• Joint Sprains • Muscle Strains • Soft Tissue Injuries • Wound Healing • Burns

Phototherapy indications:

Phototherapy was first FDA approved in 2002 for adjunct use in reducing CTS and its related symptoms. The FDA expanded indications for use of phototherapy in 2003 to include temporary increase in local blood circulation, temporary relief of minor muscle and joint aches, pains and stiffness and relaxation of muscles, for muscle spasms, minor pain and stiffness associated with arthritis.

Phototherapy is:

Safe to use with children, adults and elderly, safe to use with patients with pacemakers, circulatory and nerve impairments and when hit is contraindicated.

How Phototherapy Works:

   - Light penetrates through the skin and is avsorbed by the mitochondria in the cell
   - Light energy is transformed into biomechanical energy
   - The additional energy assists cells to enhance healing and to restore normal cell function

Contraindications to Phototherapy:

• Cancer (tumors or cancerous areas)
• Direct irradiation of eyes
• Photosensitivities
• Irradiation of the fetus or treatment over the pregnant uterus
• Over areas recently injected with corticosteroids or the thyroid gland

The effects of phototherapy on injured tissue:

• Accellerated healing
• Reduced pain
• Reduced inflammation
• Reduced swelling
• Increase blood flow and formation of capillaries
• Increased tensile strength and quality of repair
• Increase mobility / Range of Motion

Therapeutic Lasers:
"LASER" is an acronym for Light Amplification by Stimulation Emission of Radiation. To be classified a laser, the beam of light produced must:

• Always be monochromatic
• Remain coherent
• Produce a "speckle" effect

Super Luminous Diodes (SLD):
SLD's contain medical grade super bright Light Emitting Diodes or LEDs and emit monochromatic non-coherent light.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a new type of therapy?
No. Phototherapy has been in use for more than 30 years. However, LLLT has only been FDA approved since 2002.

Can the laser burn me?
No. Low level lasers are designed to not produce any thermal increases in the tissue temperature.

Is laser therapy dangerous?
There has not been a single published report of injury from the use of cold laser therapy. You may experience a mild increase in pain, tingling or fatigue.

How many treatments will I need?
This is dependent on the nature and severity of your condition, wiht an average being between 8 and 12 visits. Many patients experience some relief of symptoms after the 2nd and 3rd sessions.

Who should be carrying out the treatment?
Federal law restricts this device to sale by or on the order of a Licensed Clinician, Medical doctors, both M.D. and D.O., physical therapists, athletic trainers, chiropractors or dentists fit this category.

Will my insurance cover the treatment cost?
Some insurance companies may cover the cost of the treatment. Call your insurance carrier to discuss your Physical Therapy benefits and see if pre-authorization is necessary for coverage.

Can I see the laser working?
No, you will not see anything, as these wavelengths are invisible to the human eye.

What if my insurance does not cover the cost of the treatment?
We accept fee for service payments. Payments are to be made at the time services are rendered.
Please speak with your attending therapist if you are unsure of the overall treatment cost, especially if you have multiple conditions being treated simultaneously.

Can I be treated without a prescription?
This varies by state, however, insurers require a current physical therapy prescription for reimbursement.