Low Level Laser Therapy in Kelowna

Low Level Laser Therapy in Kelowna BC

Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT)

“Laser” is an acronym that denotes “Light Amplification by the Stimulated Emission of Radiation.” The first laser was created in 1960 by Theodore Maiman of the Hughes Aircraft Research Laboratories. There are presently over 1000 materials that can create a beam of light, but only around a dozen or two that are clinically used in medicine or aesthetic applications.

Laser light can be a visible or an invisible form of energy. Lasers can be in the ultraviolet, visible, or infrared bands of light that make up the electromagnetic spectrum of energy. This specialized light is made up of tiny particles of energy know as photons. Photons travel in waves called waveforms and make up the various types of energy that we know of today.

Lasers can be created from a variety of sources and are usually named after its components that create this specialized light energy. Common sources or “mediums” are gases, crystals, liquid, and diodes. Most common medical lasers are absorbed by a specific entity or target in the body. This absorption of the laser energy by a particular target or chromophore is usually conducted towards blood, water, pigment, or collagen. Low level laser, rather than heat tissues to the point of burning as a high-watt laser does, excites the molecules of the body’s tissues to increase the rate of tissue growth and speed up the healing process.


How it Works
LLLT involves exposing tissue to low levels of red and near infrared (NIR) light, and is referred to as “low level” because of its use of light at energy densities that are low compared to other forms of laser therapy that are used for surgery, cutting and thermally heating tissue. LLLT appears to have a wide range of effects at the molecule, cell, and tissue levels. Within the cell, there is strong evidence to suggest that LLLT acts on the energy-making part of the cell (called mitochondria) to increase adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production which is then used as additional energy for cell repair. It has also been demonstrated that LLLT causes protein synthesis in the cell which then triggers a cascade of downstream effects including increased cell proliferation, modulating certain cell factors (cytokines, prostaglandins, etc.) that are related to inflammation, and affects nitric oxide release which is a potent smooth muscle dilator. LLLT is also used to treat pain and it is thought to do so by local site stimulation and release of serotonin and acetylcholine.


There are no known side effects from laser therapy. Though laser therapy is contraindicated for patients taking light sensitive drugs, for use in areas injected by steroids within 7 days, and is not to be used over the Thyroid gland or in the eye. Lasers may react with tattoo ink so tattooed areas are generally avoided during treatment.

LLLT has been shown to be helpful in treating:

  • Sprains and Strains
  • Headaches
  • Tendonitis and Bursitis
  • Plantar Fascitis
  • Rheumatic pain
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
  • Frozen Shoulder
  • Back and Neck pain
  • Joint and Muscle pain
  • Nerve regeneration
  • Sciatica
  • Neuropathies and Radiculopathies

Symtrio Chiropractic in Kelowna uses the Multi Radiance MR4 Therapeutic Laser which is both Health Canada and FDA cleared. Multi Radiance Medical laser technology has been used safely and effectively among a wide range of patient populations for over 20 years in Canada, Europe and other countries in chiropractic care, physical therapy, orthopedics, outpatient clinics and elite athletics. The MR4 Laser is the “equipment of choice” for numerous professional, Olympic, National and Collegiate sports teams.


chiropractic laser treatment
Laser treatments take just minutes depending on the condition being treated. The treatment must be administered directly to skin for better efficacy. You feel a soothing warmth as the therapy is administered Patients generally see results after 2 to 5 treatments, but that will vary based upon the patient and the condition being treated.

Call today to learn more and to see if LLLT may be right for you.

Learn More:
“Lasers and their applications in chiropractic” Canadian Chiropractic Association 2001; 45 (1)

OFFICE HOURS


Monday
9:00am - 4:30pm


Tuesday
10:00am - 5:30pm


Wednesday
9:00am - 4:30pm


Thursday
8:30am - 3:30pm


Friday
Closed


Saturday
Closed

Symtrio Chiropractic Clinic
229 Valley Road
Kelowna, BC V1V 2G2
(250) 862-2002