Laser therapy
The science behind deep tissue laser therapy.
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.
5 Reasons You’ll Love Deep Tissue Laser Therapy
01
IT WORKS
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. LightForce Lasers are used by over 250 pro, college, and Olympic sports teams across the United States and many parts of Europe and East Asia
02
IT'S FAST
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.
03
IT LASTS
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.
04
IT'S SAFE
FDA cleared, 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.
05
IT'S PROVEN
Laser therapy is endorsed by professional clinical organizations, including the World Health Organization (WHO), American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), and the International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP®) with over 3,000 research studies having been conducted in the field. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
WHAT DOES IT FEEL LIKE?
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.
HOW LONG DO TREATMENTS LAST?
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.
HOW MANY TREATMENTS WILL I NEED?
Patients generally begin to see results after 3 to 5 treatments and most laser therapy plans of care will involve 6-12 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.
Let’s Work Toward What Matters Most to You
Begin your journey toward stronger, more confident movement with personalized, expert care rooted in the latest evidence. Our Edmonds team is ready to guide you step by step.