What to Expect From Your Laser Therapy Treatment
What is Laser Therapy?
Laser therapy is a safe, pain-free treatment that only takes a few minutes per visit. Laser Therapy does not require the use of drugs or surgery, and there are no side effects or risks that may occur with other forms of treatment. In addition, it can often achieve results faster and better than other treatment modalities. Many conditions show signs of improvement in even the first or second treatments. The primary mechanism of laser therapy is photobiomodulation which causes a stimulation of cells and tissue repair that is based on scientific research which has demonstrated positive physiological effects of infrared wavelengths on cellular organelles and electron chain molecules.
Why Laser Therapy?
- Injuries treated with laser therapy heal faster
- Laser Therapy has a strengthening effect on tissue repair
- Laser Therapy improves blood flow & lymphatic drainage
- It is an effective means of relief for many pain syndromes
- It can improve immune response
- Laser therapy has proven to decrease pain and increase range of motion
- The first treatment alone has demonstrated immediate pain relief lasting up to 24 hours.
- Depending on the root cause, completed laser series can result in a lifetime of relief.
What to do Before Treatment
Complete Forms: Please complete the patient consent and contraindication forms and necessary medical history forms provided by your Certified Laser Technician.
Health Assessments: Perform health assessment, including range of motion and pain scale evaluations, with your Certified Laser Technician.
Safety Goggles: Safety Goggles are required for you to wear during the treatment.
Remove Jewelry: Any body jewelry in the treatment area will need to be removed.
What to Expect During Treatment
Quick Treatment: Most treatments take 3 – 12 minutes, depending on your condition.
Painless: Most patients do not feel any pain from the treatment. On occasion, there may be some conditions that the laser stimulates, that may feel uncomfortable and even more painful, which will subside and go away within a period of time and with follow up laser therapy treatments
Positive Experience: Most patients experience a soothing and therapeutic warmth sensation, similar to the warmth of the sun. If you feel that the laser is getting too warm, please inform your technician so that they may adjust your treatment delivery. At no time should it feel HOT.
Simple Procedure: No messy gels are required. No complex wires or harness are used. Treatment will be performed directly on the skin or slightly above the surface of the skin. The treatment handpiece is moved in a motion pattern during the course of the treatment. A treatment may be provided in one area of the body or in multiple areas depending on your Treatment Plan. During the treatment, you may be asked to reevaluate your level of pain and you may be requested that you perform basic range of motion exercises to optimize laser delivery and effectiveness to the treatment areas.
Treatment Plan: The best results come from more than one treatment. Your doctor may schedule additional treatments for best healing and recovery. They may also schedule regular maintenance treatments for chronic or recurring conditions.
Pain Relief: Most patients experience pain relief by the end of the treatment, while others may not experience pain relief for a few hours or even until the next day. Many patients also report improved sleep after their laser treatments.
Ask Questions: Do not hesitate to ask questions! We are confident in the benefits that laser therapy provides and are excited to share how it can help you.
What to do After Treatment
Hydrate: Drink a minimum of 1 quart of water. It is important to be hydrated!
Activity: Restrict heavy or strenuous physical activity during the first 24 – 48 hours, but do not stay idle. Maintain modified or light-duty work. Most individuals want to return to normal functionality as soon as they begin to feel relief. This will delay and slow the outcomes that result from laser therapy treatments.
Document: You should document and track how long you experience improved range of motion and pain relief. This information is important for laser technicians and providers so that they may gauge how to administer your next laser treatment based on previous treatments and outcomes.
Ice: It is recommended to apply ice to the treated area in 5 to 20 minute increments every 30 minutes, as needed. Do not ice for more than 20 minutes at a time.
Pain Medication: Continue your pain control medicines as prescribed, unless told otherwise by your prescribing physician. Continued laser therapy treatments should minimize the need for your pain medication.
Next Appointment: Upon initial laser therapy treatments, you should schedule a second appointment within 72 hours. Laser therapy regimens begin with three visits in the first week and then two treatments each week thereafter, until pain has subsided, and desired outcomes have been met. When you experience new or recurring injuries or pain, request an immediate appointment.
Referrals: Please refer family and friends and share with them your experience with your laser therapy treatments.
JUSTIN VORWALLER, MBA is currently Chief Operations Officer at Aspen Laser Systems. Prior to this position, Justin has helped several start up companies grow through his expert marketing and operational methods. He can be contacted at 303-990-3113, or at justin@aspenlaser.com.
