As physical therapy continues to evolve, more technology and techniques come to fruition. These new advances allow PTs to further enhance the treatment and quality of care provided for patients to continually work towards successful rehabilitation and improving clinical outcomes. One example of an innovation is low-level laser therapy for use in physical therapy.
In the continuation of our series on Revolutionizing Rehab where we take a look at innovative technology that we’re piloting across Upstream Rehabilitation in select locations, let’s break down what low-level laser therapy is, who can benefit, and why it might be an important piece of new technology which could enhance your physical therapy results.
What is Laser Therapy?
Laser therapy is a procedure that involves the use of a beam of lightthat targets tissue, which can stimulate and promote healing. The beauty of this procedure is that the low level or cold beams of light are not nearly as strong as they would be for more serious procedures, so there is a reduced risk of significant negative effects. Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) can be used to treat a variety of conditions, including strains, sprains, sciatica, and inflammation.
LLLT may help to reduce inflammation within hours to days, may act as pain relief, and can help to stimulate tissue regeneration after rehab sessions.
Who Can Benefit from Laser Therapy?
Many patients can benefit from utilizing low level laser therapy, such as:
- Muscle or ligament strains and sprains
- Lower back injuries
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Fibromyalgia
- Injuries sustained in an accident
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Wounds and scar tissue
- Patients recovering from surgery
If you are struggling to understand if your injuries or condition requires low level laser therapy, we encourage you to consult with a healthcare professional.
What Benefits Does Low Level Laser Therapy Provide?
Low-level laser therapy provides a variety of benefits for a physical therapy patient. One of the key benefits provided by LLLT is the relief it provides from one’s pain. One study shows that the use of LLLT may be as effective as taking ibuprofen to reduce pain.
LLLT also reduces the level of inflammation in the treated area and it may help to stimulate and promote the recovery process. These potential benefits alongside the guidance of a licensed physical therapist, in addition to other manual therapy techniques and a comprehensive treatment plan, patients can receive the care they need to get reacclimated into their normal, everyday lives and activities.
How is Laser Therapy Enhancing Physical Therapy as a Field?
Low-level laser therapy can be seen as an innovative technique that is helping to transform the world of physical therapy. This is a non-invasive procedure with evidence that suggests this new technology can be used to stimulate healing in the affected area. The procedure offers very minimal discomfort to patients, which can differ from high level beams suited for more serious medical procedures.
Laser Therapy and its Growing Importance to Physical Therapy
Low-level laser therapy is a powerful technique that may transform the world of physical therapy as another important component to providing effective care to patients in the pursuit of helping patients improve.
The benefits to this procedure and technology may be substantial, as its ability to accelerate healing, reduce pain and inflammation, and enhance overall treatment outcomes make it a valuable asset to PTs.
Join us at Upstream Rehabilitation
As new innovative techniques and technology continue to revolutionize physical therapy, there is an opportunity for individuals to become familiar with this procedure and improve patient care in organizations that are passionate about pushing the industry forward by piloting new and exciting technology like low-level laser therapy.
If you are ready to be a part of an organization that pilots cutting-edge technology to deliver the highest quality of care, join us at Upstream Rehabilitation
At Upstream Rehabilitation,we are committed to staying at the forefront of physical therapy advancements and providing our patients with the best possible care. The usage of low-level laser therapy is one of many technologies or techniques we’re piloting in select locations across the company. Whether you are a physical therapy student, new graduate, budding or experienced profession, consider being a part of the team of the largest pure-play outpatient physical therapy provider.
Upstream Rehabilitation provides opportunities for you to invest in your professional development and advance your career. Join us by applying for a position on our website for both clinical and non-clinical physical therapy job openings and make a real difference in your life and the lives of patients.
- Bahire, Evelyn. “Low Level Laser Therapy.” Physiopedia, www.physio-pedia.com/Low_Level_Laser_Therapy#:~:text=In%20physiotherapy%20LLLT%20is%20use,regeneration%20and%20reduction%20of%20inflammation.&text=neuropathic%20pain. Accessed 8 Aug. 2024.
- Mansouri, Vahid, et al. “Evaluation of Efficacy of Low-Level Laser Therapy.” Journal of Lasers in Medical Sciences, vol. 11, no. 4, 2020, pp. 369–80, https://doi.org/10.34172/jlms.2020.60. Accessed 22 Apr. 2022.
- Pietrangelo, Ann. “Cold Laser Therapy: Procedure, Purpose, Pros/Cons, and More.” Healthline, 17 July 2018, www.healthline.com/health/cold-laser-therapy#purpose.
- Wechter, Debra. “Laser Therapy: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia.” Medlineplus.gov, 2014, medlineplus.gov/ency/article/001913.htm.
