Exploring the Many Benefits of Deep Tissue Laser Therapy

Exploring the Many Benefits of Deep Tissue Laser Therapy

February Newsletter

Dolores (not her real name) had been living with hip osteoarthritis for years. As her condition progressed, she found it more and more difficult to stay active — which only worsened her symptoms. Desperate, she visited Elevate Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine to see if we could help.

And help we did! We introduced Dolores to our Lightforce laser,  a noninvasive, state-of-the-art tool that utilizes deeply penetrating light waves to reduce pain and inflammation, stimulate the body’s healing process, and provide lasting relief.

After a few weeks of regular deep tissue laser therapy treatment, Dolores found that her pain had diminished enough that she was able to begin a new daily exercise routine that helped further manage her pain and improve her mobility.

Laser therapy might sound scary, but it’s an important tool in managing and addressing several musculoskeletal conditions. Could it benefit you? Keep reading to learn more — or call us to schedule an appointment!

What Exactly Can Laser Therapy Do?

Laser therapy provides several unique benefits, including…

• Reducing inflammation
• Providing acute pain relief
• Increasing blood circulation
• Facilitating your body’s natural healing processes

For these reasons, laser therapy can benefit several musculoskeletal conditions. Let’s look at some common conditions we see at our clinic–and how laser therapy helps those patients thrive!

• Arthritis refers to several conditions, including osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, that cause joint pain and inflammation. Exercise is one of the best ways to address arthritis pain, but breaking through the initial discomfort can be challenging for many. Laser therapy can help reduce joint pain and stiffness, making it easier for you to get active.
• Nerve entrapments occur when a nerve becomes compressed by other structures. Perhaps the most well-known is carpal tunnel syndrome, which affects your hands and fingers. Laser therapy helps reduce the inflammation and pain associated with the condition and may help promote the healing of damaged nerves, helping ensure lasting relief.
• Soft-tissue injuries are any injuries that affect your muscles, tendons, or ligaments. These injuries often stem from overuse, which creates microdamage in the tissue, leading to persistent pain. While these injuries will generally heal on their own with proper care, laser therapy can help facilitate that process so you can return to your day-to-day activities as quickly as possible.
• Herniated discs occur when an intervertebral disc ruptures or bulges, leading to intense pain and muscle guarding/spasms (usually in the lower back). Laser therapy can reduce that pain and alleviate muscle tension so you can move more easily as you work through your rehabilitation.

What Happens During Laser Therapy Treatment?

We typically use deep tissue laser therapy as part of a comprehensive treatment plan that incorporates other interventions, including therapeutic exercise, manual therapy, and functional training. So, before you ever see our Lightforce laser, we’ll conduct a comprehensive assessment that allows us to better understand your needs and determine whether or not laser therapy is the right choice for you.

Once done, we’ll create a treatment schedule based on your needs. Some people need one session to see results; others benefit from multiple sessions over 2-3 weeks. 

The sessions themselves are quick, typically only lasting a few minutes. There’s nothing you’ll need to do to prepare beforehand, although you should wear clothes that give us easy access to the treatment area. You can also leave jewelry at home; we’ll ask you to remove it before treatment begins.

During your session, our therapists will run the laser wand over your bare skin. Most patients don’t report any pain, although there may be some cases where you experience some discomfort during and after your session. This pain should subside, especially with subsequent sessions.

Depending on your treatment plan, we may move on to other techniques, such as manual therapy or targeted exercises.

Tips for A Heart-Healthy Valentine’s Day!

This year, don’t forget the most important Valentine of all: your heart! With February being the month of love and American Heart Month, here are a few tips to combine them into one fabulous celebration:

• Try a heart-healthy treat: Pomegranate seeds, good dark chocolate, and sweet strawberries are all delicious alternatives to candy hearts. 
• Take a ballroom dance class with your sweetheart: Nothing’s more romantic than a sweeping waltz or sultry tango. But ballroom dancing is also a great cardio workout — making it the perfect date night for American Heart Month!
• Sink into a relaxing bubble bath: Stress contributes to cardiovascular disease, so this month, set aside time to rest and relax with a bubble bath. Dim the lights, burn a few candles, and settle down with your favorite romantic read.

Want more healthy heart tips this February — or any month of the year? Schedule an appointment with Elevate Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine!

Please Welcome Ryan Ingebrand, Our Newest Physical Therapist, to the Team

Ryan Ingebrand, Physical Therapist

Ryan grew up in Johnston, IA. As a former high school basketball and soccer player, he experienced his own challenges with injuries, which sparked his passion for physical therapy. He earned his undergraduate degree at Iowa State University before completing his Doctorate of Physical Therapy at Rockhurst University in Kansas City. Ryan is dedicated to helping individuals — especially athletes — recover from injury and return to the activities they love.

Ryan’s approach to therapy is focused on individualized care and patient education, empowering clients to take an active role in their recovery. He enjoys working with people of all ages and skill levels, helping them regain strength, mobility, and confidence. Outside of work, Ryan enjoys spending time outdoors, notorious for always catching the smallest fish, and spending time with his wife Laura and daughter Nora.