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Painless Spring Training with Laser Therapy

Posted Monday, April 05, 2010

For many Vancouverites, the spring season often means spring training. Long-distance running is one of the best ways to maintain a healthy body weight and cardiovascular endurance, but the high impact can often leave runners susceptible to overuse injuries such as shin splints, ankle sprains and strains, iliotibial band (ITB) syndrome, plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, and compromised ligaments and tendons of the knee joint.

Low Intensity Laser Therapy is an excellent way to reduce pain, inflammation and injury healing time. Your laser therapist can also provide you with suggestions for stretching, hydrotherapy and cross training.

What is Low Intensity Laser Therapy?

Although it is relatively new in North America, Low Intensity Laser Therapy (LILT) is becoming increasingly recognized as a viable option to treat soft tissue injuries. A recent study at the University of Sydney showed that patients given LILT treatments were four times more likely to have reduced pain when compared to those given a placebo.  

How does Laser Therapy work?

LILT uses red and infrared light to treat injured muscles, bones, and connective tissues.  The light penetrates down to our cells, where it promotes activities inside the cell that enable healing and repair.

What Can I Expect When Having Laser Therapy?

In the clinic we see patients with a wide range of conditions such as plantar fasciitis, rotator cuff tears, frozen shoulder, low back pain, neck pain and tendonitis. Patients come in for regularly scheduled 30 to 45 minute sessions.  Other than a little warmth and the occasional subtle pulsing sensation, patients don’t feel anything during the treatment.  Often patients use the time to catch up on work or reading, take a little nap, or have a herbal tea and a chat.

Speed Up the Healing Process

Self care is an excellent compliment to LILT. During treatment sessions patients are educated and informed about the proper use of stretching, strengthening, and hydrotherapy to contribute to the healing process.  

A Gentle, more Natural Approach

If you are struggling with acute or chronic pain, LILT offers a gentle, natural, non-invasive alternative to pain-relieving medications. Call Laser Health Solutions at Vancouver Holistic Health to book your initial assessment.

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