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Laser Therapy

Laser (acronym for “light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation”) therapy is a non-invasive, non-toxic and highly effective way to regenerate the skin to quickly heal wounds, reduce pain, and restore normal cellular function.

When red and infrared light is emitted over skin and musculoskeletal injuries, the photon energy penetrates soft tissue and interacts with molecules inside the cells. This interaction restores normal cell morphology and function and enhances the body’s natural healing processes. With no known side effects, laser therapy is effective in healing wounds and in treating chronic and degenerative conditions where other therapies have been unsuccessful.

How does it work?

Inside each of our cells is a power plant, called mitochondrion, that produces energy to fuel cell function. One such function is tissue repair, which requires a significant amount of energy. At the site of injury, most cells are busy fighting inflammation and infection, leaving little energy for repair if the mitochondria are working at their usual rate. This is why certain tissues take a long time to repair on their own.

Low intensity light stimulates the mitochondria into hyperactivity so that they generate more energy than usual for cells to repair themselves. With the extra boost of energy, cells perform better, faster and more effectively. The result is enhanced and quicker wound and injury healing. The ability to combat infection and to restore blood circulation at the injury is also increased.

What conditions and injuries can be treated with laser therapy?

• Sports injuries
• Repetitive stress injuries
• Rheumatoid and osteoarthritis   
• Degenerative disc disease

What are the key biological effects of laser therapy?

• Increased cell metabolism
• Increased beta-endorphins
• Increased ATP (adenosine triphosphate)
• Reduced inflammation
• Reduced scar tissue formation
• Formation of new blood vessels
• Improved histamine response     
• Stimulated nerve function
• Stimulated cell growth
• Modulation of white blood cells
• Edema reduction
• Collagen deposition
• Increased lymphatic drainage

Why is it beneficial to use laser therapy for an acute or recent injury?

• Heals acute injuries like a sprained ankle up to 60% faster than if left untreated. This means that you can be back on your feet in just two weeks instead of six.
• Restores the injured area to its normal state by preventing excessive scar tissue build-up, which is a common cause of chronic pain experienced months to years post-injury.
• Is effective immediately after the injury, unlike other therapies that may often require a delay of days or even weeks before treatment can begin.

Is laser therapy a cure for arthritis?

Although laser therapy isn’t a cure for arthritis, it does treat arthritis at the cellular level. It helps to improve the condition rather than to superficially mask the pain. After an initial round of treatments, patients can see up to 100% long-lasting improvement. This enables them to reduce or eliminate pain medications, to sleep better, and to become physically more active. To achieve this level of improvement, treatment frequency varies widely from patient to patient, ranging from once a month to once a year.

Will laser therapy help me avoid surgery?  

Sometimes surgery is the best solution for an injury. In the case of necessary joint replacements, laser therapy can help prolong the need for those replacements as well as dramatically reduce the amount of pain while waiting for the surgery.  Laser therapy can also help patients with shoulder, knee, foot, back and Achilles tendon injuries avoid surgery completely.  

I am a professional athlete and sustain many injuries every season. Is laser therapy right for me?

Laser therapy is very popular among professional athletes because it helps them get back in the game faster. Not only does laser therapy effectively treat acute injuries, it is also a preventative treatment to help you recuperate from intense training.  

What is meant by “radiation”, when referring to lasers?

"Radiation" is often misinterpreted since it is also used to describe radioactive materials and ionized radiation. The use of the word "radiation" in terms of laser light is merely to describe energy transmission.

Can laser therapy cause cancer?

No. Low intensity laser therapy is very safe because it generally uses wavelengths above 632 nm. Cancer-causing radiations emit high energy wavelengths such as X-rays, Gamma rays, etc. In fact, laser therapy is even safer than ordinary sunlight, which contains cancer-causing wavelengths (below 320 nm) such as ultraviolet (UV) light. 

Where can I learn more about laser therapy?

The first systemic scientific research on the biological effects of low level laser was conducted by the late Professor Endre Mester of the Semmelweis Medical University in Budapest, Hungary, 1966. Since then, there are over 2500 research reports published documenting the effectiveness of laser therapy.

Vancouver Holistic Health is one of 3 LaserHealth^® Solutions providers in BC.

What is the time and financial investment to receive laser therapy?

At Vancouver Holistic Health, a 30-minute treatment is $50. The average number of treatments required by patients is 7, but it varies from 2 to 20 treatments. The average patient with a chronic condition requires 10 treatments in total, while one with an acute injury requires only 5 treatments. The case studies below illustrate the results achieved over different treatment courses.

Case Studies

Musculoskeletal: Left Achilles Tendonitis / Partial Tear Tenderness, Edema, Partial Loss of Flexion

BEFORE                                          AFTER

Muscle Tear / Hematoma: 8 Treatments Over 2 Weeks

BEFORE                                          AFTER

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