Areas ONLY Cold Laser Therapy Provider
At Popovich Chiropractic Health Center, we are proud to have added and be the areas only cold laser therapy provider. Cold laser therapy is a relatively new technology compared to many alternative therapies like acupuncture (which has been used since 8000-3500 B.C.), chiropractic (since 1895) and physical therapy. Just like the abacus evolved into the computer, many alternative medicine practices are evolving to include laser therapy. Recent innovations in low-level lasers now make it possible for practitioners or consumers to own high quality cold laser equipment. Lasers have been around since the late 60‘s and used therapeutically since the 70‘s. The first cold laser was FDA cleared in 2001. Cold lasers are sometimes called Low Level Lasers (LLL) or soft lasers.
What is Cold Laser Therapy/How Does it Work?
The goal of laser therapy is to deliver light energy units from red and infrared laser radiation, called photons, to damaged cells. It is the consensus of experts is that photons absorbed by the cells through laser therapy stimulate the mitochondria to accelerate production of ATP. This biochemical increase in cell energy is used to transform live cells from a state of illness to a stable, healthy state. It’s basically the same as photosynthesis in plants, its a conversion of light energy by the cells into chemical energy to fuel the organisms’ or in the case of a person, body’s activities.
The key is finding the proper light wavelength and proper laser power to treat various conditions.
RED lasers (600 to 780nm) are on the lower end of therapeutic window are better for treating surface problems like scars, eczema dermatitis and some non-structural internal problems because the energy is absorbed by the blood and the blood flows through the the body triggering reactions in indirect areas. In addition to hemoglobin, hair and skin pigment may absorb visible energy in the upper layers of the skin so most manufacturers advertise products designed for “deep tissue” operate in the range of 800 to 980nm or IR (Infrared). This is the range that provides the best wavelengths for interaction with deep tissue such as muscle, tendon, ligament and bone(joints).
Many of the cold lasers on the market don’t have the proper power or wavelength(s) to treat your problem. Our laser at Popovich Chiropractic is a Class 3b laser (up to 500mw), with wavelengths in the Red (600 to 780nm) AND IR (Infrared) (800-980nm) for treating superficial, deep, acute and chronic problems.
Over 4000 studies have been conducted in recent years to validate the effectiveness of cold laser therapy. Cold lasers treatment systems may be cleared by the FDA.
Cold Laser therapy offers a non-intrusive option to surgery. It also provides a non-addicting treatment that eliminates the potential complications and side effects of long-term drug treatment programs. Cold lasers are FDA cleared and widely use for treatment of: Arthritis, Acute and Chronic pain, Ligament sprains, Muscle strain , Soft tissue injuries, Whiplash, Tendonitis, Tennis elbow, Back pain, Bursitis, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Eczema, Fibromyalgia, Diabetic Neuropathy, TMJ & more.
Benefit of Cold Lasers
·Easy to apply
·Extremely safe
·Non-Toxic
·Non-Invasive
·No side effects or pain
·Cost effective for both the practitioner and patient
·Highly effective in treating ailments (more than 90% efficacy)
·Superior alternative to analgesics, NSAID’s and other medications
·Reduces the need for surgery
·Works synergistically with other modalities like Chiropractic, and PT
General Therapeutic Laser Biological Effects
Increased Cell Growth: Laser photons accelerates cellular reproduction and growth.
Increased Metabolic Activity: Photons initiate a higher outputs of specific enzymes, greater oxygen and food particle loads for blood cells and thus greater production of the basic food source for cells, Adenosine Tri-Phosphate (ATP).
Faster Wound Healing: Cold laser photons stimulates fibroblast development and accelerates collagen synthesis in damaged tissue
Anti-Inflammatory Action: Laser photons reduce swelling caused by bruising or inflammation of joints resulting in enhanced joint mobility.
Increased Vascular Activity: Laser photons induce temporary vasodilation that increases blood flow to effected areas.
Reduced Fibrous Tissue Formation:Laser photons reduce the formation of scar tissue following tissue damage from: cuts, scratches, burns or post surgery.
Stimulated Nerve Function: Laser photon exposure speeds the process of nerve cell reconnection to bring the numb areas back to life.
Pain Reduction: Almost all systems have a mode of operation specifically designed to reduce pain.
So, as you can see, cold laser therapy, like chiropractic causes and enables your body to actually heal many of its problems not just mask the symptoms. When you just mask the symptoms of your problem like with pain killers, the problem is still there causing more and more damage to your body, which can make a treatable problem into a long-term chronic problem. Pain killers, aside from their many harmful side effects are potentially addictive as well. Forty people a day or 15,000 people a year die from pain killer overdose!
Does my Insurance Cover it?
All AUTO and most WORK COMP. INSURANCES cover cold laser treatments and treatment won’t cost you anything out of pocket, some private insurance companies (like BC/BS, Aetna, ect.) do and some don’t, and public insurers (like Medicare & Medicaid) do not cover it.
How Many Treatments Will I Need & How Much Does it Cost?
The cost is $30 per treatment (or less if multiple treatments are paid for up front) for cold laser treatments. Since they’re generally not covered by insurance (EXCEPT AUTO INSURANCE and WORK COMP CASES) we usually reserve them for specific chronic conditions(arthritis, fibromyalgia, frozen shoulder, neuropathy, ect.) or conditions that haven’t responded well to other treatments. Generally patients require between 12-24 treatments for these chronic conditions at 5 to 20minutes each. A recommended therapeutic dose of energy will be administered into the area of concern each treatment until the problem area has enough energy to properly heal itself. This is a cumulative process and sometimes a few treatments are required before patients begin to feel results. Adding too much energy too soon in one treatment could further inflame the condition. Some chronic conditions will require and benefit from monthly or bimonthly treatments to maintain healthy tissue function.
Package 1 (12 treatments) recommended for some mild forms of arthritis (stage 1 and 2), some fibromyalgia cases, neuropathy, tmj, frozen shoulder.
Option 1 (paid in full up front-$60 off, $300 total)
Package 2 (24 treatments) recommended for more severe arthritic cases (stage 3) and some fibromyalgia cases.
Option 1 (paid in full up front-$120 off, $600 total)