Laser therapy has been gaining popularity in recent years as an effective form of pain management in physiotherapy. It involves the use of low-level lasers or high-power lasers to treat various conditions and injuries, including chronic pain, muscle strains, and joint injuries. 

In this blog, we will explore the different aspects of laser therapy in physiotherapy, including its equipment, types, benefits, and contraindications.

 

Laser therapy in physiotherapy – An Overview 

Laser therapy in physiotherapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses light energy to stimulate healing and reduce pain. The laser emits photons that are absorbed by the cells in the body, which then produce energy and trigger a cascade of biochemical reactions that promote healing. 

This therapy is used in conjunction with other physiotherapy treatments to provide effective pain relief and speed up the recovery process.

 

Importance of effective pain management

Effective pain management is crucial for maintaining a good quality of life. Chronic pain can have a negative impact on physical and mental well-being, causing a range of symptoms such as fatigue, anxiety, and depression. 

Moreover, it can limit mobility and interfere with daily activities. Laser therapy in physiotherapy is an important tool for managing pain and helping individuals recover from chronic sports injuries. With its non-invasive nature and minimal side effects, laser therapy is a safe and effective option for people who suffer from pain.

 

Laser Therapy Equipment for Physiotherapy

Laser therapy in physiotherapy uses specialized equipment or machines that deliver laser light to the affected area of the body. 

Types of laser therapy equipment used in physiotherapy

There are two types of laser therapy equipment used in physiotherapy: class 3 and class 4.

Class 3 lasers are also known as cold lasers, and the therapy may be referred to as low-level laser therapy (LLLT). These lasers are less than 500 milliwatts (mw) in power and are considered safe for use in physiotherapy. Class 3 lasers are often used to treat superficial tissues and injuries such as skin wounds, joint pain, and muscle strains.

In contrast, class 4 lasers are greater than 500 MW in power and are sometimes referred to as high-power laser therapy (HPLT). These lasers are used for deeper tissues and injuries such as herniated discs, spinal stenosis, and deep muscle strains. HPLT is effective for reducing inflammation, improving blood flow, and promoting tissue repair.

 

Types of Laser Therapy in Physiotherapy

Laser therapy in physiotherapy is broadly classified into two categories: Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) and High-Power Laser Therapy (HPLT).

LLLT (Low-Level Laser Therapy)

LLLT, also known as cold laser therapy, is a non-invasive treatment that uses low-power lasers to stimulate healing and reduce inflammation. It is called “cold” because it does not produce any heat, and patients usually do not feel any pain or discomfort during the treatment. LLLT is commonly used to treat conditions such as arthritis, back pain, neck pain, and sports injuries.

HPLT (High-Power Laser Therapy)

On the other hand, HPLT uses high-power lasers to deliver a higher dose of energy to the affected area. HPLT is usually used for deeper tissues and is effective in treating conditions such as deep tissue injuries, sprains, strains, and chronic pain. HPLT can produce heat, which can cause some discomfort to patients, but it can also provide more immediate pain relief.

How do they work to relieve pain?

How does deep tissue laser therapy work? Both LLLT and HPLT work by stimulating the body’s natural healing mechanisms. The lasers penetrate the skin and are absorbed by the cells in the affected area. This energy is then converted into chemical energy, which triggers a cascade of biochemical reactions that help reduce inflammation and promote healing.

 

Laser Therapy in Physiotherapy Benefits

Laser therapy in physiotherapy offers several benefits that make it an attractive treatment option for many patients. Here are some of the key benefits of laser therapy in physiotherapy:

• Reduction of inflammation and pain: Laser therapy can help reduce inflammation and pain by stimulating the release of endorphins and reducing the production of inflammatory mediators.
• Acceleration of tissue healing and repair: Laser therapy can increase blood flow and stimulate cellular metabolism, which can help accelerate the healing and repair of damaged tissues.
• Increased range of motion: Laser therapy can help reduce pain and stiffness in the joints, which can increase the range of motion and improve mobility.
• Non-invasive and safe: Laser therapy is a non-invasive and safe treatment option that does not involve surgery or medication, which can be beneficial for patients who are looking for a more natural and low-risk approach to pain management. 

These benefits make laser therapy a valuable treatment option for a wide range of conditions, including acute and chronic pain, sports injuries, and musculoskeletal disorders.

 

Indications of Laser Therapy in Physiotherapy? 

Laser therapy is effective in treating a variety of acute and chronic pain conditions in physiotherapy. Here are some of the most common indications for laser therapy:

Acute and chronic pain conditions 

Laser therapy can provide relief for both acute and chronic pain conditions such as back pain, neck pain, shoulder pain, and knee pain.

Soft tissue injuries 

Laser therapy can also be used to treat soft tissue injuries such as sprains, strains, and tears.

Arthritis and joint pain 

Laser therapy can help reduce inflammation and pain associated with arthritis and other joint pain conditions.

Post-surgical recovery 

Laser therapy can aid in the healing process after surgery and help reduce pain and inflammation.

Other conditions 

Laser therapy can also be used to treat a range of other conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome, plantar fasciitis, and fibromyalgia.

 

Laser Therapy in Physiotherapy Contraindications 

Laser therapy in physiotherapy can be a beneficial treatment option for many patients, but some contraindications need to be taken into account before using this therapy. These contraindications are specific situations in which laser therapy should not be used, as it can cause harm to the patient. Some common contraindications of laser therapy in physiotherapy include:

Pregnancy 

Laser therapy should not be used on pregnant women, as the effect of the therapy on the developing fetus is unknown.

Cancerous Lesions 

Laser therapy should not be used directly on cancerous lesions or areas suspected of being cancerous. Laser therapy may cause cancer cells to grow more quickly.

Over Thyroid Gland 

Laser therapy should not be used over the thyroid gland, as it may stimulate thyroid function.

Directly Over Pacemaker 

Laser therapy should not be used directly over a pacemaker or other electronic device, as it may interfere with the device’s function.

Other Contraindications 

Laser therapy should not be used on patients with a history of seizures, on or near the eyes, on patients with photosensitivity, or patients taking photosensitizing medications.

Side effects of Laser Therapy in Physiotherapy 

Laser therapy in physiotherapy is generally considered safe and has minimal side effects. 

However, some patients may experience mild discomfort during treatment. This is usually temporary and subsides shortly after the procedure is completed.

• Skin irritation or rash may occur in some individuals due to the sensitivity of their skin. Do inform your therapist if you have any allergies or skin sensitivities before undergoing laser therapy.
• Rare cases of blistering or burns have been reported, but these are very uncommon and usually occur due to incorrect use of the laser equipment or inadequate training of the therapist. 

It is important to choose a reputable and experienced laser therapy clinic like Bioflex Pakistan to ensure that the laser therapy is conducted safely and effectively.

 

Laser Therapy with BioFlex Pakistan

BioFlex Pakistan is a leading physiotherapy and pain management clinic that offers a wide range of services to its patients. With a team of highly trained professionals and state-of-the-art equipment, BioFlex Pakistan is dedicated to providing effective and efficient pain management treatments to its patients.

We use the latest laser therapy equipment to provide the most advanced and effective treatment to our patients. The laser therapy equipment used at BioFlex Pakistan is designed to target the affected area directly and provide quick pain relief.

BioFlex Pakistan has helped many patients overcome their chronic pain and injuries with its laser therapy treatment. Patients have reported various success stories showing significant improvements in their pain levels, range of motion, and overall quality of life after receiving treatment at BioFlex Pakistan.

So, BioFlex Pakistan is a top-tier physiotherapy and pain management clinic that offers cutting-edge laser therapy treatments to its patients. The clinic’s dedication to providing personalized care, the latest equipment, and exceptional customer service make it a go-to destination for anyone seeking effective pain management solutions.