Laser Therapy treatment is a powerful tool that expedites the healing and/or breakthrough of long-standing musculoskeletal barriers that stand in the way of improving physical health. It works best in combination with rehabilitative services, like massage therapy and yoga.
The Science Behind Laser Therapy
In technical terms, laser therapy is a therapeutic modality used to treat and assist in the rehabilitation of various musculoskeletal issues and injuries. The light emitted during laser treatment causes a photochemical response in the tissue, initiating a cascade of reactions. This leads to increased cellular metabolism (i.e., increased rate of regeneration and repair and decreased pain and inflammation). This process is called photobiomodulation.
To dig into the science of this a bit more – all tissue is comprised of cells, and central to the cell’s function and ability to regenerate is the mitochondria, also known as the powerhouse of the cell. Laser therapy stimulates increased production of energy from the mitochondria and thus increases cellular metabolism, a.k.a tissue regeneration. In this way, laser therapy allows for faster healing and repair of all our body’s tissues, including our muscles, bones, ligaments, nerves, tendons, joints, etc.
Watch this video for a more in-depth breakdown of this process:
Common Conditions and Injuries
As mentioned, laser therapy works indiscriminately on all cells, so it can assist in repairing any musculoskeletal issue. Common conditions that clients receive laser therapy for include arthritis, chronic pain, muscle strains, disc issues of the spine, joint sprains, bursitis, broken or fractured bones, scar tissue, postural conditions, neuropathy, etc.
Like how fertilizer helps a plant grow more quickly and heartily, laser therapy boosts the body’s natural ability to heal and repair.
What Type of Laser Does SCHC Have?
SCHC offers High Power Laser Therapy (HPLT), also known as a Class IV laser. It has an output capacity of 15 Watts and can efficiently deliver a therapeutic dose quickly, effectively, and deeply. Due to its high output, it can treat tissues at greater depths, which allows for the effective treatment of a broader range of conditions.
HPLT also includes a deep penetrating warming sensation. In comparison, Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) has an output capacity of 0.5 Watts and does not create a similar heating sensation. For this reason, LLLT is also known as Cold Laser. An appropriately qualified healthcare professional must administer HPLT, whereas LLLT can be commonly purchased and permitted for home or personal use.
How Often Do Clients Receive Laser Therapy?
After arriving at SCHC and being cleared by the medical team, clients will receive an initial assessment with the kinesiologist. Following that assessment, clients are referred for laser therapy as appropriate and will receive a minimum of 6 sessions, which is considered a therapeutic dose.
Given the unique nature of our cozy residential setting, clients have direct access to treatments and can receive focused and expedited care. Our standard protocol is for clients to receive three sessions per week, which allows clients to reach a therapeutic dose in two weeks. Clients then continue receiving treatment for the duration of their stay as possible.
Additional Rehabilitative Services
As part of our bio-psychospiritual approach to care, we have a well-rounded team of healthcare professionals committed to supporting clients with their health and wellness goals. Our Medical Team, which includes a physician, registered psychiatric nurses, and licensed practical nurses, works with our Integrated Health Team to provide a nuanced and comprehensive approach to care.
With the support of the Medical Team, the Integrated Health Team offers rehabilitative services, including massage therapy, fitness planning, kinesiology, chiropractic, yoga, nutrition, and Qigong/Acupressure. This team of allied health professionals works directly with clients to create an individualized and multi-faceted plan to help move clients toward their physical health and wellness goals. In this healing environment, clients often make remarkable changes in the relatively short time they are under our care.
Laser Therapy and Overall Treatment
When injuries or conditions limit how clients live their lives, that has far-reaching adverse effects well beyond a client’s physical health. It often causes a ripple effect that touches all corners of their life: physical, psychological, social, and spiritual.
Laser treatment aims to give clients the added boost necessary to overcome musculoskeletal obstacles and return to their best. When clients have the physical capacity to work, play, and live in ways they find meaningful and fulfilling, it can have a profound impact on their overall quality of life. From this place, clients see, feel, and show up in their world differently.
Ultimately, the goal of laser treatment, much like every other service included in Integrated Health, is to help clients reignite a passion and capacity for physical activity and to rekindle their physical health in support of becoming the best versions of themselves.
Sunshine Coast Health Centre and Georgia Strait Women’s Clinic are world-class centres for addiction treatment and mental health. If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction or mental health challenges, give us a call today. We’re here to help you take the first step toward a brighter, healthier future.
