Is Laser Therapy Right for You?
Dr. Scott Ungemach is a Chiropractic Physician practicing in Sugarloaf, PA at De Jesus Family Chiropractic. Dr. Ungemach specializes in preventing, diagnosing, and treating conditions associated with the neuromusculoskeletal system, while improving each patients functionality and quality of life. Conditions treated include... more
Laser therapy is nothing new, it has been used, and heavily researched, in Europe as a primary treatment for pain since the ’70s. Class IV lasers were cleared by the FDA in the USA in 2003 for use for the relief of muscle and joint aches, pain and stiffness; relaxation of muscles and muscle spasms; a temporary increase in local blood circulation; and relief of pain and stiffness associated with arthritis. Since then, many other conditions have been approved for treatment due to the tremendous amount of research done, worldwide in the last decade.
One of the most promising outcomes from this research has been with neuropathy patients. Disorders of the nervous system and/or nerve damage may cause neuropathic pain, a type of burning, shooting pain often severe and chronic. Diabetic neuropathy arises when high blood glucose levels erode the integrity of nerves and blood vessels. People receiving chemotherapy may also suffer peripheral neuropathy when taking powerful, anti-carcinogenic medications. Although chemotherapy is essential for eradicating cancer cells and tumors, it can have a medically negative effect on nerves connecting the spinal cord to organs, skin, and muscles.
Class IV lasers increase cellular metabolic activity while improving the transport of nutrients in and out of a cell's membrane. By triggering the production of ATP (a chemical necessary for cell health), laser therapy works to relieve nerve inflammation, reduce neuropathic pain, and facilitate blood flow throughout the affected area. Unlike Rx medications, there have been no known side effects of laser therapy reported thus far.
In addition, ongoing clinical research shows class IV lasers to be a safe and effective treatment for diabetic neuropathy, chemotherapy-related neuropathy, and many other chronic pain conditions such as arthritis, bursitis, Bell's Palsy and plantar fasciitis. If you or a loved one suffer from acute or chronic pain, consult a local provider who offers class IV laser therapy for a consultation on your condition. It might be the drug-free, non-surgical answer you are looking for.
