At Legacy Medical Centers, we use Class IV lasers that have the capacity to reach a power of 60 Watts and penetrate many centimeters below the skin’s surface. Our lasers work by photobiomodulation, a process by which the laser supplies photons of energy in the form of near infrared light, which is absorbed by chromophores in the mitochondria of the cells. The primary chromophore is cytochrome c oxidase, the terminal enzyme in the respiratory chain. Activating this enzyme increases its rate of reaction, and more adenosine triphosphate (ATP) is produced, allowing for an improved rate of healing and repair within damaged tissues. The laser light increases the energy available to the cells so that they may assimilate nutrients faster and remove waste products. The most important and most basic effect of laser therapy is the improved production of ATP, which is the universal biological fuel within our body. When one receives laser therapy, they get a significant boost in ATP. According to Tiina Karu, Head of the Laboratory of Laser Biology and Medicine, many of the widespread benefits from laser therapy may, in fact, be related to the effects on ATP.
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Class IV laser therapy has various benefits depending on how it is used, including:
At Legacy Medical Centers, we use Class IV laser therapy most often for:*
*Keep in mind that your health insurance may have a disclaimer stating that laser therapy is considered experimental or investigational for all conditions except carpal tunnel syndrome. At Legacy Medical Centers, we treat each case as unique and explain the intended purpose of treatment and obtain consent before starting care.
A normal electrical potential is essential for our cells and thus our body to carry out normal functions. According to Dr. Jerry Tennant (Healing is Voltage), in order to heal and make new cells, a voltage of -50 millivolts is needed. At Legacy Medical Centers, we use interferential current, transcutaneous electrical stimulation (TENS), and high voltage in various settings to apply electrical stimulation to the body in order to reduce pain and speed tissue healing.
Electrical stimulation may block the transmission of pain signals along nerves. Additionally, electrical stimulation has been shown to promote the release of endorphins, which are natural painkillers produced by the body. Electrical current is painless and patients commonly report a “tingling” or “pins and needles” type of sensation when it is applied. With a larger than normal flow of current along a neuron, a refractory period is induced within the nerve and thus the sensitivity of the nerve is reduced (Wedensky inhibition). The ability of interferential therapy to control pain (the analgesic effect) is caused by inhibition of type C nociceptive neurons.
Electrotherapy is used at Legacy Medical Centers for:
This technique should not be confused with diagnostic ultrasound (as described separately), used in prenatal screening and musculoskeletal pathologies. Ultrasound can be used in treatment of inflammatory conditions, and has a massage-like effect that enhances fluid exchange and promotes tissue healing. Ultrasound has been shown to Increase in tensile strength, increase mobility, improve collagen fibril alignment, and reduce inflammatory infiltrate and scar tissue in tendons. The heating effect of ultrasound is absorbed especially by collagen, which is found in tissues such as bone and tendon. Ultrasound is a painless procedure and most often the patient cannot perceive any sensation except slight warmth when it is applied.
At Legacy Medical Centers, we use therapeutic ultrasound for:
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