Photobiomodulation is an exciting way to help the body heal using light. By boosting the energy in our cells, it can reduce pain, heal injuries faster, and even help with conditions like arthritis.

The history of laser therapy demonstrates the evolution of technology from its theoretical origins to a practical and versatile medical tool. From the pioneering work of scientists like Maiman and Mester to the modern advancements in photobiomodulation therapy, laser therapy has revolutionized the medical field.

• Conventional treatments for knee pain often include medication, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgical intervention.

• However, these treatments may not always provide lasting relief and may be associated with potential side effects.

• This case study highlights the patient’s progress and outcomes over a six-week treatment period, demonstrating the potential benefits of laser therapy in pain management.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

In recent years, class 4 laser therapy has gained attention as a potential alternative or adjunctive treatment for pain management.

In this case study, after four weeks of class 4 laser therapy, the patient reported noticeable improvements in pain and functionality.

Laser therapy was the only intervention used; there was no spinal manipulation, axial decompression or other interventions utilized with this specific patient.

Chronic neck pain is a prevalent musculoskeletal condition that significantly impacts the quality of life of affected individuals. Neck pain is the fourth leading cause of disability, with an annual prevalence rate exceeding 30%. Emerging modalities such as photobiomodulation via class 4 laser therapy have gained attention for their potential to alleviate pain and promote tissue healing.

This case study explores the application of class 4 laser therapy in treating a patient with chronic neck pain, detailing the treatment protocol, outcomes, and relevant research. The study aims to contribute to the growing body of evidence on the effectiveness of class 4 laser therapy as a non-invasive and safe option for managing neck pain.

Rotator-cuff injuries, ranging from tendinopathies to tears, affect a significant portion of the population, particularly individuals engaged in overhead activities or repetitive motions. These injuries can lead to pain, reduced range of motion and diminished quality of life.

Conventional treatments range from conservative approaches, such as physical therapy and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), to surgical interventions. However, recent advances in therapeutic modalities have introduced class 4 laser therapy as a potential alternative for managing rotator-cuff injuries.

If you are considering adding a modality that is scientifically and clinically proven, delivers consistent results, and can be administered by your staff and you are not offering laser therapy yet, now is the time. Doctors of chiropractic are in a unique position to offer this healing modality, as it complements the patient care already being delivered; and can facilitate improved pain relief, injury healing and patient satisfaction.

Photobiomodulation is an excellent modality because it is effective for a wide variety of conditions, can help with managing pain, inflammation and damaged tissues, and has few contraindications. But in the event of an adverse event, advice from a malpractice specialist is warranted.

Laser therapy, also known as photobiomodulation (PBM), is a non-invasive modality that delivers red and infrared laser light to biological tissue with the goals of stimulating cellular processes and enhancing the activation of biochemical mechanisms. Let's examine the contraindications for laser therapy.

A contraindication is a condition that makes a procedure inadvisable; and may be absolute or relative. An absolute contraindication is a situation that makes a particular treatment absolutely inadvisable, such as shining a therapy laser directly into the eye. A relative contraindication is a condition that makes a particular treatment possibly inadvisable, such as a recent steroid injection.

PBM treatments are proven to significantly reduce pain and improve the quality of life for patients suffering from diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN). PBM treatments are shown to reduce the levels of inflammatory markers in patients with DPN, which is important because heightened inflammation is one of the contributory factors for pain and disability.

For years, ice has been used to treat acute injuries under the premise that it alleviates pain, reduces tissue metabolism and reduces swelling. It has been a standard treatment for injuries and sore muscles because it helps to relieve pain caused by injured tissue. Health care providers have used and recommended the RICE guideline for decades, but now it appears that both ice and immobilization may delay healing.

In 2015, Dr. Mirkin completely reversed course and now strongly advocates against the use of ice on acute injuries. Healing requires inflammation; and anything that reduces or suppresses inflammation will also delay healing.

The human immune system acts a defense mechanism against potentially harmful invaders, such as bacteria and viruses. Photobiomodulation treatments can stimulate immune responses, and treatment targeting the lymph nodes or spleen can amplify the effect. Therapeutic laser is a safe, effective immunomodulator that can be applied to patients of all ages with a wide variety of clinical conditions.