Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT)

At Atlas Chiropractic & Wellness Center, we offer the best cutting-edge healing technology currently available. We use a low-level, non-invasive laser, manufactured by Erchonia, that speeds recovery, reduces pain and accelerates bone and wound healing. The first of its kind to be approved by the FDA, the Erchonia laser has a proven track record for healing, recovery and performance, having been used by Dr. Jeff Spencer, Sports Chiropractor for Lance Armstrong and the U.S. Postal Team (and Team Discovery) throughout their world record seven Tour de France victories.

Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT), also known as cold laser therapy, is a form of phototherapy, which involves the application of low power coherent light to injuries and lesions to stimulate healing. LLLT is used to increase the speed, quality and tensile strength of tissue repair, resolve inflammation, increase range of motion and provide pain relief.

A completely painless therapy, the low level laser is applied to the affected body part, which may be painful, sore or stiff. The body absorbs light energy from the laser, which, in turn, stimulates its cells to produce greater amounts of cellular energy known as ATP (adenosine triphosphate). This energy is available to the body for healing and repair. In some ways, the laser treatment resembles a plant taking up sunlight during the photosynthesis process.

Further evidence of its efficacy is a reduction in healing time-which may be less than one-third to one-half as long when compared to treatment without the laser therapy. Other benefits of the Erchonia laser treatment include reduction in both swelling and the formation of scar tissue, as well as reduced pain. These lasers are frequently used to treat burn victims, in which cases it assists with tissue healing and pain management.

The Erchonia Laser is specifically designed to address those disruptions in the information flow, or innate intelligence, within the body. For example, there could be interference in the flow of intelligence from the brain to points in the body that cause problems like numb hands, a tight lower back and knee pain. By "resetting" the communications flow, the laser is a viable treatment for structural problems that range from acute like a simple sprain/strain, to those that are chronic and revolve around improving body function such as TMJ dysfunction and osteoarthritis.

The effects of the LLLT are photochemical (cold), not thermal. Hot lasers in the medical field are used for surgical precision, while cold lasers are used for healing precision. During treatment of the tissue with an FDA approved 635 nm laser, an interaction between cells and photons takes place- a photochemical reaction. Photons from the laser affect the tissue at the cellular level. The cold laser enters the tissue, alters cell membrane permeability, and at the cellular level, is absorbed into the mitochondria. The mitochondria are the "powerhouse" of the cells and make adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which is needed for the life enhancement process of every cell, which facilitates:

• Rapid cell growth. LLLT accelerates cellular reproduction and growth.
• Faster wound healing. LLLT stimulates fibroblast development in damaged tissue, as well as a reduction in recovery time.
• Increased metabolic activity. LLLT helps the body increase output of specific enzymes, greater oxygen to blood cells and more effective immune response.
• Reduced fibrous tissue formation. LLLT reduces the formation of scar tissue following tissue damage due to trauma, cuts, scratches, burns and surgery.
• Anti-inflammatory action. LLLT reduces swelling caused by bruising or inflammation of joints to improve joint mobility.
• Increased vascular activity. LLLT stimulates lymph and blood circulation to allow the tissue to have maximal circulation.
• Stimulated nerve function. Slow recovery of nerve function in damaged tissue can result in "dead" limbs or numb areas. LLLT will speed the process of nerve cell reconnection to help normalize the numb areas. LLLT also increases the amplitude of nerve action potentials to optimize muscle function.

These physiological changes affect macrophages, fibroblasts, endothelial cells, mast cells, bradykinin, nerve conduction rates and the energy communication pathways throughout the entire neuromusculoskeletal structure.

Common conditions we can use cold laser therapy for, include:

• Neck Pain
• Back Pain
• Headache and Migraine
• Sprains/Strains
• TMJ Dysfunction
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
• Trigeminal Neuralgia
• Sinus Problems
• Osteoarthritis
• Rhuematoid Arthritis
• Fibromyalgia
• Plantar Fasciitis
• And more…