FDA approved Laser Therapy is now available in Johnstown, Pennsylvania at BERKEBILE CHIROPRACTIC.
Therapeutic Medical Laser technology has made dramatic researched based improvement over the last 25 years and has been recently approved by the FDA to be used to treat various musculoskeletal conditions.
What is laser therapy?
Scientists have figured out over the last 25 years, the exact wavelengths of light that triggers cells (especially those responsible for healing the body) to divide at a faster rate. This allows the body to heal that area much quicker (up to 7 times as fast) and at the same time decrease the pain in those areas. This laser uses 33 lasers (all at one time). Which allows for a much larger area to be treated. In addition, is much quicker than the other smaller and less powerful single laser systems. This is one of the best laser made (as it's power output and intensity can be set to various parameters for different health conditions) and probably will be for years to come. If you want to learn more about the specifics of the laser see below.
Laser therapy offers safe, efficient, and painless treatment for various musculoskeletal conditions like: Bursitis, Tendonitis, Osteo-Arthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS), helps speed the healing of Diabetic ulcers, speeds the healing and decreases the pain associated with injuries, TMJ, Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD), and Plantar Fascitis. There are many more applications that Dr. Berkebile is learning about as you read this.
Mechanism of action:
This laser is a class IIIB (3B) and works by supplying energy to the body in the form of nonthermal and thermal photons of light. Low level laser energy is transmitted through the skin and subcutaneous tissues (ex. muscles). Where they stimulate light sensitive tissue proteins (ex. chromophores and cytochromes in the mitochondria) to absorb external energy. When this external energy is converted to chemical energy, it can be used by the cells to accelerate the normal rate of tissue healing by up to 7 times.
Therapeutic benefits of laser therapy:
1. Rapid Cell Growth: Lasers accelerate cellular reproduction and growth.
2. Faster Wound Healing: Lasers stimulates fibroblast development and accelerates collagen synthesis in damaged tissue, thus speeding healing time.
3. Increased Metabolic Activity: Higher outputs of specific enzymes, greater oxygen and food particle carrying capacity for blood cells and thus greater production ATP = more energy in those areas.
4. Reduced Fibrous tissue formation- Lasers reduces formation of scar tissue.
5. Anti-inflammatory action: Lasers reduce swelling and promote drainage through the lymph system to offer enhanced joint mobility following injury.
6. Increased vascular activity: Lasers induce temporary vasodilation, increasing blood flow to the injured area.
7. Stimulated Nerve function: Lasers speeds nerve cell processes which may decrease numbness associated with certain conditions.
8. Stimulated pain reduction: Lasers cause the body to release large amounts of our own natural pain killer (ex. endorphins) to decrease pain associated with many musculoskeletal conditions.
Frequency of treatments:
While some patients get immediate results, others require six to fifteen treatments before seeing a lasting effect. Less severe injuries will require fewer treatments than chronic or severe conditions.
Does insurance cover this?
Since this is a new FDA approved treatment, there is no insurance coverage at this time. The rates are being kept low, so that most can afford to get care.
Testimonials:
Here's what a few patients had to say after receiving Laser Treatment for the first time: (keep checking back for more updates, no names listed due to HIPPA regulations).
"I don't have any pain in my low back when I move"
"The pain is gone in my elbow and foot"
"I can't feel the pain in my shins"
"The pain in my right shoulder and between my shoulder blades is gone"
to quote a local nurse: "Wow, the pain is gone, that is truely amazing"