Chiropractic Done Differently – Incorporating Laser Therapy into your Plan of Care

If you train on a consistent basis, chances are you’ve encountered some sort of tendon/ligament strain, sprain, or tear. Whether you’re a runner who struggles with Achilles pain, or a powerlifter dealing with tricep tendinopathy, connective tissue injuries can be frustrating, confusing, and challenging to rehab. 

Outside of traditional soft-tissue therapy, rehabilitative exercise, and nutritional approaches, what else can we utilize to speed the body’s healing capabilities?

Laser therapy is an effective supplemental treatment to add to your plan of care. Utilizing light waves, research has demonstrated laser therapy can;

• Stimulate ATP production – Increased energy supply within a cell to support healing of tissue
• Increased circulation through vasodilation – Enhances delivery of oxygen and immune cells to healing tissue
• Improve cellular maintenance by stimulating several “clean-up” and healing processes;
  • Phagocytosis – Ingestion of pathogens, bacteria, cellular debris
  • Collagen synthesis/Fibroblast proliferation – Connective tissue formation
  • Angiogenesis – Formation of new blood vessels
  • Keratinocytes – Skin repair

In layman’s terms, research shows that laser therapy can act to support and enhance the body’s natural healing processes, leading to shorter periods of recovery from injury or chronic pain. Ask your Helix provider whether laser therapy might be appropriate for you!

References 

The Smart Chiropractor

Written by Thomas Howes, Steven Kaiser D.C.
Helix Sport + Spine Ballard