Laser and Electrical Therapy
The Red Light That Heals
Class IV Laser
Higher depth and energy of tissue penetration, allowing the most therapeutic impact.
Most Advanced Therapy
Bloomington Wellness Center is excited to offer the most advanced healing therapies available. Our office offers both the original low-level light ‘cold laser’ and the new advanced higher powered Class IV laser.
The larger joints and deeper tissues of the body benefit the most from Class IV laser treatments. BWC employs an industry-leading device, with a safe, yet high-level wattage output and four separate therapeutic wavelengths. Most Class IV devices only offer one or two wavelengths. The increased power and number of wavelengths mean quite simply – deeper, faster, and more effective tissue healing.
Class IV Laser Mechanism of Action:
Therapeutic lasers work by supplying energy to the cells of the body in the form of a photon of light. The cells absorb this energy, utilizing it accelerates the healing process.
Benefits of the Class IV Laser:
- Reduction of inflammation
- Cellular growth and reproduction
- Wound healing
- Scar tissue reduction
- Improved vascular activity
- Stimulate nerve function
Treatment Frequency:
Some may benefit in a visit or two, but it may take 6-12 visits before a lasting change is made. Results are dependent on a number of factors including the area of the body, chronicity, and severity. It is best to speak with your doctor about individualized treatment expectations.
Cost:
Since there is generally no insurance reimbursement for laser therapies, Bloomington Wellness Center has made this cutting-edge therapy very affordable. Single session: $52, (5) Sessions: $225, (10) Sessions: $425.
Learn More:
Many of the benefits and modes of action of Class IV laser overlap with the original lower-powered cold lasers. View the cold laser therapy information on this page to learn more. (Available: Bloomington Location)
We offer cold laser therapy to promote the fast healing of acute injuries and to help manage chronic inflammation. The cold laser is a safe treatment with many benefits. Treatment is convenient: you can use it at our location, or in your home.
HOW COLD LASER THERAPY WORKS:
When the body is injured, cells are damaged and fail to function normally. Low-level waves from the cold laser unit penetrate into the skin and restore normal cellular function. Cold laser uses a non-heat-producing light laser, locked at a wavelength optimal for treatment, to penetrate into the tissues. Cold laser, also called low-level laser therapy (LLLT), is a proven effective modality for both chronic and acute healing.
Cold laser has been shown to significantly accelerate and enhance the body’s natural defense and repair mechanisms. Physiological effects include improved metabolism, circulation, and tissue healing. By reducing the duration of inflammation and enhancing specific repair and healing processes, cold laser has been proven to provide pain relief, reduce damage, and loss of function from injuries.
COLD LASER THERAPY IS USEFUL FOR MANY CONDITIONS, INCLUDING:
- Arthritis
- Tendonitis
- Fractures
- Frozen shoulders
- Post-operative wounds
- Sprains or strains
- Scar tissue
- Autoimmune diseases
- Chronic or acute pain
- Wound healing
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Migraines
- Disc herniations
- Minor nerve damage
EXAMPLES OF COLD LASER APPLICATIONS:
Professional Athletes: Cold laser helps top athletes return to competition quickly after an injury. US Postal Service Tour de France team was involved in quite a few bad wrecks, yet they were able to race the next day. According to Jeff Spencer, their chiropractor who treated them with Cold Laser, if an injured athlete can get in for laser treatment within 2-3 hours of the injury, rehabilitation time can be cut in half.
Burn Victims: Cold laser can help wounds and burns heal 25-40% faster with reduced scarring.
Nerve and Spinal Injuries: According to a study at the University of Health and Sciences, Bethesda, MD., cold laser can rehabilitate severed nerve bundles at a 300% faster rate than the control group’s rehabilitation (research conducted by Anders and Broke). The recovery observed in the study occurred after (14) 90-minutes treatments (LLLT, not Class IV). These results suggest a promising future for cold laser treatment of peripheral nerve damage and spinal cord injuries.
Cancer: Cold laser therapy may inhibit cancer cell growth while enhancing healthy cell growth. Research at the University of Munich shows that cold lasers have a bio-modulation effect, inhibiting the activity of overactive cells and stimulating underactive cells.
Other Injuries: Cold laser can increase range of motion and muscle strength, decrease pain and inflammation, and accelerate healing time for a variety of injuries. Lasers are painless and sterile, with no undesirable side effects. Chiropractors and physical therapists use cold laser for conditions including the following:
- Inflammatory conditions: carpal tunnel syndrome, epicondylitis, plantar fascitis, and bursitis.
- Pain management for fibromyalgia, myofascial pain, cervical, thoracic, and low back pain.
- Connective tissue disorders such as sprains, strains, tendonitis, and tendon ruptures.
- Joint injuries, disorders such as TMJ disorders, osteoarthritis, dislocations, and ligament injuries.
- Muscle injuries such as muscle contusions, ruptures & bruises, and muscle contractures like frozen shoulders.
- Neurological injuries such as prolapsed disc, herniated discs, crush injuries, neuritis, and headaches.
Treatment Time: 10 – 20 minutes.
Treatment Frequency: Variable based on condition. Daily to twice weekly for 2-4 weeks for severe or chronic conditions. Some conditions may only be treated occasionally or as required.
Treatment Fees: $12 per session (Available: Bloomington & Shakopee Locations)
The History of Cold Laser Therapy
EXPLANATION OF LOW-LEVEL LIGHT (LASER) THERAPY:
“Light therapy” is not a new concept. The sun’s photonic rays cause a seed to sprout through RNA and DNA changes. The sun’s rays are full-spectrum light, which means many wavelengths are present (400-800 Nanometers), but only one specific wavelength, or frequency, causes the seeds to germinate. In 1924 Bose and Einstein, great men of science predicted the Laser. Laser is an acronym for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation.
In 1978, Dr. Frolich helped to establish the Wave-Particle Theory, which now forms the foundation of quantum physics and defines the mechanism of life, as we now know it. Human cells, tissue, and organs have specific frequencies that regulate important cellular functions such as protein synthesis, cellular division, and communication. Frolich used quantum physics to explain that a cells living matrix must produce coherent or laser-like oscillations, unique resonance. He stated that these resonances serve as signals that integrate processes such as growth, injury repair, immune mediation, and the overall functioning of the organism. Each molecule, cell, tissue, and organ has an ideal resonance frequency that coordinates its activity. Using certain laser frequencies can alter or balance the body’s systemic defense and repair mechanism.
In 1994, Dr. Smith stated that pathologies manifest themselves as chemical imbalances with the underlying cause being electromagnetic. By applying a specific frequency, normal function and balance can be restored. Physicists Schawlow and Townes brought the laser into modern medical arenas, where they are being used for a variety of treatments. Most of the lasers used in the medical field have been High-Frequency Hot Lasers, which are catabolic (destructive) in nature such as the ones used in eye surgery. Cold Lasers are anabolic, or regenerative in nature.
Laser therapy is based on the photochemical and photobiological effects of the cells and tissues. With laser light, cell functions are stimulated, especially the increase of a cell’s ATP (energy). This increase in ATP synthesis is associated with increased cell metabolism; increase collagen synthesis, stimulation of DNA formation improved immune system function, and increased new formation of capillaries. The laser also has been shown to increase neurotransmitters (serotonin), to increase enhance tissue regeneration through increasing fibroblasts and keratinocytes, increase antioxidants, and accelerate bone and scar healing.
The cold laser used at Bloomington Wellness Center is a low-wattage laser, with a very specific 635 Nanometer wavelength. It uses coherent light, which is light traveling in the same direction at the same wavelength. The human cell functions at 630-640 nanometers (NM). It has been documented that DNA replication occurs at 635 NM, and cellular phagocytosis (cellular housecleaning or detoxification) happens at 634 NM, and that injured neurons (nerve cells) heal best at 635 NM.
Most significantly, research shows that every cell has a least three kinds of basic receptors for neurotransmitters (i.e., serotonin, dopamine), hormones (insulin, thyroid, estrogen), and photoreceptors. The laser affects the human cells through the photoreceptors, causing a physiological effect. Nerves, for example, are affected by the temperature, the pH within the cell, the oxygen available, and the amount of ATP (a cellular unit of energy) available. The laser stimulates ATP production and oxygen at a cellular level, which activates enzymatic cascades that help the cell to detoxify itself. These changes result in activating cells or nerves and setting up an environment in which they function best.
Accelerated healing, the primary goal for any kind of injury, is hard to demonstrate in one laser session. However, your chiropractor can demonstrate the ability to increase your range of motion (ROM) and increase muscle strength by testing you before and after the laser treatment. By increasing your ROM, you are preserving the function and structure of your cartilage and discs. Movement brings vital nutrients and fluids to cartilage and discs. The less your neck, spine, or joints move, the sooner breakdown begins. Joint degeneration, or cartilage starvation, is osteoarthritis, which can cause considerable pain and is progressive in nature. The disc breakdown is degenerative disc disease. This can cause bone spurs pressing on nerves, causing pain, such as sciatica. The muscle strength test is performed in order to test nerve root function, not just muscle performance. Testing the deltoid strength bilaterally, for example, is evaluating the function of the C5 nerve root. Restored muscle strength actually indicates that the nerve root has been reactivated. With a properly functioning nervous system, balanced muscle strength is available to optimally perform three vital functions: to move the body and joints, to stabilize joints, and to inhibit pain at the spinal cord level.
THERASTIM ELECTRICAL THERAPY
Thera-Stem-Arp-Wave-2The Therastim electrical stimulation unit is the device used in the popular “ARPwave” therapy. Though BWC office does not offer ‘ARP Wave’ treatments, similar benefits can be obtained with this device. It uses sets of conductive electrode pads to provide neuromuscular stimulation. It treats the neurological origin of soft tissue conditions, not just the physical symptoms.
The Therastim features a unique electrical mechanism designated as a class 2 medical device by the FDA. Treatment can include unique Therastim protocols and testing techniques.
THERASTIM FACTS
- Therastim can be an effective treatment for those contemplating surgery or who may have already had surgery.
- By increasing the range of motion and decreasing pain, Therastim can be a highly effective way to prepare for physical therapy.
- Therastim is used by many elite athletes and both amateur and professional sports teams throughout the world.
- Therastim dramatically reduces recovery time for ankle sprains, strained tendons, or ligaments.
- It has proven effective on all types of chronic pain including RSDS and Fibromyalgia.
Treatment Time: 10 – 20 minutes.
Treatment Frequency: Variable based on condition. Often twice per week for 2-4 weeks for severe or chronic conditions. Some conditions may only be treated occasionally or as required.
Treatment Fees: $12 per session (Available: Bloomington Location)
INTERFERENTIAL ELECTRICAL STIMULATION
Interferential therapy transfers electrical current through the skin where it interacts with the nervous system interrupting peripheral pain receptors leading to the brain. This results in a decrease of pain sensations. Additionally, such electrical stimulation causes the body to release its own natural endorphins to promote pain relief and healing.
Many are familiar with TENS therapy, the small hand-held device with electrodes to attach to the skin, generally powered by a 9V battery. Though it can serve as a useful home therapy, the deep therapeutic benefit can only come from interferential therapy. Interferential travels at a higher frequency allowing it to penetrate deeper into tissues of the body and manage symptomatic areas in ways that the standard TENS cannot.
Treatment Time: 10 – 20 minutes.
Treatment Frequency: Variable based on condition. Often twice per week for 2-4 weeks for severe or chronic conditions. Some conditions may only be treated occasionally or as required.
Treatment Fees: $12 per session (Available: Bloomington & Shakopee Location)
ULTRASOUND THERAPY
Therapeutic ultrasound is a modality that has been used for decades. It is applied using the head of an ultrasound probe placed in direct contact with skin utilizing a transmission coupling gel.
Ultrasound has been shown to cause increases in:
- healing rates (soft tissue injuries, tendonitis, joint swelling, and muscle spasm)
- tissue relaxation
- tissue heating
- local blood flow
- scar tissue breakdown.
Ultrasound causes deep heating in the tissues through high-frequency soundwaves penetrating the tissue, this results in an increase in local blood flow to help reduce local swelling and chronic inflammation.
Treatment Time: 8-10 minutes.
Treatment Frequency: Variable based on condition. Often twice per week for 2-4 weeks for severe or chronic conditions. Some acute conditions may only be treated occasionally.
Treatment Fees: $12 per session (Available: Bloomington & Shakopee Location)
Related Videos
Want more insight on Bloomington Wellness and Laser-Electro Therapy?