Laser Therapy

The Erchonia Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) has been used worldwide for over 40 years to relieve pain, remove scars, heal wounds, regenerate nerves and solve addictions. The laser works on tissues by healing from the “inside out,” working at the cellular level. Human cells produce a chemical known as ATP (adenosine tri-phosphate) to run the body and heal tissue. In fact all of our body’s activities result from the use of ATP, it’s like gasoline to a car. LLLT stimulates a micro-structure within the cells to produce slightly higher amounts of ATP. Thus with more ATP at the cell level, tissues heal faster, and therefore relief comes quicker.

There are two main types of Erchonia Lasers at Unity Chiropractic. The “red” laser, which has a 635nm wavelength, and the “violet” laser, which has a 405nm wavelength. The “red” laser has been shown to have remarkable healing for acute and chronic pain conditions such as lower back pain, neck pain, shoulder pain, knee pain, etc. While, the “violet” laser has been shown to have antimicrobial effects, it can be used by itself or in combination with the red laser.

Low Laser Therapy FAQ

Does the laser have FDA approval?

On January 17th, 2002, the first U.S. Low Level Laser Therapy company, Erchonia, the laser you’re being treated with, received FDA clearance through clinical trial. The study took 100 patients complaining of neck and shoulder pain, half were treated with a useless red light (placebo group), similar to that on a computer mouse or grocery check-out, and the other half received LLLT. The treatment group beat the placebo group by 66%, which is 66% faster relief. Similar studies have been passed by the FDA for Carpal Tunnel, Wounds and Scar Tissue. There are over 2000 published studies on LLLT reporting zero negative side effects. Visit Erchonia’s website,here, for in-depth research.

Erchonia lasers have over 14 FDA clearances that are specific to their products. Some of which include:

  • Chronic Neck and Shoulder Pain/Low Level Laser
  • Low Level Laser Light Therapy as an Aid to Reduction of Pain Associated
  • With Surgery
  • Acne Vulgaris-Dermatological Conditions/Low Level Laser
  • Pain Associated with Breast Augmentation Surgery/Low Level Laser

While using the red diode, for adjunctive use in providing temporary relief of minor chronic neck and shoulder pain of musculoskeletal origin, and while using the violet diode, to treat dermatological conditions, and specifically indicated to treat moderate inflammatory Acne Vulgaris.

Why does the Class of the Laser matter?

It is important to know that the Class level refers to the safety of the laser, not the strength. A Class 2 laser, the laser you’re being treat with here at Unity, offers a true low light level laser therapy. It is non-thermal (no heat) and works with a coherent monochromatic beam that is pulsed for greater effectiveness. This is versus a competitors Class 4 laser, which has an output over 500mW and often uses wavelengths of light over 650nm. Those devices are cleared for heating up a tissue to increase blood flow but they are not true low level laser therapy.

Do the lasers hurt?

No, there is no pain involved. In fact, there is no sensation at all while you have the laser on your body. It is non-thermal, so there is no heat.

How long does it take to feel the effects?

While every patient is different, relief is often felt after the first treatment. However, acute injuries usually take 6-8 treatments at a frequency of two times per week to heal. More chronic injuries, including concussions, can take 12-16 treatments at two times per week. Depending on the condition, it is recommended that the patient get adjusted with most, if not all of their laser treatments.

Is it safe for children?

Yes, in fact there are many pediatric protocols and children generally respond faster than adults.

Is it safe to use for concussion treatments?

The Erchonia laser is safe over the brain since it is nonthermal. It is recommended that laser treatment start right away after any head injury. In addition, the doctors at Unity can help prescribe helpful nutrients and set up treatments to help long term healing.

I have very old scar tissue from a surgery, can the Erchonia laser help scar tissue?

It does not matter how old the scar is, there are settings that can help the underlying fascial layer to soften up.