Low-Level Laser Therapy now in Simsbury, CT at Stride To Health.
In October 2009, the State of Connecticut passed Public Act 09-232 as an “act concerning revisions to Department of Public Health licensing statutes.” A subsection of this act repeals a previous statute which prohibited physical therapists from using “low-level” laser therapy as part of their treatments.
According to the Public Act, physical therapists practicing in Connecticut are now permitted to use low-level laser therapy “for the purpose of accelerating tissue repair, decreasing edema or minimizing or eliminating pain.”
Dean Teitelbaum, physical therapist and owner of Stride to Health in Simsbury took advantage of this act by purchasing a low-level laser unit for his practice. He states that low-level laser therapy is an up and coming treatment that is gaining popularity.
“Low-level laser therapy was approved for use by the FDA in 2002, but it really hasn’t become popular until a couple of years ago. Recently, it’s become popular with athletes as they are always looking for quick fixes to their injuries to get back out onto the field quickly. The New England Patriots have used low-level laser therapy in the past with good results.”
Teitelbaum states that low-level laser uses the power of light energy to accelerate healing. “Scientists have discovered several possible mechanisms in which light energy from a laser can be used to promote healing and reduce inflammation.”
Increased cellular activity, increased collagen production, and changes in blood vessel activity are the mechanisms in which researchers theorize that the low-level laser therapy works.
According to Teitelbaum, most patients do not feel anything while the laser treatment is being applied. The wavelength of the low-level laser allows the laser light to penetrate up to two inches deep in the body without any heating effect. A typical treatment will last 10-15 minutes, though larger areas of the body may require a lengthier treatment.
In various studies, low-level laser therapy has been shown to be effective with treating carpal tunnel syndrome, muscle strains, fractures, tendonitis, and back pain. It’s also been shown to be effective with accelerating the healing of wounds.
“It really helps with just about any type of injury,” says Teitelbaum. “Some people have results after just one treatment, though most people require 3 to 9 treatments before their symptoms are completely gone. It’s definitely not going to help all people and all injuries, though most people will be pleasantly surprised at how effective this little laser can be after just a few treatments.”
Low-level laser therapy is considered to be very safe with the only warnings of avoiding direct beaming of the laser into the eyes and avoiding application over a fetus.
“Low-level laser therapy is non-toxic, non-invasive, and fast acting,” says Teitelbaum. “In my opinion, if you’re dealing with pain or an injury, laser therapy is a better alternative to drugs or surgery.”
Teitelbaum said he is happy to discuss the laser device with anybody who would like more information and even offers a free trial treatment for those who would like to give laser therapy a try.
He can be reached at Stride to Health: Optimum Health & Running Center in Simsbury at (860) 325-0RUN (0786).
