Laser Therapy uses low-level lasers to alter cellular function. Low intensity laser therapy is used to stimulate tissue growth and encourage healing. It is beneficial in relieving short-term pain caused by a number of acute and chronic conditions.
During laser therapy, a light source (or diode) is placed directly on the skin to allow energy in the form of infrared light, to penetrate the tissue and reach the cells. Light stimulates the cells to release chemical bonds which accelerates the body’s natural healing process. A laser can be programmed with a certain frequency of pulsations in order to create a specific response in the cell. The laser can not only accelerate cellular reproduction and growth, it can also reduce swelling and the formation of scar tissue following tissue damage.
Laser therapy can be beneficial for those seeking treatment for a broad range of medical conditions. Laser therapy has been known to have many short-term and long-term, or cumulative, effects.
Most back pain occurs in the lumbosacral region, or the low back. Back pain is referred to as either acute or chronic, and both conditions require treatment. Acute low back pain generally lasts from a few days to a few weeks.
Most acute back pain is mechanical in nature. Pain from trauma may be caused by a sports injury, work around the house or in the garden, or a sudden jolt such as a car accident or other stress on spinal bones and tissues.
Symptoms may range from muscle ache to shooting or stabbing pain, limited flexibility and/or range of motion, and an inability to stand straight. Occasionally pain felt in one part of the body may “radiate” from a disorder or injury elsewhere in the body. Some acute pain syndromes can become more serious if left untreated.
Treatment options are considered “conservative” when they are non-invasive such as chiropractic, physiotherapy, massage, acupuncture, cold laser therapy, therapeutic exercises, nutrition, electrical muscle stimulation, ultrasound custom orthotics, and ice or heat therapy than surgery.
So many scientific and government studies have proven the effectiveness of chiropractic care for back pain that in 1993, the government of Ontario, in a 216-page study of all available evidence, found chiropractic care of low back pain superior to medical management in terms of safety, evidence of effectiveness, evidence of cost, and patient satisfaction.
In general, surgery for lower back pain is considered if conservative treatments fail and the lower back pain (or leg pain) persists for an extended period of time.
Conservative treatment is not the first option of choice if the patient loses bowel or bladder control, or develops progressive weakness in the legs — these symptoms constitute a medical emergency and may require immediate surgery. However, surgical emergencies for back pain are extremely rare and most episodes of back pain can be treated conservatively.
The length of time that conservative treatment should continue varies widely.
In general, the goals of back pain exercises and physical therapy are to decrease back pain, increase function, and provide education on a maintenance program to prevent further recurrences.
Dysfunction in the sacroiliac joint causes pain in the low back and/or leg. The sacroiliac joint lies next to the spine and connects the sacrum (the triangular bone at the bottom of the spine) with the pelvis (iliac crest). Pain is often felt coming up from a stooped position such as lifting an object. It is a common cause of lower pain– pain that often extends into the buttocks and leg. When the SI Joint becomes misaligned or “locked up”, it becomes a source of pain, and requires re-alignment.
Symptoms include pain that is usually off to one side closer to your buttocks; aching and stiffness in the lower back; pain which radiates to the hip or groin.
A thorough examination including orthopedic and neurologic testing and X-rays, if necessary, will help to determine your exact diagnosis and individualized treatment plan. Manipulation (adjustment) of the spinal and extremity joints is very effective in restoring normal function to the joints, as well as to the surrounding muscles and nerves. This usually leads to a decrease in pain and faster recovery. Part of your treatment may also include some combination of the following: acupuncture, cold laser therapy, physiotherapy, massage, nutrition, electrical muscle stimulation, ultrasound, and ice or heat therapy.
The hip joint is made up of the large bone of the upper leg and the pelvic bone. The hip is a very active part of the body, capable of incredible range of movement while maintaining a stable joint. Hip pain can develop for a variety of reasons. A common injury to the hip is what is known as a groin pull. This is an overextension or tearing of the muscles around the hips.
Other common causes of hip pain include joint and muscle stiffness and imbalance, tendon inflammation (tendonitis), bursitis, arthritis, and nerve irritation. A thorough examination including orthopedic and neurologic testing and X-ray or MRI studies, if necessary, will help to determine your exact diagnosis and individualized treatment plan.
Possible treatment options may include chiropractic joint manipulation, physiotherapeutic exercises and stretches to rehabilitate the affected muscles, ultrasound or electrical stimulation therapy, acupuncture, cold laser therapy, massage or myofascial therapy, and custom made orthotics. If after examination we conclude that your case cannot be helped with conservative care, a prompt referral will be made.
Between 10-15% of people suffer from neck pain, which is most commonly seen in middle-aged individuals and women. Chiropractors often provide a form of manual therapy called “mobilization,” in addition to cervical adjustments, intended to increase neck flexibility and reduce pain.
In addition, physiotherapy will include active care such as postural control exercises, relaxation training to reduce muscle tension, and cervical muscle endurance/coordination training.
The fundamental objective of manual therapy is restoration of normal joint motion. This goal was attained in the study, with a “relatively large” increase in neck range of motion. If you are suffering from neck pain, we can treat your symptoms with chiropractic adjustments, massage and physical therapeutic neck exercises to address not just the pain, but also range of motion and strength.
A thorough examination including orthopedic and neurologic testing and X-rays, if necessary, will help to determine your exact diagnosis and individualized treatment plan. Manipulation (adjustment) of the spinal and extremity joints is very effective in restoring normal function to the joints, as well as to the surrounding muscles and nerves. This usually leads to a decrease in pain and faster recovery. Part of your treatment may also include some combination of the following: acupuncture, cold laser therapy, physiotherapy, massage, nutrition, electrical muscle stimulation, ultrasound, and ice or heat therapy.
If your condition is unresponsive to conservative treatment, an appropriate referral will be made promptly. More invasive therapies should only be considered if conservative therapy fails.
If you suffer from neck pain and don’t know where to turn to, it’s about time you did something about it. For more information on neck pain and the various treatment options available to you, call us for a comprehensive evaluation to find out how we can help.
At Alevia Health and Wellness Centre in London, we provide exemplary chiropractic, physiotherapy, massage therapy, acupuncture, therapeutic laser and supportive therapy protocols, we strive to exceed our patient’s health care needs in our state of the art facilities.
