Margaret Collins
Laser Therapist

How long are the treatments?

The typical treatment is 3 to 8 minutes per area and the area may be treated from different angles several times. Even if the pain is only in one area I typically also treat the part of the spine where the sensation of pain enters.

A typical session takes 30-50mins.

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How often do I need treatments?

Acute problems: ie problems that have occurred in the previous week.

The normal pattern is a course of 3 to 6 treatments.

Three times in the first week, twice in the second week, once in the third week.

Some conditions can be treated daily

If the problem recurs it is better to have a one off “top-up” as soon as possible.

 

Chronic Conditions: ie problems that have been ongoing for weeks, months or even years.

A course of 6 – 18 treatments.

Three times in the first week, then twice every week until the problem is well controlled.

In cases of severe arthritis or fibromyalgia, treatments will probably have to be maintained as often as necessary, often once every 2-6 weeks.

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How does it work?

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K-Laser is a safe therapeutic treatment that is effective in managing pain, inflammation and swelling, while accelerating tissue regeneration.

Laser energy increases circulation, providing nutrients and releasing oxygen to the damaged area. This creates an optimal healing environment that reduces inflammation, swelling, muscle spasm, stiffness and pain.

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There is a more detailed explanation here: https://youtu.be/fwqK03ETSc0

 

When will I start feeling better?

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A few people notice a slight improvement after only one treatment.

Most people will notice a definite reduction in pain or increased healing by the third treatment

How long will the treatment last?

When there is a reduction in pain it will usually last from 24 to 48 hours.

Each time the K-laser is used it builds on the treatment before, improving the pain relief and healing processes.

Acute cases: therapy is usually completed in 3-6 sessions.

Chronic cases: therapy may need to be administered monthly on an ongoing basis to maintain relief.

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Can Laser be used with other forms of treatment?

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Yes. Laser Therapy is often used with and enhances other forms of treatment, including physiotherapy, osteopathy, chiropractic, massage, and anti-inflammatory medications.

Laser therapy cannot be used for the first week after a steroid injection.

 

What does a treatment feel like?

There is little or no sensation during treatment to superficial areas. Deeper treatments create a mild, soothing warmth. Areas of pain or inflammation may be more sensitive briefly before pain reduction.

 

Are there any side effects or associated risks?

During more than twenty years of use by healthcare professionals all over the world, very few side effects have ever been reported. Occasionally some old injuries or pain syndromes may feel aggravated for a few days, as the healing response is more active after treatment.

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The commonest side effects are:

• sleepiness, lasting up to a few hours. This normally gets less with each treatment.

• a slight increase in soreness, rather like after a deep massage.

• Temporary sensation of pins & needles or tingling which normally subside after the treatment.

• Rarely you may experience feeling slightly unwell for 2-12 hours, especially after the first treatment. Although this demonstrates that the laser is working well and flushing out the inflammatory mediators, the next dose is normally reduced to avoid a recurrence.

• Safety glasses have to be worn during treatments as lasers can damage the back of the eye if shone directly through the lens of the eye.

 

Contraindications

Not over the thyroid gland

Not over areas of cancer

Not over dark tattoos

Not within one week of a steroid injection into a joint or bursa

Not over a pregnant uterus

Not over a pace maker

Not when taking medications that cause increased sensitivity to light.

 

I feel a lot better, can I stop sooner than recommended?

Pain relief is just one goal of treatment. The K-laser helps your body repair and regenerate. Completing the recommended number of treatments will further assist the healing process.

Treatments are cumulative so stopping and restarting is not as effective as a continuous course. Once healing has been achieved the relief may be long lasting.

 

Has its effectiveness been demonstrated scientifically?

Yes. There are thousands of published studies over 40 years worldwide demonstrating the clinical effectiveness of Laser Therapy. Among these, there are more than one hundred rigorously controlled, scientific studies that document the effectiveness of laser therapy for many clinical conditions.

 

Findings include:

• Acute Pain: diminished more than 70%, chronic pain more than 60%.

• Chronic Low Back Pain: treatment effective in 71% of cases; pain eliminated completely in 45%.

• Wounds: 55% greater healing on day 8, as compared to the placebo group.

• Knee Injury: improved knee flexion and pressure sensitivity after every treatment.

 

Is this available in the NHS?

The K-Laser has received NHS recommendations and has been tested for safety & efficacy by Guy’s and St Thomas’ Foundations Trust where it is currently in use.

Unlike the USA, where it has been FDA approved for over 30years, the more widespread use by other medical professionals has not yet developed in the UK.