The podcast discusses the conditions that laser therapy can help with, including inflammatory and nerve damage. It also explores factors that can limit results, such as obesity and lifestyle factors. The episode covers the impact of stress and daily activities on the effectiveness of laser therapy. The timeline for noticing results and the long-term benefits of laser therapy are also discussed.
Laser therapy can be effective for inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and tissue damage such as sprained muscles.
Laser therapy has few contraindications and is considered very safe, with minimal side effects.
Deep dives
Conditions that respond well to laser therapy
Laser therapy can be effective for conditions that involve inflammation or tissue damage. Inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, tendonitis, and bursitis can improve with laser therapy. Additionally, tissue damage, such as sprained or strained muscles, partially torn rotator cuffs, and whiplash injuries, can also benefit from laser therapy. However, genetic disorders like Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, where the connective tissue blueprint is faulty, may have reduced success rates with laser therapy.
Contraindications and risks of laser therapy
Laser therapy generally has few contraindications. It is typically safe to use laser therapy for most conditions, with the exception of working directly over tumor sites in active cancer patients and avoiding direct treatment over the belly or lower back in pregnant females. It is also advisable to wait a few weeks after a cortisone injection before receiving laser therapy for that joint. In terms of risks, laser therapy has been used safely for over 50 years without significant side effects. Some patients may experience short-term fatigue or achiness after treatment, but overall, laser therapy is considered very safe.
Factors that may affect the effectiveness of laser therapy
Several factors can affect the speed and effectiveness of laser therapy. Obesity, diabetes, and thyroid disorders may slow down the healing process and progression of results. Poor nutrition, dehydration, caffeine consumption, stress, and activities that continually aggravate the injured area can also impede the effectiveness of laser therapy. It is important to manage these factors to optimize the benefits of laser therapy.
Dr. Rountree addresses common questions regarding laser therapy: What conditions do well with laser? What are the risks and complicating factors? Will it help me personally? How long will it last?