This podcast discusses a study comparing physical therapy and laser therapy for neck arthritis pain. The study found that both treatments were effective, but laser therapy showed better outcomes in terms of pain reduction and functional scores. The podcast also explores the mechanisms of light therapy for pain relief and tissue healing, as well as the impact of exercise and laser therapy on reducing pain and improving mobility for individuals with neck arthritis.
Laser therapy is an effective non-invasive treatment option for managing neck pain from arthritis, providing better outcomes in terms of pain reduction and functional improvement compared to traditional physical therapy.
Laser therapy for neck pain has anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, stimulating cellular responses, promoting collagen production, increasing blood flow, enhancing cellular metabolism, and providing long-lasting pain relief when combined with exercise.
Deep dives
Comparison of Laser Therapy and PT for Neck Pain
This podcast episode discusses a study that compares the effectiveness of laser therapy and traditional physical therapy (PT) for treating neck pain caused by cervical spondylosis or arthritis. The study divided patients into two groups: one receiving laser therapy and exercise, and the other receiving ultrasound treatment, transcutaneous nerve stimulation (TENS), and exercise. Both groups showed improvement in pain levels, function, and range of motion, but the group receiving laser therapy had better outcomes in terms of pain reduction and functional improvement. The study suggests that laser therapy, utilizing photobiomodulation, can be an effective non-invasive treatment option for managing neck pain from arthritis.
Benefits and Mechanisms of Laser Therapy
The episode explains how laser therapy works to alleviate neck pain, focusing on its anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. Laser therapy alters the release of histamine and bradykinin, increasing the pain threshold and reducing inflammation. It also stimulates cellular responses, such as enhanced lymphocyte response and increased superoxide dismutase levels, leading to an anti-inflammatory response and improved tissue healing. Laser therapy targets the deep tissues, promoting collagen production, increasing blood flow, and enhancing cellular metabolism. Additionally, it activates endogenous opioids and regulates pain signaling, providing long-lasting pain relief. The podcast emphasizes that laser therapy can assist the body's natural healing processes.
The Importance of Exercise and Treatment Combination
The episode highlights the significance of incorporating exercise into the treatment plan for neck pain. Both the laser therapy group and the ultrasound/TENS group engaged in exercises alongside their respective treatments. This combination approach yielded positive outcomes of pain reduction, improved function, and increased range of motion. The podcast emphasizes that exercise strengthens the neck muscles, enhances mobility, and complements the effects of laser therapy. It concludes by urging individuals with neck arthritis pain to consider laser therapy, noting that the treatment's success lies not just in the laser itself but in the complete package of therapy and exercise.
Dr. Rountree and Kristi talk about what happens when you put laser therapy and physical therapy “head to head” for neck arthritis pain. It turns out, everyone wins! But in the 2018 study they are looking at, there's definitely an advantage to one competitor-which one comes out on top? Listen along to learn more about laser therapy for neck pain, learn how the PT results compared, and get your questions answered regarding treatment for neck arthritis pain.
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