New Technology for an ancient medicine

It is very exciting to see old and new methodologies of treatment coming together in harmony. Acupuncture has been used to treat pain issues for many thousands of years. Treatment is based on the concept of qi (energy) flowing through specific channels in the body. In injury, there is a blockage of the flow of qi, acupuncture restores flow and thereby relieves the pain associated with the blockage.

LLLT - Low-level laser therapy can be explained in terms of qi, but it is best explained in terms that we can understand in a western model. The Sport Laser by ProvidenceMed has the following demonstrated benefits:

"Through the action of photo-bio-stimulation of light reactive biological receptors (chromophores) in the body, Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) has demonstrated the ability to significantly accelerate and enhance the body's natural defense and repair components in the presence of injury, inflammation and certain disease processes. Low Level Laser Therapy is also effective in providing pain relief by stimulating the production of endorphins. By modifying the effects and limiting the duration of inflammation, as well as enhancing specific repair and healing processes, LLLT is consistent in providing pain relief, reduced inflammation, reducing injury damage and restoring loss of function. Additionally, Low Level Laser Therapy is able to facilitate more rapid cellular repair and stronger healed tissue structures. Multiple clinical studies have noted the following results of LLLT:"

Many people with complaints or pain associated with the following issues have reported positive results using LED light therapy:

• Acute neck and back pain
• Ankle problems
• Arthritis pain and restricted movement
• Bone spurs
• Bone fractures
• Bruises
• Burns
• Bursitis
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Deep muscle problems
• Golfer’s/tennis elbow
• Fractures
• Haematomas
• Inflammation
• Joint and muscle pain
• Leg pain
• Muscle spasm or stiffness
• Neuralgia
• Open wounds with negligible formation of scar tissue
• Pain relief
• Peripheral neuropathy
• Pressure ulcers
• RSI/RSP
• Shoulder pain
• Sore backs
• Sprains
• Strains
• Swelling
• Tendon problems
• Tennis elbow
• Tight muscles
• Tinnitus
• Training (resistance/cardio)
• Reduction of scar tissue
• Wrist pain

Light therapy has been established as a useful tool to: Increase vascularity (circulation) by increasing the formation of new capillaries, which are additional blood vessels that replace damaged ones. New capillaries speed up the healing process by carrying more oxygen as well as more nutrients needed for healing and they can also carry more waste products away.

Stimulate the production of collagen: Collagen is the most common protein found in the body. Collagen is the essential protein used to repair damaged tissue and to replace old tissue. It is the substance that holds cells together and has a high degree of elasticity. By increasing collagen production less scar tissue is formed at the damaged site.

Stimulate the release of adenosine triphosphate (ATP): ATP is the major carrier of energy to all cells. Increases in ATP allow cells to accept nutrients faster and get rid of waste products faster by increasing the energy level in the cell. All food turns into ATP before the cells utilize it. ATP provides the chemical energy that drives the chemical reaction of the cell.

Increase lymphatic system activity: Oedema, which is the swelling or natural splinting process of the body, has two basic components. The first is a liquid part, which can be evacuated by the blood system, and the second is comprised of the proteins that have to be evacuated by the lymphatic system. Research has shown that the lymph vessel diameter and the flow of the lymph system can be doubled with the use of light therapy. The venous diameter and the arterial diameters can also be increased. This means that both parts of oedema (liquid and protein) can be evacuated at a much faster rate to relieve swelling.

Reduce the excitability of nervous tissue: The photons of light energy enter the body as negative ions. This calls upon the body to send positive ions, like calcium among others, to go to the area being treated. These ions assist in firing the nerves thereby relieving pain.

Stimulate fibroblastic activity that aids in the repair process: Fibroblasts are present in connective tissue and are capable of forming collagen fibres.

Increase phagocytosis: The process of scavenging for an ingesting dead or degenerated cells by phagocyte cells for the purpose of clean up. This is an important part of the infection fighting process. Destruction of the infection and clean up must occur before the healing process can take place.

Induce a thermal like effect in the tissue: The light raises the temperature of the cells through a photochemical reaction.

Stimulate tissue granulation and connective tissue projections: Part of the healing process of wounds, ulcers or inflamed tissues.

Stimulate acetylcholine release: Acetylcholine causes cardiac inhibition, vasodilation, gastrointestinal peristalsis and other parasympathetic effects.

Treatment is done in a quiet, treatment room and the therapy is painless and only takes 10 - 15 minutes.

Cost: