LASER THERAPY IN Durham NH
What Is Class IV Laser Therapy?
You probably learned about photosynthesis in grade school- the way that plants use light from the sun to make energy in their cells. Our cells can also absorb light waves, and these light waves create several useful reactions. This is called photobiomodulation (PBM), and it has been proven to increase blood flow, increase a cell’s metabolism, increase oxygenation of cells, modulate inflammation, and reduce pain. Our Summus Horizon Class IV laser in Durham NH uses four specific red and near-infrared wavelengths of light to produce photochemical reactions at the cellular level.
There are many types of lasers and LEDs on the market and they are not all the same. We use the Summus Laser because it is one of the most powerful lasers on the market so we can get faster results for our patients. We have also received special training and have become certified laser providers by Summus.
The four different wavelengths on our Summus Horizon laser each have different functions:
- 650nm: Targets superficial tissues, increases cellular regeneration
- 810nm: Targets mitochondria in cells, increases ATP (cellular energy) production, penetrates deeply into the tissues
- 915nm: Targets hemoglobin, increases oxygen delivery to tissues, provides pain relief, speeds healing time
- 980nm: Targets water in the blood, improves circulation, provides pain relief, and speeds healing time.
Laser therapy is completely drug-free and painless and usually only takes a few minutes to deliver. Most people start to feel some relief right away.
Conditions We Help With Class IV Laser in Durham NH
We use our laser to treat a variety of different conditions, usually in conjunction with other treatments like chiropractic adjustments and exercises:
- Whiplash
- Strains and sprains
- Pinched nerves
- Disc bulges and herniations
- Osteoarthritis
- Plantar fasciitis
- Achilles tendonitis
- Rotator cuff tendinitis/bursitis
- Hip bursitis
- TMJ pain
- Neuropathy
Neuropathy Treatment Therapy
Neuropathy refers to nerve damage. The most common form of neuropathy is peripheral neuropathy, which involves damage specifically to the peripheral nerves of the arms, hands, legs, and feet. Common symptoms of neuropathy include numbness, tingling sensations, burning, and pain. Over 20 million people suffer from peripheral neuropathy in the U.S. alone. If left untreated, neuropathy can become very debilitating and can lead to:
- Inability to walk
- Inability to drive
- Increased risk of falling and fractures
- Infections and deformities of feet
- Amputations
- Difficulty using hands to write, do buttons, tie shoes, etc.
Peripheral neuropathy can be caused by many things, the most common being diabetes, chemotherapy, alcohol abuse, trauma, infections, side effects from medications, and aging. Sometimes no cause is ever found and this is called idiopathic neuropathy.
Traditional medical treatments for neuropathy focus on managing the symptoms by using drugs like gabapentin or opiates. These medications do not fix the problem, they merely cover up the symptoms. They also can cause annoying side effects and a risk of dependency.
At Durham Chiropractic we prefer to go right to the root of the problem- loss of circulation to the tiny nerves in the hands/feet causing them to become damaged and stop functioning. With our powerful Summus Horizon Class IV laser, we are able to increase the blood and oxygen going to the nerves. Over time, the nerves actually heal and start functioning normally again. Our neuropathy protocol consists of 16 laser treatments, each about 30 minutes long. Patients typically start feeling results (less pain, increased sensation) after 3-4 treatments. By the end of the 16 treatments, most of our patients see at least an 80% reduction in their symptoms. The treatments themselves are comfortable and painless and it is rare to have any soreness afterward.
There are many causes of neuropathy so it is important to consult with an expert first before deciding if this treatment is right for you. Call our office at (603) 953-3602 for a free consultation with Dr. Sylvestre, who has had extra training specifically in treating peripheral neuropathy.
OFFICE HOURS
Monday
8:00am - 6:00pm
Tuesday
Closed
Wednesday
8:00am - 5:00pm
Thursday
Closed
Friday
8:00am - 4:30pm
Saturday & Sunday
Closed
Durham Chiropractic
7 Mill Rd
Durham, NH 03824