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Low Level Laser Therapy, commonly known as LLLT, is a form of phototherapy which involves the application of low power coherent light to injuries and lesions to stimulate healing. Low Level Laser Therapy is used to increase the speed, quality and tensile strength of tissue repair, resolve inflammation, increase range of motion and give pain relief. Erchonia Medical is the leading research company on lasers and they are the developer of LLLT technology. Cold laser therapy is a major advancement in healing and is rewriting the medical books on what is possible for chronic injuries, pain management, neurological impairment, and facilitating the healing process in disease conditions. How Does Low Level Laser Therapy work? The effects of Low Level Laser Therapy are photochemical, not thermal or vibrational. Hot lasers in the medical world are used for surgical precision while cold lasers are used for healing precision. During treatment of the tissue with the red, violet, or green laser, an interaction between cells and photons takes place - a photochemical reaction. Photons from the laser affect the tissue at the cellular level. The cold laser enters the tissue, alters cell membrane permeability, and at the cellular level is absorbed in the mitochondria. The mitochondria are the “Powerhouse” of the cells and make ATP which is needed for the life enhancement process of every cell which facilitates:  Rapid cell growth. The laser accelerates cellular reproduction and growth. Faster wound healing. The laser stimulates fibroblast development in damaged tissue. The reduction in recovery time is an important consideration. Increased metabolic activity. Helps the body increase output of specific enzymes, greater oxygen to blood cells and more effective immune response are induced by laser. Reduced fibrous tissue formation. The laser reduces the formation of scar tissue following tissue damage from cuts, scratches, burns, or following surgery. Anti-inflammatory action. The laser reduces swelling caused by bruising or inflammation of joints to give improved joint mobility. Increased vascular activity. The laser stimulates lymph and blood circulation, to allow the affected tissue to have the best possible circulation. Research has shown that the cells of your body actually communicate with each other through coherent light (laser). With the Erchonia Medical laser there are specific pulsations (hertz) that can be programmed with the laser frequency allowing the practitioner to talk “cell talk” with the body. Specific pulsations have been shown to create different physiological responses of the cell. This is extremely important when working with a variety of injury and disease conditions to promote healing. The metabolism of injured and diseased tissue is decreased and the laser creates an increase in metabolism and cell communication immediately. What are the advantages over other modes of therapy? The Erchonia Laser has been found to offer superior healing and pain relieving effects when compared to other electrotherapeutic modalities. The results seem equally untouchable for early stages of acute injuries, and for chronic problems. The Erchonia Laser can also be used for acupuncture point stimulation. Erchonia Low Level Laser Therapy is a universal method of treating muscle, tendon, ligament, connective tissue, bone, neurological dysfunction or damage, with one simple piece of equipment. When the laser is applied with chiropractic care the best results are achieved to organise the nervous system and promote healing. Erchonia laser therapy is a major advantage for athletes due to the neurological applications and the extremely fast results that can be achieved. Clinical uses of Low Level Laser Therapy  There are a number of potential clinical uses for the Erchonia Laser. The Erchonia Laser is very effective as a stand alone modality. However, Erchonia Lasers are being used by those in chiropractic, medical, dental, acupuncture, podiatry, osteopathic, veterinary, physiotherapy, acupuncture practice and cosmetic applications. This therapy is very effective and safe for children. The portability and diversity of battery powered diode laser systems allows treatment to be carried out in clinical and field locations. This opens up possibilities for the immediate and therefore more effective treatment of sporting and athletic injuries, such as sprains, stains, muscle tears, and inflammatory conditions. Low Level Laser Therapy is popularly used for: Soft Tissue Injuries Sprains & Strains Haematomas Tendonitis and Tenosynovitis Capsulitis Bursitis Chronic Back & Neck pain Acute & Chronic Joint problems: Osteoarthritis Rheumatoid Arthritis Ligament & Tendon injuries Reduction of Inflammation Metatarsalgia Trigeminal Neuralgia Brachial Neuralgia Plantar Fasciitis Frozen Shoulder Carpal Tunnel References: Adapted from Article by Jerome Rerucha D.C. Erchonia Medical - www.erchonia.com

Cold Laser Therapy - In More Detail

A more indepth explainer on Cold Laser Therapy, how it works and its benefits.

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Through the COVID 19 lockdowns of 2020 and 2021 many people discovered that they didn’t like the gym, but they really do enjoy exercising. Others discovered the Park Run or the Push Up Challenge. But during this winter, less and less are willing to brave the cold and perform their pull-ups or run that 5K. Enter the Kettlebell. Cast in iron and designed for strength, this ball with a handle has been the secret weapon for Eastern European athletes and military as early as the 1700’s. The kettlebell is a great at-home, or at-office exercise tool, allowing for easy access to multiple exercises that help to stabilise the spine and the nervous system. The swing can be done as a cardio workout, or core strengthening exercise. Imagine, no waiting for the particular piece of equipment, not having to wipe someone else’s  sweat  off a machine and no monthly fees. That is the kettlebell. The first movement to learn with the kettlebell is the two-handed swing. It is a hip-hinge that is powerful and requires solid coordination from the feet to the head (1). The hip hinge itself is a crucial movement for almost every lower-body exercise. It involves flexion and extension from the hips (1, 2) and also a posterior shift in weight. This movement is not associated with squatting, but rather deadlifting. Put in simple terms: Hip hinge = mostly hip bend, very little knee bend Squat = full hip AND knee bend  This image shows the muscle groups stimulated during Kettlebell swings The kettlebell swing provides this mechanical movement pattern amongst many other benefits. It's a great posterior chain activator (glute muscle activation, hamstring, and upper back muscles). Along with core bracing and cardiovascular work (1, 2, 3). All these things help prevent low back injuries and maintain a strong skeletal structure - in general, support the nervous system housing that is the spine (1, 2). When done correctly and regularly, the swing will start to build muscle strength on your back and glutes and have the effect of burning calories (1, 2, 3) at an incredibly efficient rate.. and all from the comfort of your lounge room. Along with strengthening the lower-back, core and glutes, the kettlebell swing has been utilised to great effect in rehabilitating knee injuries. A lack of glute function is linked to causes in mechanical knee pain (3). Decreased glute function can lead to over activity of the internal rotators of the hip and the adductors, leading to medial force through the knee joint (3). When the swing is done correctly, it activates the external rotators of the hip, aligning the femur and tibia into its most optimal position (1, 3). When done regularly, the two-handed swing will strengthen these muscles, keeping our knees, along with our lower back and core, strong.  Thomas Edison once said , “The doctor of the future will give no medicine; instead he will interest his patients in the care of the human frame, nutrition and the cause and prevention of disease.”  Regular practice of the kettlebell swing strengthens the back and core, enhances cardiovascular health, and supports the spine. This helps protect your body’s nervous system, improve structure and your overall health. Keep active, keep training and don't give up! 
 Dr. Adam Camerlengo. Chiropractor. Spinal Solution, Crows Nest NSW 
  References: Effects of Kettlebell Training on Postural Coordination and Jump Performance. A Randomized Controlled Trial (https://journals.lww.com/nsca-jscr/FullText/2013/05000/Effects_of_Kettlebell_Training_on_Postural.5.aspx) Kettlebell Swing, Snatch, and Bottoms-Up Carry: Back and Hip Muscle Activation, Motion, and Low Back Loads (https://journals.lww.com/nsca-jscr/Fulltext/2012/01000/Kettlebell_Swing,Snatch,_and_Bottoms_Up_Carry.3.aspx) Kettlebells for Knee Pain (https://physicaltherapyweb.com/kettlebells-knee-pain/)

The best exercise for a strong back without the gym

Through the COVID 19 lockdowns of 2020 and 2021 many people discovered that they didn’t like the gym, but they really do enjoy...

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What is Cold Laser Therapy?  Cold Laser Therapy is a low-intensity laser therapy that stimulates healing while using low levels of light. Also known as low-level light therapy (LLLT) or photobiomodulation therapy.  Different wavelengths are needed to treat specific conditions. The light energy goes right through your skin. It can penetrate 2-5cm into the tissues, where it triggers a physiological reaction of the light sensitive components in the body's cells. The reaction may reduce inflammation, improve circulation and promote healing.  What can Cold Laser Therapy help with? The most common conditions we see the best results at Spinal Solution are: Pain, swelling and inflammation from musculoskeletal conditions. Chronic injuries and arthritis Chronic tendon injuries-tendinopathies. Scar tissue and adhesions from old injuries and surgery. Are there any side effects of Cold Laser Therapy? Because LLLT is as safe as it is effective, there are no known long-term side effects of this form of light therapy. Because of the lower level of light frequencies, this type of laser does not heat up tissues, compared to other forms of laser therapies used in surgery to burn tumours or cauterise. Other than averting your eyes from the laser's red or infrared light and using special eyewear, the FDA has found no other red flags or adverse side effect of cold laser therapy.  Cold laser therapy is non invasive, it is very effective when combined with you other Modalities such as Chiropractic adjustments, acupuncture and soft tissue work.  What can I expect at my visit if Cold Laser Therapy is used? The laser we use is non contacting, which means it is placed near the area we will be working on: Sometimes an anti inflammatory cream will be rubbed on the area before laser application if we are working on reducing inflammation. You may have some dry needling combined with cold laser therapy You may also have massage applied in combination with Cold Laser. This can be done by hand, with some mobilisation, or using a massage machine. This combination is great for scar tissue, adhesions and post surgery. Chiropractic Spinal Adjustments and Specific Joint Manipulation combined with Cold Laser Therapy is highly effective for acute and chronic conditions, such as Neck and Low Back pain, Knee and Shoulder pain.  How long does the session last and how long does the effect last for? Usually the laser sessions last from 3-6 minutes. The majority of our patients get somewhere between a 30-50% reduction in pain after the initial session. Unfortunately, patients do not typically get full relief or resolution from their pain symptoms after the first treatment. It often requires a series of treatments, usually 6-12 depending on the severity and duration of the condition.  Can Cold Laser Therapy help me? Please call our practice and book a time to have a complimentary chat with one of our Practitioners at Spinal Solution in Crows Nest to see if Cold Laser Therapy can help your problem.  Cold Laser Therapy with Dry Needling for Chronic Trigger Points Further Reading The Use of Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) for Musculoskeletal Pain - www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov › pmc › articles › PMC4743666 The effectiveness of low-level laser therapy for nonspecific chronic low back pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis  - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4704537/ Efficacy of low-level laser therapy in the management of neck pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised placebo or active-treatment controlled trials - The Lancet (2009) Vol 374 Issue 9705;  Chow RT, Johnson MI, Lopes-Martins RAB, Bjordal JM In chronic low back pain, low level laser therapy combined with exercise is more beneficial than exercise alone in the long term: a randomised trial. -  Australian Journal of Physiotherapy (2007) 52: 155–160; Djavid GE, Mehrdad R, Ghasemi M, Hasan-Zadeh H, Sotoodeh-Manesh A, Pouryaghoub G Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) for discogenic back pain - British Journal of Sports Medicine ( 2011) Vol 45, Issue 2; Malliaropoulos N,  Akritidou A, Tsifountoudis I, Tsitas K Low-Level Laser Therapy for Treating Low Back Pain: 12-Month Follow-Up  - Journal of Pain & Relief 2019, Volume 9, Issue 1 - Trevor S. Berry, Paul J. Quarneri, Gregory Roche, and Travis M. Sammons https://healthline.com/health/cold-laser-therapy  Immediate pain relief effect of low level laser therapy for sports injuries: Randomized, double-blind placebo clinical trial - https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1440244016300020

Cold Laser Therapy - can it help me?

What is Cold Laser Therapy? Cold Laser Therapy is a low-intensity laser therapy that stimulates healing while using low levels of light....

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This section answers some common questions people have about chiropractic and headaches. After low back pain and neck pain, headaches are the third most common reason people seek help from chiropractors. Please feel free to ask questions in the blog below or you can call the clinic if you have further questions about your headache problem. What types of headaches do chiropractors treat? This study found those with headache who seek help from Australian chiropractors often have recurrent headaches such as migraine, tension headache and neck (cervicogenic) headache. It also found that those who seek help from chiropractors for headache management often have increased headache severity and chronic headaches. Craig Moore et al  2020, 'The features and burden of headaches within a chiropractic clinical population: A cross-sectional analysis', published in the journal Complementary Therapies in Medicine  https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0965229919315523  How do chiropractors help those with migraines and other headaches?  This study found that Australian chiropractors use a broad approach to headache patient care, including hands-on treatment methods such as manipulation and massage, as well of providing lifestyle advice, helping with stress and educating patients about headache triggers.  Craig Moore et al  2018, 'The management of common recurrent headaches by chiropractors: a descriptive analysis of a nationally representative survey', published in the journal BMC Neurology  https://bmcneurol.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12883-018-1173-6  Is the treatment provided by chiropractors helpful for headaches?  This study found that a common treatment method used by chiropractors (spinal manipulation) appears to be more effective than other hands-on treatment options and provides better, short‐term effects for reducing the pain, frequency and disability related to neck (cervicogenic) headaches.  Matthew Fernandez, Craig Moore et al  2020, 'Spinal manipulation for the management of cervicogenic headache: a systematic review and meta-analysis', published in the European Journal of Pain .  https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ejp.1632?fbclid=IwAR3AjMkOW9268FxLG-wXMi3BFi7Z2AOERmQ9mCthy4QeFBuiZtZS5s3DfWY#.Xw4rBak1-Sg.email  How do I know if chiropractors can help my headaches?  The initial consultation will involve a thorough history and examination to confirm your headache type. Any recommendations are made after a further discussion about the current research evidence for your headache type.

Headaches - How Chiropractic Can Help

This section answers some common questions people have about chiropractic and headaches. After low back pain and neck pain, headaches are...

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