What is deep tissue laser therapy?

Deep tissue laser therapy is a non-invasive medical technology that uses high-power class IV lasers to deliver therapeutic red and near-infrared light deep into tissues to relieve pain and inflammation, enhance tissue repair, and regulate microcirculation. Different wavelengths of laser energy penetrate the tissues with different therapeutic effects. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive overview of how deep tissue laser therapy works and what it can do.

How deep tissue laser therapy works and functions:

Deep tissue laser therapy uses a specific combination of infrared and near-infrared light to produce a stimulating effect on the diseased tissue, triggering a series of beneficial photophysical and photochemical reactions.

Pain relief: Deep tissue laser therapy can regulate the content of bradykinin, serotonin, and other pain-conducting nerve substances in the body, thus relieving pain.

Anti-inflammatory reaction: it can affect the chemical factors involved in and mediate inflammatory reactions in the body, such as reducing the activity of pro-inflammatory factors (e.g., prostaglandins, tumor necrosis factor, etc.), helping the body accelerate through the inflammatory stage.

Accelerated tissue repair: Deep tissue laser physiotherapy promotes the production of fibroblasts and osteoblasts as well as the formation of collagen inside the body, helping the tissues to heal quickly.

Unlike pharmacological treatments, deep tissue laser therapy is painless, non-invasive, has no side effects, enhances the body's ability to heal itself, and the effects of the laser are independent of the use of medication. When we use the laser several times and observe the improvement of the condition we can gradually reduce the drug dependence or even replace part of the drug treatment.

Is deep tissue laser therapy the same as red light therapy?

No, they are different in principle and efficacy. Red light therapy is mainly applied to superficial tissue repair, while deep tissue laser therapy treatment can be applied to deep muscle, joint, and nerve tissues. The difference is in the consistency of light direction, coherence of light, laser power density, and wavelength purity. For more details, you can read What is The Difference Between LED and Laser. In general, red light therapy is good for superficial tissue repair and deep tissue laser therapy is good for deep tissue repair.

What does deep tissue laser therapy treat?

Arthritis

Cervical spondylosis, lumbar disc herniation

Frozen shoulder

Tendonitis, tendonitis

Muscle strains, ligament sprains

Neuropathy

Wound healing

Skin ulcers

Acne

Scar repair

Sports injuries

Post-operative pain and swelling

Back pain

Knee pain

Migraines

Sciatica

Plantar fasciitis

How much does deep tissue laser therapy cost?

The cost of a single session of laser treatment ranges from about 40 USD to 80 USD, which can be adjusted appropriately according to the local economy. For acute conditions, a course of laser therapy treatment is usually about 3-6 sessions, and for chronic conditions, 9-12 sessions are required.

How to choose the right deep tissue laser therapy machine for your pet?

Vaymed's class IV deep tissue laser therapy equipment is widely recognized in veterinary physiotherapy because of its power, depth of tissue penetration, and wavelength. Veterinarians can select the right product based on the type of case and the type of animal they are treating in their hospital. The V-Heal class 4 laser therapy device is ideal for treating small animals and superficial tissues, while the Skyline class 4 laser therapy machine is ideal for larger animals and deep tissue wounds, with 1,460 built-in protocols that allow veterinarians to choose the right one for the animal/pet. Additionally, pet owners must obtain veterinary authorization to use the deep tissue laser therapy machine at home or outdoors. It is important to be fully aware of the contraindications when operating the class 4 deep tissue laser therapy device to avoid irreversible consequences.

FAQ:

1. How does deep tissue therapy laser feel?

Deep tissue therapy laser is a painless, non-irritating therapy. The laser is directed onto the skin and the animal/pet will feel very warm. Usually, the class 4 laser therapy equipment can be equipped with an optional massage treatment head as well as an acupuncture treatment head, which the animal/pet will enjoy during the laser treatment.

2. How long does a deep tissue laser treatment last?

Depending on the site being treated, the type of animal, the degree of acuity, and the size of the wound, deep tissue therapy laser can release a large amount of energy in a short period of time to accelerate wound healing.

3. How many deep tissue laser treatments will I need?

For common diseases, obvious effects can usually be seen after a course of 6 laser treatments, 1 time per day, 3 times of laser treatment; then 1 time every other day, 3 times of laser treatment, depending on the specific condition, it can be prolonged for 6 times; for chronic diseases, it is recommended to treat at least 12 times, 1 time per day, 6 times of laser treatment, then 1 time every other day, 6 times of laser treatment, and maintenance laser treatment can be done 1 time per week.

References:

[1] Laser Therapy of Traumatic and Surgical Scars and an Algorithm for Their Treatment - Kauvar ANB, Kubicki SL, Suggs AK, Friedman PM. Lasers Surg Med. 2020;52(2):125-136.

[2] The beneficial effects of high-intensity laser therapy and co-interventions on musculoskeletal pain management: a systematic review - Ezzati K, Laakso EL, Salari A, Hasannejad A, Fekrazad R, Aris A. J Lasers Med Sci. 2020;11(1):81-90.