Laser Therapy for Pain Management

Xavier’s sprained his ankle during a Friday night basketball game and it was so inflamed that his coaches were uncertain if he would be able to suit up for a big game in Missouri the next night. Larry’s sprained finger on his shooting hand was so bad he didn’t know if he could shoot a jumper or dunk the ball as his team headed into the state tournament. Katie’s shin splints were so painful she didn’t know if she would be able to play in the regional soccer game. Joe’s Achilles tendon injury and planter fasciitis were so painful he had to stop cross-training. Chuck suffered after having carpal tunnel and elbow surgery and wondered if he would be able to do the same duties at work. Kathy’s surgery for a detached bicep muscle and damaged rotator cuff was so painful she thought it would take forever to play tennis again.

These are real life examples of patients who were treated with the MLS Laser. Each of them benefited greatly because they were able to achieve less pain, less swelling, and better mobility and range of motion. They recovered faster and were able to resume their normal activities.

Dr. Jared Kennedy, DC, of the Illinois Laser Center, said, “the MLS Laser allows us to integrate an alternative therapy into our practice to improve patient care and client satisfaction. Highly competitive athletes are able to recover quickly and return to competition. Post-op patients are healing faster and regaining their mobility with less pain medications. We are able to improve their quality of life dramatically. Treatment is quick, pain-free, and affordable.”

According to Dr. John Sigle, DPM, also of the Illinois Laser Center, “this technology is a real breakthrough that can be used for a variety of pathologies. The laser is a Class IV laser that provides dual (equally penetrating 3-4 cm) infrared wavelengths that are synchronized to generate simultaneous anti-endemic and analgesic effects. The therapeutic wavelength (808 nm) provides a continuous emission that is absorbed at the cellular level in the mitochondria. I think the major benefit is that it accelerates tissue repair and cell growth by increasing production of ATP (adenosine-triphosphate). [Laser-treated] cells repair themselves faster than Mother Nature can.”

The therapeutic wavelength also has other advantages:

• Causes vasodilation and anti-edema effects
• Improves vascular activity by increasing formation of new capillaries in damaged tissue to speed healing, close wounds, and reduce scar tissue
• Stimulates muscle trigger points and acupuncture points
• Reduces fibrous tissue to promote faster wound healing
• Improves nerve function and reduces numbness to damaged tissue and impaired limbs

The analgesic wavelength (905 nm) is a pulsed emission that has a strong effect on the nerve cells. It blocks pain transmitted by these cells to the brain and decreases nerve sensitivity.

According to Dr. Sigle, “patients literally leave the office feeling better than when they came in. Although there is no guarantee that therapy will work for everyone, most patients achieve a disappearance of symptoms and long-lasting results.”

“Now I can use the laser in conjunction with other chiropractic protocols,” said Dr. Kennedy. “The laser gives me the results I like to see, and the results patients are looking for. We can use it on acute and chronic conditions. Therapy is available for several pathologies and treatment is targeted. We have seen a reduction in tendonitis, joint swelling, bulging discs, rotator cuff tears, carpal tunnel, shoulder and elbow indications, contusions and bruises, bursitis, arthritis, lumbar pain, sciatica, and muscle strains and tears. At least eight out of ten patients have dramatic results.”

According to Dr. Sigle, “the MLS is very effective for treating foot and ankle injuries like plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, ankle arthritis, neuromas, wounds and ulcers, post-operative endema, neuropathy, medial heel (non-plantar) pain, shin splints, metatarsalgia, and sprains.”

“The results we have on athletic injuries have been remarkable. Many athletes come in with their heads down because they are worried how long they are going to be out of action, or whether they will be able to return at all. When an athlete misses two to four weeks, it’s like missing a quarter of their season,” said Dr. Kennedy. “They are also concerned that they are not going be game ready when they do return. We are very fortunate because we have the same laser that many NFL, NBA, MLB, and intercollegiate teams use. This therapy can be used effectively with other types of physical therapy too. We are able to get athletes on the fast track to heal and to minimize downtime”

“We feel like we are on the edge of a title wave,” said Dr. Sigle. “There will be a significant shift in medicine towards this type of therapy soon. It has revolutionized our practice because we can manage a patient’s pain in an entirely new way.”

John Sigle, DPM, FACFAS

To receive additional information on MLS Laser therapy or to schedule an appointment, call 217-670-2160. The Illinois Laser Center is one of the only medical clinics between Chicago and Alton to offer MLS Laser treatment. The Illinois Laser Center is located at 2921 Montvale Drive, Springfield, Illinois, 62704. Visit myfootandanklecenter.com to view a short video and listen to other testimonials.

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