LiveWell: Laser Therapy

    During my time as a Medical Correspondent at WAFB, I did a lot of stories on the use of lasers in medicine.   A growing number of Physical Therapists are discovering the benefits of Low Level Laser Treatment (LLLT) for PT patients.  Tom Coplin, a PT at Central Physical Therapy, says he uses laser to treat a long list painful conditions involving soft tissue.  Some specific areas include pain in the neck and back, sprains, strains, headaches and TMJ.   Coplin also uses the laser to reduce swelling.   He says LLLT works by triggering the mitochondria in cells to “go into hyper-healing mode.”  Coplin says, “Think of it this way, mitochondria are like microscopic power plants inside each cell of your body. They’re what direct the cell to facilitate pain relief and healing.  When treated with Low Level Laser Treatment, the mitochondria become supercharged which speeds up cell function.”   

    Like any device used in a medical setting, Low Level Lasers had to be cleared by the FDA.  Research showed the technology to be both safe and effective.  Despite that, Coplin says it can be difficult to get an insurance company to pay for it. “While some major medical insurance carriers assist with payment, others won’t cover LLLT at all; neither Medicare nor Medicaid covers LLLT.   “They call it investigational even though studies have shown otherwise.”   As is the case with many innovative treatments, CPT’s Helen Balzli says it takes time for insurance companies to get on board.  That does not dampen her enthusiasm for the technology.   Balzli says “Patients respond differently.  That applies to almost any treatment.  More times than not, the people I treat with laser benefit from it.  Some even offer to pay for it themselves.”   Unlike hot lasers used to cut and burn, low level lasers emit cold light that is absorbed by the skin.  Experts say it can take between 8 and 30 LLLT treatments for a patient to get maximum results.   Depending on the severity of the condition, patients may be asked to come between 2 and 4 times a week.  Laser therapy should not be used on any suspicious skin legions that could be cancer, over the thyroid or on women who are pregnant since researchers still aren’t sure what effects it may have on unborn children. 

    To learn more about Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) online go to www.centralptonline.com.  Under services, click on “Cold Laser”.

    Phil Rainier is not a doctor, nor should his column be considered medical advice.  Phil’s e-mail is [email protected].