Aspen Lasers

NEAR-INFRARED LIGHT
Our class IV Aspen laser products generate specific wavelengths of light in the red and near-infrared spectrum which ramp up energy production at the cellular level by activating these light-sensitive mitochondrial receptors. This, in turn, sets off a cascade of physiologic events which support healing at the most basic level. The process of using light to stimulate these cellular processes is called photobiomodulation.

Dr. Slack gives a brief introduction in this video.

 

 

The world around us is full of biologic systems which respond to light. The most commonly cited example of a light-induced reaction in the human body occurs in our visual system: the human retina contains specialized receptor cells which convert light energy into signals which travel to the brain via the optic nerve. The brain interprets these signals and creates visual perception.

 

However, light-responsive receptors (called chromophores) are found in great abundance in the human body being present in all human cell types. In particular, there is a light receptor present in mitochondria (called cytochrome oxidase C) which stimulates mitochondrial activity. Mitochondria are responsible for many critical physiologic responses including energy production.

 

Research suggests that the pro-healing actions of photobiomodulation are complex and far-reaching with potential to:

 

  • Rapidly reduce inflammation and pain
  • Increase blood and lymphatic circulation to and from sites of injury
  • Increase cellular energy production and metabolism allowing greater nutrient intake and waste removal at the cellular level
  • Activate stem cells which are central to the injury repair process
  • Accelerated injury repair and growth in nerve tissues
  • Decrease scar formation and accelerate wound healing via increased collagen production and optimal collagen remodeling
  • Improve joint and bone healing via increase in chondrocyte and collagen production

 

When administered by an appropriately trained provider, light therapy is a safe, pain-free treatment that only takes a few minutes per visit. Light therapy can be effective as a stand alone treatment but we more frequently employ this therapy as part of our customized “symphony of treatments” approach.

 

We encourage you to independently research ALL of our treatment modalities at Google Scholar and PubMed.

 

FAQ

HOW ARE TREATMENTS ADMINISTERED?
Treatments are performed by positioning the laser hand-piece approximately ½” directly above the skin and surrounding the area of injury and pain with the laser treatment beam.

HOW MANY TREATMENTS ARE NEEDED?
The Class IV Laser Therapy produces results quickly. For most ACUTE conditions 5-6 treatments is all that is needed. CHRONIC conditions take longer and might require 6-12 treatments. While these are the averages, each person is unique and healing time varies by person and condition. For those with lifelong conditions your doctor may recommend 1 or 2 follow-up treatments each month.

HOW LONG WILL THE TREATMENT TAKE?
Depending on the condition, treatment times for this drug-free, non-invasive procedure will last on average 5-10 minutes but is based on the size of area, depth of penetration needed and condition being treated.

WILL THE TREATMENT HURT?
Most patients notice a warm, often soothing feeling. There is no pain associated with a treatment. Many patients also experience reduced muscle tension and tightness, reduced inflammation and improved range of motion.

WHEN CAN NORMAL ACTIVITY BEGIN AGAIN?
The moment a person leaves the clinic, they may resume normal daily activity. It is important to remember to not overexert for a few days, as the body is still healing.

WILL INSURANCE COVER TREATMENTS?
Innovation MD treatments are not covered by insurance. Ask about payment arrangements available at our office.

HOW DOES CLASS IV LASER THERAPY WORK?
When the photons of laser light penetrate the skin and underlying tissue, they are absorbed by the cells, and converted into energy. The cell membrane permeability is altered, which triggers a cascade of cellular events including:

 

• Stimulation of ATP
• Stimulation of respiratory chain
• Increased DNA and RNA synthesis
• Increased levels of beta endorphins and serotonin
• Enhanced collagen synthesis

WHAT ADVANTAGE DOES CLASS IV LASER THERAPY HAVE OVER OTHER FORMS OF TREATMENT?
The treatment does not require the use of drugs or surgery, and there are no dangerous side effects or risks as long as the laser is used correctly. In addition, Laser therapy provides enhanced treatment outcomes faster than any other treatment modality.

HOW IS CLASS IV SUPERIOR TO “COLD LASER THERAPY” ( class III laser ) ?
This is a question of physics as it applies to biologic tissue. CLASS IV lasers produce higher energy and utilize deeper penetrating wavelengths ( in the near-infrared spectrum as opposed to “red light” ) and are thus able to reach deeper tissues where “cold laser” and “red light” cannot. 

 

INDICATORS FOR LASER THERAPY INCLUDE: