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Lasers are powerful tools used by doctors and healthcare providers for various medical treatments, from cosmetic surgeons, oncologists, dermatologists to opthamologists. Lasers can help treat conditions as varied as acne scarring to wound care and even vision correction. Recently, podiatrists have increasingly turned to laser therapy as an innovative non-invasive option to treat plantar fasciitis and heel pain. Laser’s precise nature offers an alternative treatment option which may ease symptoms while speeding recovery time of plantar fasciitis. If you are suffering from plantar fasciitis, laser therapy might be just what is needed: Here is some helpful information which may assist with making that determination.
What Is Laser Therapy for Plantar Fasciitis?
There are two primary forms of laser therapy used to treat Plantar Fasciitis: low-level laser therapy (LLLT, or “cold laser therapy”) and high-level laser therapy (also referred to as “Class 4 laser therapy“). When choosing the ideal laser device, be mindful that different brands have various beam types, pulse speeds and purported effectiveness levels.
Laser therapy involves delivering a highly focused beam of light across the plantar fascia to promote cell metabolism, protein synthesis, wound healing and immune responses. The depth and effectiveness of each laser used may differ, depending on both its brand name and model number.
Low-Level Laser Therapy
This FDA-cleared treatment for Plantar Fasciitis has been covered by most insurance providers. Since low-level laser pulses produce minimal heat, most individuals report experiencing no discomfort during their procedure. According to some doctors, patients can feel immediate relief from heel pain with low-level laser therapy; studies prove its efficacy when combined with conservative treatments such as stretching and orthotics.
High-Level Laser Therapy
As laser therapy is gradually brought into public focus, more doctors now tend to use Class IV lasers instead of low-level lasers when treating plantar fasciitis. High-level laser therapy involves using a higher power laser to irradiate the painful spot and trigger a series of biological responses, thus accelerating the healing process. The stronger beam of class iv lasers can penetrate deeper into tissues and produce better therapeutic outcomes. Therapists maintain that more powerful lasers are essential in reaching deep enough into fascia to treat injuries effectively – a clinical study revealed that 90% of those with plantar fasciitis experienced significant pain relief with class iv laser therapy.
Advantages of Class IV Laser Therapy
Pain-free, patient friendly, no side effects
Rapid recovery time and swelling reduction
Effective for acute and chronic injuries
Accelerate body’s own ability to heal
Class iv laser therapy has quickly become the go-to treatment option for acute and chronic heel pain relief, offering up an 90% efficacy rate when used alone or combined with prescription painkillers. It eliminates the need for surgery and has no adverse side effects! A great way to return active life with class iv lasers.