At Calease Chiropractic in Des Moines, IA, we work hard to provide our patients with the most effective, non-invasive treatments available. In addition to traditional chiropractic adjustments, Dr. Alicia Calease, DC, utilizes Cold Laser Therapy, also known as Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT), to accelerate the body's natural healing process. This advanced technology allows us to reduce pain and inflammation through cellular action, providing a powerful complement to our manual therapies.
What is Cold Laser Therapy?
Unlike high-power surgical lasers that use heat to cut or cauterize tissue, cold laser therapy uses specific wavelengths of light that do not produce heat. When these low levels of light are applied to an injured area, the light energy travels through the skin and is absorbed by the mitochondria, the powerhouses of your cells.
This process, called photobiomodulation, triggers a chemical response that increases the production of cellular energy (ATP). By boosting this energy, the body can repair damaged tissues, reduce inflammation, and alleviate pain much faster than it could on its own.
How Laser Therapy Fits Into Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic care focuses on the relationship between the structure of the spine and the function of the nervous system. While adjustments are designed to restore proper alignment and joint mobility, soft tissue inflammation can sometimes slow down the recovery process.
Integrating laser therapy into your treatment plan at our Des Moines, IA, office offers several benefits:
- Reduction of Inflammation: The laser helps to decrease the swelling and redness associated with acute injuries or chronic conditions.
- Pain Relief: By stimulating the release of endorphins and decreasing the transmission of pain signals, laser therapy provides immediate comfort.
- Tissue Repair: It promotes the regeneration of muscle, ligament, and nerve tissues, which is particularly helpful for stubborn injuries.
- Enhanced Mobility: By reducing pain and stiffness in the soft tissues, patients often find that their chiropractic adjustments "hold" better and their range of motion improves more quickly.
Common Conditions Treated
Dr. Calease frequently uses cold laser therapy to treat a variety of musculoskeletal issues, including:
- Neck and Back Pain: Addressing deep muscle spasms and disc-related inflammation.
- Joint Pain: Providing relief for arthritis, knee pain, and shoulder impingement.
- Sports Injuries: Accelerating recovery from sprains, strains, and tendonitis.
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Reducing nerve compression and inflammation in the wrist.
A Safe and Comfortable Experience
Laser therapy is completely painless. During a session, you may feel the device touching your skin, but you will not feel any heat or vibration. Most treatments last between 5 and 15 minutes, making it an easy addition to your regular chiropractic visit.
At Calease Chiropractic, we want to help you return to your daily activities in Des Moines, IA, as quickly and safely as possible. By combining the structural benefits of chiropractic adjustments with the cellular healing power of cold laser therapy, we provide a truly comprehensive path to wellness. To learn if you’re a good candidate, call us for a consultation at 319-352-5353.