By Sam Gill, Chiropractor

Most healthcare providers and patients are often looking for alternatives to pharmaceutical therapies when addressing various, acute and chronic, painful and inflammatory conditions.

When inflammation becomes chronic it places the body under constant stress. This can interfere with your body’s healthy tissue function, resulting in permanent pain and disability, and can even result in genetic mutations that lead to diseases as diverse as cancer, diabetes, heart disease, Alzheimer’s, or stroke – even depression.

Low-level laser therapy (aka cold laser) is one non-invasive modality that is rapidly increasing in popularity in Australia with its use in a range of hospitals and medical clinics to help treat pain and inflammation, and to stimulate the body’s natural healing response. Until now Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) had been more largely accessible across Europe and the United States.

There are currently decades of scientific research explaining how LLLT works, showing how it can lead to long-term health improvements and symptom relief in a wide range of conditions.

How does low-level laser therapy work?

The process is often compared to that of photosynthesis in plants where light is converted to cellular energy. When specific wavelengths and frequencies of near-infrared light are applied to the injured and inflamed area the light is absorbed and converted into energy by the mitochondria in the cells. This leads to a reduction in oxidative stress and stimulates the body’s healing response.

Sam Gill our resident chiropractor says that “there is no heat produced as the light is pulsed into the cells”. Sam has been using LLLT at The Health Lodge for the last year and has seen some amazing results. The coherent light beam (laser) can penetrate up to 9 to 12cm into the body depending on the location.

The following is a list of some of the painful conditions that LLLT can help with:

• Frozen shoulder

• Repetitive Strain Injuries

• Lymphedema

• Chronic Pain

• Sporting Injuries, including muscles, tendons & ligaments

• Improving athletic performance

• Increasing energy levels

• Pre & Post-surgical & dental care

• Peripheral nerve damage

• Help support sufferers of Autoimmune conditions

• Neurological inflammation

• Neck and back pain & injuries

• Disc herniation

• Osteoarthritis

• Rheumatoid Arthritis

• Tinnitus

• Sinusitis

• Headaches

• Wound healing & scarring

• Fracture Healing

• Plantar Fasciitis

LLLT is by no means limited to the above. The benefits of using LLLT as part of an integrative approach to maintaining health and wellness cannot be over emphasized.

Chiropractor Sam Gill was first introduced to chiropractic after suffering recurrent sporting injuries and digestive imbalances. The changes in both his sports performance and overall well-being inspired him to study chiropractic. He believes that optimal health requires a balance between the body and mind and his approach to optimal health encompasses the physical, biochemical and emotional aspects of health and wellbeing. Sam uses a combination of modalities, to communicate and work with the body from the physical, chemical and emotional perspectives.

Find out more about Low level laser therapy, pricing and how to book a treatment with Sam Gill here >>

Monday 22 July is National Pain Week and coincides with the launch of the results of the National Pain Survey, an annual survey which clearly explains the needs of people living with chronic pain. The results are available on the Chronic Pain Australia website www.nationalpainweek.org.au.

*This blog features the views of the writer and is for educational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your doctor or other qualified health practitioners before acting on information on this article, particularly if you have a medical condition, taking medication or if you are pregnant.