How does laser therapy work?

In Toronto, low-level laser therapy for treating chronic pain is delivered by a clinician through a small handheld device that is about the size of a flashlight.

The laser is positioned directly over the target area from 30 seconds to several minutes, depending on the size of the area and the dose necessary for effective therapeutic relief.

When the laser is powered on and directed at the target area, non-thermal photons of light are emitted from the laser. These photons pass through the multiple lasers of skin, including the dermis, epidermis and the subcutaneous tissue under the skin. Overall, the photons must penetrate approximately 2-5 centimetres below the skin in order to reach the troublesome muscles.

Once the photons have successfully penetrated adequate layers of skin, they reach the target muscles and are absorbed. Each photon will interact with the light-sensitive elements within cells in a process that is analogous to photosynthesis in plants. A series of events is initiated that stimulate the growth and healing of damaged or injured tissue, leading to a reduction in pain, inflammation, and edema.

Toronto Low-laser therapy can stimulate all cell types including muscle, cartilage, ligament, nerves and many more. Therefore, the clinical potential of laser therapy in a number of chronic pain conditions is great. Currently, typical conditions that benefit from this laser therapy are:

• Arthritis
• Back, knee and neck pain
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Fibromyalgia
• Tendonitis

The therapy is absolutely non-invasive and is safe to be repeated between two to four times a week, over the course of a few weeks. The length of treatment will be dependent on the severity of the condition being treated.

Considerations for the use of Toronto laser therapy

During the procedure, both patient and healthcare professional should wear protective eyewear, and the laser should never be directed at the eyes because it could cause permanent damage. Additionally, laser therapy is not suitable for areas of the body that are or suspected to be affected by cancer. Finally, laser therapy is not recommended for pregnant women.

The benefits and disadvantages of Toronto laser therapy for pain management

Many patients favour the use of laser therapy as their choice of treatment because it’s a non-invasive procedure. There’s no surgical incision, risk of infection or prolonged recovery times. Furthermore, laser therapy is convenient and simple as it does not require special preparatory work or medications. Finally, laser therapy offers efficacy without the cost of any serious, systemic side effects when used properly.

Despite its advantages, low-level laser therapy does have a few drawbacks. Its effects are limited to a specific set of wavelengths and administration of doses outside this range will be ineffective in reducing pain. Also, patients will typically require a series of treatments before experiencing full therapeutic relief from their condition depending on its severity.

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Toronto Ketamine infusions for pain management

Ketamine is a chemical derivative of phencyclidine hydrochloride used as a treatment for severe neuropathic pain and conditions involving chronic pain. It can come in two forms: a white, crystalline powder or a clear liquid.

Historically used as an anaesthetic agent in humans, the aim of infusing low doses of ketamine into patients today is to reduce the level of pain experienced while increasing sensitivity to analgesia. By including ketamine in a treatment strategy for pain management, the amount of medications required to control the chronic pain can be decreased.

In Toronto pain management, a ketamine infusion is a single dose of ketamine administered intravenously in a hospital-based or accredited clinical setting. It is minimally invasive and only requires a plastic cannula to be inserted into a vein for administration by a computer-operated infusion pump.

Vital signs such as blood pressure and pulse are monitored closely and regularly by a healthcare professionally for safety. The infusion and pain level will also be observed to ensure the efficacy of the treatment. The duration of the ketamine infusion is dependant on the patient’s response to the treatment.

Conditions that can benefit from ketamine infusions

The majority of conditions that experience potential therapeutic effects from ketamine infusions are those that are related to neuropathic pain, also known as nerve pain. These chronic pain conditions include, but are not limited to:

• Atypical tooth pain
• Pain caused by decreased blood flow to tissues
• Complex regional pain syndrome
• Fibromyalgia, including back pain
• Facial pain
• Phantom limb pain
• Post-herpetic neuralgia caused by the resolution of shingles
• Post-stroke pain
• Spinal injury and pain
• Temporomandibular joint pain

The associated risks and side effects of Toronto ketamine infusions

Despite the clinical evidence of ketamine for the treatment of chronic pain, it is only a third-line agent due to its poor safety profile that prevents its routine use in patients. Ketamine infusions have the following potential side effects:

• Headache
• Light-headedness
• Numb or tingling lips
• Increase in blood pressure and pulse
• Heightened emotions
• Nightmares and hallucinations
• Nausea and vomiting
• Anxiety or panic attacks
• Loss of appetite
• Drowsiness
• Difficulty urinating

It’s also important to keep in mind that some patients who take ketamine for prolonged periods of time may be more susceptible to substance abuse, although it’s not as addictive as narcotic pain medications.

The best way to avoid the risk of such effects with Toronto ketamine infusions is to work with a highly specialized and experienced physician, such as Dr. Dov Weiss at our Toronto clinic. Our medical team will work directly with you to diagnose and treat your condition in the most effective and safe way.

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