Laser therapy is an effective, painless, non-invasive, drug-free treatment modality for many acute and chronic conditions of the foot and ankle. Conditions such as arthritic pain, bone spurs, bunions, metatarsalgia, plantar fasciitis, tendonitis, fungal toenails, and plantar warts can be successfully treated using our Remy Class VI Laser System at our Franklin office.
Laser therapy works through a process called photobiomodulation, which is when we utilize infrared light waves for healing. Our cells absorb the light’s energy resulting in increased production of ATP (adenosine triphosphate). ATP functions as the fuel source for all other cells by carrying energy required for other cells to perform their necessary functions. When ATP production is increased, studies have shown accelerated cell growth, tissue repair, increased neutrophils (white blood cells that fight infection) and nerve regeneration.
The main goal of laser therapy is to stimulate cells to perform their natural functions, but at a rate that expedites healing by up to 300 times faster than normal. Laser therapy activates the body’s natural lymphatic drainage system to rid excess fluid that collects in response to injury and causes swelling. Laser therapy induces stimulation of beta-endorphins – the body’s natural painkiller and stress reliever. Beta-endorphins block the nervous system’s ability to send signals of pain to the brain. Class IV Laser therapy also increases cell generation, increasing neutrophils which create a crucial line of defense against dermatophytes that cause fungal infections and viruses that cause plantar warts. This cell generation also results in the formation of capillaries within the vascular system, allowing oxygen and key nutrients to travel to damaged tissue faster. This accelerates wound healing and reduces the formation of painful scar tissue. In treatment of fungal nails, as the laser light hits the nails, photons penetrate through it and “attack” the fungal colony without damaging healthy tissue.
Laser therapy treatments are a simple, painless process that only takes between 15-30 minutes in office to complete. During your treatment, our medical assistants will apply the laser over the affected area for a prescribed amount of time. You may feel some warmth at the application site, but it is a painless procedure. After the treatment, you are able to continue your usual activity without restrictions.
If you are interested in laser therapy, schedule an appointment with us today on our website at afctennessee.com or call us at 615-814-0085.