Laser therapy is much like it sounds: using a laser to promote healing. Most people, however, aren’t aware of how it works. There are many benefits to laser therapy, but one that many of our patients love is that it is a non-invasive technique that does not require the use of pharmaceutical drugs and can often minimize or eliminate the need for surgery. It’s quick, painless, and very effective.
At Valeo Health and Wellness Center in Eden Prairie, we have two types of lasers that allow us to cater to patients’ different health and healing needs.
Class IV Laser Therapy
Thanks to the FDA-cleared Class 4 EVOlaser, Valeo is able to offer highly effective laser therapy tailored to each individual patient. The wavelength selection of the laser allows for deep penetration of the tissue for optimal photobiomodulation, making it an excellent choice for treating both structural and muscular issues including neuropathy.
Because the wavelengths used with the class IV laser are most easily absorbed by the mitochondria, they assist the cells in doing their jobs through aiding them in the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP).
Benefits of Class IV Laser Therapy
- Reduce inflammation and swelling
- Decrease pain and stiffness
- Increase local blood circulation
- Accelerate tissue regeneration, wound healing, and recovery time
- Decrease scar tissue and fibrosis
- Increase range of motion
- Can be used to treat acute or chronic conditions
- Can be used in conjunction with other services like dry needling, mild hyperbaric oxygen therapy, and massage
- Non-invasive, quick, and painless
- Typically produces results in fewer than 6 – 10 sessions
Common Issues Addressed
- Strains and sprains
- Back and neck pain
- TMJ
- Inflammation-based pain such as arthritis, tendonitis, tennis elbow, etc.
- Stress fractures and other bone repairs
- Plantar fasciitis
- Fibromyalgia
- Sciatica
- Sports injuries
- Scar tissue
- Post-surgical healing and pain management
- Car accident injuries
Class IV laser therapy can also be used to aid athletes in post-activity recovery, giving them an edge in their sport.
Cold Laser Therapy
Cold laser therapy has a much lower output than a Class IV laser, resulting in more shallow penetration of tissue and is therefore a great option for issues that reside closer to the surface of the skin.
Our cold laser (which is classified as a Class 3b laser) can be effective for addressing nerves in the hands and feet, as well as inflammation in superficial ligaments.
The majority of cases are likely to be better addressed with our Class IV laser; however, if you have questions about which option is the best fit for your condition, please ask your practitioner.
What to Expect
Laser therapy at Valeo is a quick service, both in terms of the duration of the individual sessions and the length of time it takes for most patients to see results.
Individual laser therapy sessions typically take 5 – 10 minutes and are performed by a trained Valeo staff member. Many patients will feel a difference after just one session, with a more noticeable and lasting impact after closer to five therapy sessions.
To schedule an appointment, call 952-949-0676.