Latest Laser Therapy Research

Three new studies show the effectiveness of laser therapy for various health problems:

1. Laser heals inner ear damage-There is an increasing use of laser for the treatment of many hearing disorders, especially ringing in the ears (tinnitus). The most recent study (Lasers Med. Sci. 2011 Dec 4) shows a positive effect on the recovery of cochlear hair cells.
2. Laser and brain damage-MRI analysis of of rats with traumatic brain injury showed significantly smaller brain damage in laser-treated mice as compared to controls (J Neurotrauma. 2011 Oct 31).
3. Laser heals herpes lesions-Two studies showed an obvious effect of laser therapy for both initial healing and for the length of the recurrence periods (Photomed Laser Surg. 2011 Nov 2).

One Story

At our recent open house, visitors received a complimentary sampling of Network Chiropractic, shiatsu, and cold laser therapy. One of our guests had this to say about the results of her care that day:

I just wanted to let you know, I returned home after the treatment/massage and was able to completely touch my hands behind my back reaching one arm over, one arm under on both sides  (I had not been able to do that with left arm "under" since my injury 10 mos. ago) with fingers completely overlapping.  This was a greater reach/stretch than what I could even do before the injury.  I was not expecting that and was shocked.

Thanks again to all who attended!

Open House

It happens only twice a year--a special time to thank our practice members, and for prospective patients, an opportunity to meet us and sample our wares.

Please join us for complimentary Network, Laser, and Shiatsu sessions, refreshments, and gift bags on:

Saturday, January 9

10:00 a.m. -- 12:00 p.m.

3511 NE 105th Street

206-658-7658

(Park straight head-in on the paved area in front or on 35th Ave NE; enter via the side door on the ground floor level)

Latest Cold Laser Research

Two new clinical studies show Low Level Laser Therapy may be effective for major depression and reducing fat.

1) Major Depression

A recent study reported in Behavioral and Brain Functions by respected Harvard researchers has revealed some startling findings regarding the treatment of depression and substance abuse. Many previous studies have reported beneficial effects from the application of low level laser therapy (LLLT) on neurological function and have reported beneficial effects applying it to the brain in stroke patients. The researchers gave numerous standard psychological tests to 10 patients, with  major depression (including 9 with anxiety, 7 with a past history of substance abuse, and 3 with post-traumatic stress disorder).

Subjects were then given four 4-minute treatments, placing the 810 nm cluster probe, the same wavelength as used in our office, on both sides of the forehead.  Lab tests, brain spectroscopy and psychological tests were given after treatment.  

70% of the patients experienced highly significant reductions in their symptoms following treatment, with the greatest reductions occurring at 2 weeks. There were no observed side effects. These eminent researchers have proposed that LLLT may be an effective treatment of depression and other psychiatric disorders. These findings are applicable to low level lasers like the one used in our office.  They do not apply to "hot" lasers, which have many more risks, especially close to the eyes. (2009, 5:46, 8 December 2009) 

2) Fat Reduction

In the field of plastic surgery, it is well known that hot laser liposuction can reduce fat in unwanted places.  However, newer research is showing that LLLT may also be helpful.  In this study they noted that electron microscopic images demonstrated the formation of small holes in fat cells subsequent to laser irradiation. They did a double-blind, placebo-controlled,  2-week LLLT trial and included sixty-seven volunteers between the ages of 18-65.  

The study added up the decrease in the combined circumferences of participants 4 body parts, the waist, hips, and thighs. The treatment group experienced a total loss of 3.51 inches, or about 1 inch for each of the four body parts. These data suggest that low-level laser therapy can reduce overall circumference measurements of fatty regions. (Lasers Surg Med.;41(10):799-809)