Harnessing the Healing Power: Cold Laser and Chiropractic

Harnessing the Healing Power: Cold Laser and Chiropractic

In the pursuit of natural and non-invasive treatments, people are increasingly turning to alternative therapies that can effectively alleviate pain and promote healing. Among these notable techniques are cold laser therapy and chiropractic care. Each approach brings unique benefits to the table, but when combined, they can create a powerful synergy to address a wide range of musculoskeletal issues. Let’s explore the fascinating world of cold laser therapy and chiropractic care and how their combined use can enhance overall well-being.

Cold Laser Therapy:

Cold laser therapy, also known as low-level laser therapy (LLLT), utilizes non-thermal light wavelengths to penetrate the skin and stimulate cellular function. This painless procedure promotes tissue regeneration, reduces inflammation, and accelerates the healing process. By targeting specific areas of the body, cold laser therapy can effectively address conditions such as chronic pain, arthritis, sports injuries, and even neurological disorders. The treatment is non-invasive, safe, and has minimal side effects, making it an appealing option for those seeking drug-free pain relief.

Chiropractic Care:

Chiropractic care focuses on diagnosing and treating mechanical disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Chiropractors employ gentle manual techniques to restore proper alignment, improve mobility, and alleviate pain. This holistic approach aims to enhance the body’s natural healing abilities, leading to improved overall health. Chiropractic care has proven successful in treating conditions like back pain, neck pain, migraines, and joint issues, among others.

The Synergy of Cold Laser and Chiropractic:

When cold laser therapy and chiropractic care are combined, they create a powerful partnership. Cold laser therapy can be used to prepare the body for chiropractic adjustments by reducing inflammation, relaxing muscles, and minimizing pain. The laser treatment helps to increase blood flow and circulation, which optimizes the body’s response to chiropractic therapies. Conversely, chiropractic treatments enhance the effectiveness of cold laser therapy by ensuring proper alignment and reducing any structural impediments that may hinder the laser’s penetration.

Furthermore, the two modalities work in harmony to promote long-term healing. Cold laser therapy helps to reduce the recovery time after chiropractic adjustments, enhancing the benefits of the treatment. Regular sessions of both therapies can lead to improved joint function, reduced pain, enhanced range of motion, and overall better quality of life. The combination of cold laser therapy and chiropractic care offers a holistic approach to pain management and healing. By harnessing the power of non-invasive laser technology and skilled chiropractic treatments, individuals can experience the benefits of reduced pain, improved mobility, and accelerated healing. If you’re seeking a non-invasive and natural approach to your musculoskeletal health, the combined use of cold laser therapy and chiropractic care may hold the key to your well-being.

5 Key Causes of Post Concussion Syndrome

5 Key Causes of Post Concussion Syndrome

These are the things we look for and assess when dealing with patients who are in Post concussion syndrome. Some patients may have an issue with one or more of these components and catering specific recovery program towards each individual’s concern is important

Neck/Cervical:  The first main area that needs to be assessed and most likely contributing to symptoms is the head and neck. The force that is required to cause a concussion is much greater than that to cause a neck injury. Therefore, every concussion has some form of neck trauma involved. Making sure you’re getting the right treatments for your neck and rehab for that area will reduce a lot of the symptoms. Cranial therapy is also a very affective way to reduce pressure and headache symptoms.

Visual/Vestibular: Issues with the eye tracking and balance is another big component we see when it comes to PCS. Patients who are having trouble focusing on screens, getting dizzy, feeling off balance, having visual fatigue, light sensitivity etc. Need to have their eyes addressed. After finding dysfunctions in these areas – we can tailor specific rehab for balance and eye tracking. If needed, a referral to an optometrist may be required to rule out any other visual dysfunction.

Physiological:  Blood flow is another important part of recovery but can be troublesome at times for some patients to get exercising. Even in the early stages of recovery it is recommended to start at least 20 mins of walking daily.  If exercise is increasing symptoms, then a treadmill cardio test is performed at a walking pace with a gradual increase in incline to slowly bring your heart rate up.  This is done to find the heart level where symptoms start increasing. Once this is determined, an exercise/cardio program can be designed with that in mind and re tested as needed.

Inflammatory: Reducing inflammation within the body is also important for recovery. Being put on an anti-inflammatory diet with reduction in sugars, increase in omega 3s, and cleaner eating habits will make a big difference. Other supplements and nutritional advice may be needed as well. 

Psychological: There are many adverse affects having a concussion can have on one’s mental health. PTSD, increase in depression, and increase in anxiety are some issues that can arise or be worsened after a concussion, especially if the concussion has been ongoing for awhile. Getting treatment to help reduce symptoms, appropriate amount of exercise, and good nutrition can help with this but sometimes getting proper assistance from a trained mental health expert is necessary to further manage this and will help with PCS recovery.

If you or anyone you know is dealing with an acute concussion or post concussion syndrome, contact us to start your assessment.

Concussion Myths Part 4

Concussion Myths Part 4

Our last segment on concussion myths is about prevention of concussion and the potential for long term effects.

  1. Concussions cause long term brain damage.
    1. There still isn’t enough evidence yet to support this claim. We still don’t know the exact causative link between concussions, multipole concussion, head trauma, and CTE or long-term neurodegeneration. Just because you’ve had concussions, doesn’t mean you’re going to have brain damage in the future. There are a lot of factors that apply, such as: how far a part were your concussions, were you fully healed from your concussion before the next one occurred, are concussions occurring frequently and with lighter forces, etc.
  2. Concussion recovery is not possible after a couple of years.
    1. It’s true that recovery is more challenging the longer it’s been but it is not impossible. Really depends on how badly you want to get better and finding the right team to work with in identifying where your symptoms are coming from and following through with the correct forms of rehab and re-training.
  3. Helmets and mouth guards prevent you from getting a concussion.
    1. Unfortunately, there hasn’t been an intervention yet that can actually prevent concussions. Protective gear such as helmets and mouth guards can reduce/redistribute some forces but they don’t stop the brain from shaking back and forth, which ultimately causes the concussion. Still important to be wearing a helmet to prevent skull fractures and other dangerous injuries, and mouth guard to prevent dental damage.

The best thing to do is have an assessment and see where you stand in your recovery and explore the treatments that are available to help you get back on track.  Book online at fih.janeapp.com or call 604.988.7080