(HILT) High Intensity Laser Therapy

How does High Intensity Laser Therapy (HILT) Work? 

• HILT works by sending laser energy (photons of laser light) deep through the skin and tissue, stimulating your body’s natural healing response. The photons flood the tissue, and they are absorbed by the cells and converted into energy. This energizes the damaged cells and triggers a cascade of healing responses in your body, reducing inflammation, thereby reducing or even eliminating your pain. Treatments take just a few minutes, and the therapeutic effect continues to soothe and heal long after you leave our office.

The beneficial effects of laser therapy on tissues and cells include:

• Decreasing Inflammation
• Analgesic / Pain Relief
• Accelerated Tissue Repair and Cell Growth
• Improve cartilage and muscle regeneration
• Increasing collagen production
• Improved Vascular (Blood Flow) Activity
• Increased Metabolic Activity
• Stimulating Nerve recovery
• Provides increased growth factors
• Provides more oxygenated blood to the treatment area
• Reduction of Scar Tissue Formation

 What does Laser Therapy Feel Like?

• In contrast to “Cold Lasers” (LLLT or Low Level Light Therapy) which provides no feeling or sensation, patients FEEL each High Intensity Class IV Laser Therapy treatment. Results are typically faster than many other therapeutic modalities. Most patients notice a warm, often soothing feeling and often report signs of improvement after the first or second treatment.

 What foot and ankle conditions does (HILT) Laser Therapy treat?

• Nerve Pain
• Neuropathy
• Neuroma
• Acute injuries (Sprains or Soft tissue injuries)
• Achilles Tendonitis/Tendinosis
• Foot and Ankle Sprains
• Posterior Tibial Tendonitis
• Shin Splints
• Peroneal Tendonitis
• Extensor Tendonitis
• Plantar Fasciitis / Heel Pain
• Joint Pain/Metatarsalgia
• Contusions
• Stress Fractures
• Arthritis Pain/Gout Pain
• Toenail Fungus (Onychomycosis)

FAQ’s Asked Questions About High Intensity Laser Therapy (HILT)

How are treatments administered?Treatments are performed by positioning the laser hand-piece approximately ½” directly above the skin and surrounding the area of injury and pain with the laser treatment beam

How many treatments are needed? High Intensity Laser Therapy (HILT) produces results quickly. For most ACUTE conditions 5-6 treatments is all that is needed. CHRONIC conditions take longer and may require 6-12 treatments. While these are averages, each person is unique and healing time varies by person and condition. For those with lifelong conditions, your doctor may recommend 1 or 2 follow-up treatments each month.

Is High Intensity Laser Therapy safe without side effects? Laser Therapy has been in use for over 30 years around the world. There have been almost no side effects reported. Occasionally some old injuries or pain syndromes may feel aggravated for a few days, as the healing response becomes more active after a treatment.

How long will a laser treatment take? Depending on the condition, treatment times for this non-invasive procedure will last on average 10 minutes, but is based on the size of the area, depth of penetration needed and condition being treated.

Will the laser treatment hurt? Most patients notice a warm, often soothing feeling. There is no pain associated with a treatment. Many patients experience pain relief, reduced muscle tension and tightness, reduced inflammation and improved range of motion

Will insurance cover the cost of laser treatments? Class IV Laser Therapy is usually not covered by insurance plans

What is the cost of Laser Therapy treatments?

Southern Tier Podiatry has several Laser Therapy packages available to treat a variety of conditions. 

Patient can also use CareCredit, Health Savings or Flex Spending Accounts for Laser treatments.

Invest in Your Wellness & Recovery....Call and schedule your consultation today!