Seriously, what is it? A high-powered laser that uses red and near-infrared wavelengths of light to create therapeutic healing effects in the body. It is also called Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) because is does not heat up or burn the skin/tissue. It's main mechanism of healing is by pulsating energy into an injured or damaged tissue to regenerate and accelerate  the healing process.

Another very positive affect from Laser therapy is to reduce inflammation (by increasing nitric oxide levels), will help with swelling and provide enhanced joint mobility. It will also produce higher outputs of specific enzymes to increase metabolic activity for a faster healing time. 

Laser Therapy treats many conditions, and is especially effective with pain management. Laser Therapy accelerates wound/injury healing, decreases pain, inflammation, and scar tissue formation. When it comes to pain management, Laser Therapy provides dramatic results, is non-addictive and virtually free of side effects.

​During each painless treatment, laser energy increases circulation, drawing oxygen, nutrients, and water to the damaged tissue. This creates an optimal healing environment that reduces swelling, muscle spasms, inflammation, stiffness, and pain. As the injured area returns to normal, function is restored and pain is relieved.

Numerous research studies show that laser treatments can help with these conditions:
 Back Pain
Knee Pain
Shoulder Pain
Sports Injuries
Work or Auto Related Injuries
Arthritis
Tennis Elbow
Sprains, Strains
Fibromyalgia
Plantar Fasciitis
Degenerative Joint Conditions
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Osteoarthritis
Diabetic Neuropathy
Diabetic Foot Ulcers
Chronic Non-Healing Wounds
Burns

Fit Chiropractic and Sport Therapy now utilizes a Laser therapy unit. For specific cases treatment plans are averaging 4-8 visits for full benefit. Laser Treatments are $50/visit or $40 with a chiropractic, naturopathic or acupuncture visit at the same time. 

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The rotator cuff is made up of four muscles that help move and stabilize the shoulder joint. Damage to any or all of the four muscles and the ligaments that attach these muscles to bone can occur because of an acute trauma or throwing injury.  This damage can cause significant pain and disability with range of motion and use of the shoulder joint. It can become chronic and lifelong injury unless something is done.
The shoulder is a ball-socket joint that allows the arm to move in many directions. The rotator cuff muscles are the dynamic stabilizers and movers of the shoulder joint and adjust the position of the humorous (upper arm bone) and shoulder blade during shoulder movement.
The four rotator cuff muscles include the supraspinatus, infraspinatus, subscapularis, and teres minor.
Other muscles that help move and stabilize the shoulder include the deltoid, teres major, corachobrachialis, latissimus dorsi, and pectoralis major.

When the rotator cuff is damaged, a variety of issues arise:

• Pain and spasm limit the range of motion of the shoulder. The muscles do not make the small adjustments within the joint to allow the humeral head to move smoothly.
• Fluid accumulation within the joint due to inflammation limits movement.
• Arthritis and calcium deposits that form over time limit range of motion.

The severity of injury may range from a mild strain and inflammation of the muscle or tendon and can lead to a partial or complete tear of the muscle. Accessory muscles in the back, chest, or neck will compensate and posture will be affected (Upper Crossed Syndrome). Early treatment is best for proper recovery and preventing future flair ups.

Treatment Options:

Depending on how long or the severity of  the shoulder injury the therapy options change. With an acute injury (24-48 hours) immediate reduction of inflammation is recommended. Best practice is to slowly move the joint through range of motion every few hours and lightly massage the area to flush out excess fluid and swelling. With a more sub-acute or chronic injury, manual hands-on therapy is recommended including:

Active Release technique (A.R.T) can reduce the tension in the muscle and release fibres to restore normal motion around the shoulder joint. Graston Technique will break down scar tissue preventing the injury from becoming chronic. Joint mobilizations will prevent restrictions in the joint and help release the muscle tension. 

Get an assessment of a shoulder injury at Fit Chiropractic and Sport Therapy. 
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