At The Footcare Clinic, we love to invest in the latest innovative technology that can help reduce healing time, improve recovery and get people back to doing what they love sooner.
Our latest investment is the K-Laser. The decision to invest in the K-Laser came about after a lengthy trial period where we saw very positive results using LLLT on a group of clients who were suffering soft tissue injury and pain.
The K-Laser is an advanced low level laser solution providing pain-free, drug-free, and non-invasive treatment. The K-Laser achieves these therapeutic effects by interacting with tissues at a cellular level. It also increases blood flow and stimulates the delivery of nutrients and oxygen to the treated area. This promotes an accelerated rate of healing and a reduction in pain which enables the person to return to their regular daily activity as quickly as possible.
How Does Low Level Laser Therapy Work?
Much like photosynthesis in plants, light energy passes through the skin, into the cell membrane, initiating a process called photobiostimulation. LLLT uses different wavelengths and outputs of low-level light that are applied directly to a targeted area. The body tissue then absorbs the light. The red and near-infrared light cause a reaction, and the damaged cells respond with a physiological reaction that promotes regeneration. These cellular effects include:
- A Decrease in inflammation
- An Increase in cellular metabolism to improve tissue healing
- An Analgesic effect on nerves
- Local vasodilation to improve blood flow and drainage of edema/swelling
What Conditions Can LLLT Treat?
In short, LLLT is a fast-growing technology used to treat a multitude of conditions that require stimulation of healing, relief of pain and inflammation, and restoration of function.
Common foot and leg conditions that can be treated using LLLT are:
- Acute injuries such as ankle sprains
- Plantar Fasciopathy (Heel pain) especially if interstitial tear is present
- Forefoot pain (Morton’s Neuroma, intermetatarsal bursitis, capsulitis)
- Achilles tendon pain
- Joint pain due to Rheumatoid arthritis and Osteoarthritis
- Breaking down scar tissue (especially post-surgery scars)
- Managing pain and swelling post-surgery (bunion surgery, knee surgery)
- Tendinopathies (peroneal, posterior tibialis etc.)
- Chilblains
- Hematoma
- Fungal nail infection (onychomycosis)
How Frequently Should It Be Used?
LLLT is not a one hit wonder. It will require a course of care to gain full benefits. The frequency of treatment will depend on the condition presented. Initially, for an effective response, treatment will be a few days apart and lengthened as pain reduction is achieved.
What Should I Expect To Feel With LLLT?
LLLT has few side effects and is well tolerated by a variety of clients including elderly and palliative patients. Since LLLT uses light rather than heat to treat the condition, it does not cause burns, nor does it raise the temperature of the skin. During a typical LLLT you should feel a pleasant comfortable heat.
When Is Laser Not Appropriate?
- Eyes – It is recommended that LLLT beams should not be aimed into the eyes.
- Active Cancer – LLLT should not be used directly over the site of active cancer.
- Pregnancy – LLLT should not be used directly over a developing fetus. LLLT however is safe to use over other areas of the body.
- Epilepsy – LLLT may trigger a seizure in photosensitive, epileptic patients. Care should be taken when treating patients with an epileptic background.
It’s important to note that LLLT does not correct situations involving structural deficits or instabilities whether in bone or in soft tissue. Our Podiatrists will combine other treatment modalities such as orthotic therapy and/or foot mobilisation therapy, in conjunction with LLLT to get the best outcome.
The Footcare Clinic is the only Podiatry clinic in South East Melbourne to offer Low Level Laser therapy using the K-Laser for musculoskeletal pain. If you or someone you know may benefit from LLLT, we’d love to help. You can call us on (03) 9711 7562 or book online, it’s super easy.
