LightForce Laser Therapy
A non-invasive treatment that uses specific red and near-infrared light wavelengths to help relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and support your body’s natural healing process.
At San Tan Physical Therapy, laser therapy is one of the evidence-informed tools we may use as part of your individualized care plan.
What Is Laser Therapy?
Laser therapy, also known as photobiomodulation, uses specific wavelengths of light to generate a photochemical response in damaged or dysfunctional tissue. During treatment, the physical therapist places the laser in contact with the skin so photon energy can penetrate the tissue and interact with intracellular biomolecules.
The treatment is designed to enhance and speed the body’s natural healing processes. Class IV lasers can penetrate more than four inches into deep musculoskeletal tissue. Laser therapy has been cleared by the FDA and has become a standard of care for many musculoskeletal injuries.
Our team evaluates your symptoms, goals, and medical history before determining whether laser therapy is an appropriate addition to your plan of care.
How Laser Therapy May Help
Laser therapy is used to support tissue healing and may help make movement more comfortable as you progress through rehabilitation.
Pain Relief
Laser therapy has an analgesic, or pain-relieving, effect and may help relieve both acute and chronic pain.
Reduced Swelling & Inflammation
By supporting vasodilatation and lymphatic drainage, treatment may help reduce edema and inflammation in the affected area.
Tissue Repair Support
Laser therapy stimulates cellular ATP production, circulation, and tissue-repair processes that help damaged tissue function more normally.
Conditions We May Treat With Laser Therapy
Laser therapy has been used for a wide range of painful and inflammatory conditions. Your therapist will determine if it is appropriate for your specific diagnosis and stage of recovery.
- Soft-tissue conditions: tendinitis, sprains, strains, repetitive strain injuries, myofascial trigger points, plantar fasciitis, and epicondylitis (tennis elbow)
- Spine and nerve-related pain: back pain, neck pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, neurogenic pain, and diabetic neuropathy
- Joint conditions: osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and chondromalacia patellae
- Other conditions: post-traumatic injuries, fibromyalgia, chronic non-healing wounds, diabetic foot ulcers, and burns
Back Pain
Explore physical therapy options for back pain and movement-related limitations.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Learn about care for hand and wrist symptoms associated with carpal tunnel syndrome.
Plantar Fasciitis
Find support for heel and foot pain that affects walking, work, and daily activity.
What to Expect During Treatment
Laser therapy is painless, non-invasive, and generally feels like a deep, gentle warmth as the body’s cells respond to the light. Treatments typically last 8 to 20 minutes, depending on the injury and body part being treated.
The number of treatments varies with the nature of the problem and how long you have been affected. Some conditions may respond in as few as one treatment, while chronic or deep-seated conditions may require up to 10 treatments. Many patients notice improvement within 5 to 10 brief treatments.
Laser therapy has no known side effects according to the practice’s clinical information. The primary contraindication is use directly in the eye. Your physical therapist will review safety considerations and integrate treatment with the rest of your rehabilitation plan, which may include therapeutic exercise, manual therapy, or other appropriate services.
Find Out Whether Laser Therapy Is Right for You
Request an appointment with San Tan Physical Therapy in Queen Creek. We will listen to your concerns, evaluate your needs, and create a personalized treatment plan.