Chiropractic & Laser Therapy

Wednesday, 13 March 2019

Laser Therapy Frequently Asked Questions

Low-level laser therapy, also known as cold laser therapy, is effective than any other form of therapy. It does not involve the use of drugs or any surgery. Laser therapy is quick and convenient with few side effects or risks. It is even more effective for pain relief when combined with chiropractic treatment and other techniques.

Here are some frequently asked questions on laser therapy:

What does cold laser therapy do?

Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) device is used in cold laser therapy. LLLT device has been proven to reduce swelling, pain, and inflammation, speed up the healing process, and strengthen the damaged tissue.

Is cold laser therapy safe?

Yes! Low-level laser Therapy has been in use for more than 20 years. Many scientific and clinical studies have proven the effectiveness and safety of cold laser therapy. The FDA has permitted use of this laser device in the United States.

How long does a cold laser treatment take?

Laser therapy treatment requires 5-20 minutes. Generally, you need to undergo 8 to 15 treatments. The number of treatments varies according to the factors determined by your doctor. Instant relief of pain does not mean that your condition is fully cured. If your doctor or chiropractor suggests a course of therapy, you should complete it to improve the possibilities of your long-term success.

Does cold laser therapy actually work?

The low-level light energy is used in this treatment. The low-level light energy increases the permeability of the cell which reduces the pain, inflammation, and swelling. The cold laser therapy accelerates the healing process and restoration of function by turning the light energy into the healing energy.

Various conditions such as back pain, contusions, tendinitis, neck pain, and muscle pain can be treated by laser therapy. However, the effectiveness of the results will vary according to how the treatment is delivered in terms of wavelength, dosage, duration, technique, and where the light energy is applied to the body. Cold laser therapy works and provides long-lasting results to some conditions.

Does cold laser therapy hurt?

The treatment is noninvasive and painless. Some people fall asleep during the treatment, whereas some people feel a little sensation or warmth. In some cases, pain can begin or increase after a treatment session. This is when the laser light starts the healing process. People with chronic issues or nerve sensitivity can feel this type of pain. This pain diminishes after a few days but rarely can last longer.

What does cold laser therapy feel like?

Most patients feel nothing during the treatment. Some patients feel the vibration caused due to the increased blood circulation in the target area. The laser produces no heat, warmth, or burning sensation, so nothing can be felt.

Our Class IV laser therapy combined with chiropractic care, deep tissue massage techniques, and specialized exercise can help you get relief from pain faster! Schedule an appointment with Dr. Michael Berry, an experienced Tustin chiropractor.

Things You Need to Know About Chiropractic Treatment

Chiropractic treatment is one of the best pain management tools available to you. There are many benefits associated with chiropractic adjustments. Adjustments are used to correct abnormalities in the musculoskeletal system, bringing both muscles and bones back into balance.

Chiropractic care can relieve pain, all the while helping to restore the muscles and bones to their natural position. Allow yourself to relax during your treatment so you can maximize your benefits out of the adjustment.

The more you learn about chiropractic adjustments and how they work, you will know more of what to expect and will actually be able to relax and enjoy your treatment.

Know Your Pain

Know and understand what is causing your pain. After a while, the pain may become commonplace. It doesn't mean it is gone, however, chiropractic treatments relieve the pain at its source, even if it has subsided or isn't as severe as it first seemed.

Relax and Allow the Adjustments to Work

While many people report hearing pops or cracks during a chiropractic treatment, there is nothing to worry about. The small noises you hear have to do with the release of gas from the capsules located within the joints. The noises don't lead to more pain or discomfort. In fact, the popping may allow you to relax even more.

Choose Your Schedule

While maintenance adjustments are recommended on a regular basis, you can stop taking treatments any time you choose. Once your pain has been relieved, the choice to continue your treatments is completely up to you. Regular maintenance adjustments help to strengthen and stabilize your muscles and bones, allowing them to remain in their natural position for longer periods of time.

The more relaxed and comfortable you are, the longer the effects of the treatment will last!

If you are looking for a trusted chiropractor in Tustin, schedule an appointment with Dr. Michael Berry.

Sciatica Problem: Chiropractic Care Can Ease Your Pain

Sciatica is a painful condition that takes place when the sciatic nerve becomes inflamed. Sciatica prohibits the sciatic nerve from sending signals between the brain and the muscles. Chiropractic treatment will help in relieving the pressure on the nerve.

Causes of Sciatica

Typically, sciatica develops due to sciatic nerve compression. There are some conditions that can contribute to sciatic nerve pain and compression, including:

Pregnancy and childbirth
Lumbar spine subluxations
Tumors
Herniated or bulging discs
Non-spinal disorders, such as constipation and diabetes

Symptoms of Sciatica

The most common symptom of sciatica is pain, particularly in the lower back, legs, and hips. Other common symptoms of sciatica include:

Numbness
Burning sensation
Weakness
Tingling sensation

Patients describe the pain as similar to a toothache or sharp and achy like pins and needles. Sciatic nerve pain can vary significantly in both intensity and frequency. Some people have minimal, mild pain while other people have severe, constant pain.

Chiropractic Treatment

Chiropractic care is non-invasive and doesn't require drugs. The purpose of the chiropractic treatment is to assist the body in healing itself. The principle behind this notion is that compromised spinal movements lead to pain, decreased performance, and general functioning. There are many chiropractic treatments that may be used for sciatica, including:

Ultrasounds
Ice/cold therapy
TENS
Spinal adjustments or manipulation

A chiropractor may use a single treatment or a combination of several therapies to treat sciatica. As every case of sciatica is different, the treatment plan that works for one individual may not work for another patient.

It's important to keep in mind that in some instances, there are issues contributing to sciatica that a chiropractor can't address. If this is the case, a chiropractor will refer you to the proper doctor. Depending on the situation, it may be appropriate for you to continue chiropractic care alongside other medical treatment.

If you are looking for a trusted chiropractor in Tustin, contact us! We provide quality chiropractic services at affordable rates. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Berry to get the best and personalized chiropractic treatment for sciatica.

How Chiropractic Treatment Helps Back Pain from Golf

Golf is a great hobby that has many health benefits. Besides the love for golf, both novice and professionals have something in common: back pain. It is important for a golfer to have the correct posture, flexibility and the right balance to reduce the chances of back pain due to golf. Chiropractic care helps golfers in reducing their back pain and avoiding the side effects of medication or surgery.

Reasons for Back Pain
The major reasons for back pain can be:

Degeneration of joints
Muscle strain
Internal disc disruption or herniation
Usually, the abnormal body movements from other parts of the body force the lower part of the body to do excessive work until it gets exhausted. Actually, the extra working of your lower back results in an injury.
Golfers who play on the weekends and lack fitness or who don't warm-up and have poor swing mechanics are more prone to injuries.

How Chiropractic Care and Golf is Linked

Golf requires coordination between different body parts and muscles of your body. If one muscle or one part of your body does not perform optimally, it causes other parts to overcompensate, leading to pain. Also, if your spine is not aligned properly, it can cause your body to suffer. Playing golf with a poor spine alignment can cause poor posture and injuries. Chiropractic care helps your body to perform optimally.

How Chiropractic Treatment Reduces Back Pain

Chiropractors normally use spinal manipulation and some other techniques to alleviate back pain. Spinal manipulation stimulates the body's self-healing abilities. Spine realignment helps in reducing pressure on the central nervous system. The chiropractor applies pressure on key parts of the back for the realignment of the spine to alleviate pain. Massages are also an integral part of the treatment.

When you visit a chiropractor for the very first time, you are asked to describe the symptoms, and an x-ray test is conducted to assess the condition. Afterward, the chiropractor prepares a treatment plan which requires you to visit the chiropractor's office multiple times over a long period of time for pain therapy.

Chiropractic treatment is non-invasive and effective. You feel the relief quite sooner.

Active Chiropractic & Laser Center is a leading chiropractor in Tustin, California having years of experience in providing effective chiropractic services. If you play golf and are experiencing back pain, call us immediately at (714) 639-4640.

Meniscus Tear: How Chiropractic Treatment and Exercises Can Help

A meniscus tear is one of the most common knee injuries. Each of your knees has two menisci – one at the inner edge and the other at the outer edge of your knee. The meniscus is a C-shaped, rubbery, and tough disc that acts as a shock absorber and keeps your knee steady by balancing the weight of your body across the knee. A torn meniscus prevents your knee from working correctly and leads to accelerated wear of your joint.

Symptoms of Meniscus Tear

The symptoms of a torn meniscus can vary depending on the location and size of the tear. You may experience the following symptoms:

Knee pain at the center or the side
Swelling and stiffness
Pain when twisting or rotating your knee
Increased pain while lifting, squatting, or rising from a seated position
Popping sensation, or “wobbly” unstable feeling
Difficulty in fully straightening the knee
Feeling that your knee is locked in place

Causes of a Torn Meniscus

A torn meniscus usually occurs due to any of the following:

Sudden twisting or turning of your foot when it is planted and your knee is bent
Kneeling, squatting, or lifting something heavy
Playing contact sports
Degenerative or arthritic knees in older adults

Treatment for a Meniscus Tear

The treatment for a torn meniscus depends on the size and location of the tear and the patient’s activity level. Also, the location of the tear determines how well it will heal. Some people may require non-invasive treatments and chiropractic methods, while others may have to forego surgery.

Outer Edge (Red Zone)
A tear in the outer one-third of the meniscus heals better, when compared to the inner meniscus, as this area has its own blood supply. A small or medium sized tear responds well to non-invasive treatments such as laser therapy. Laser therapy accelerates the healing and repair process, and stimulates the growth of new tissue.

Inner Meniscus (White Zone)
A tear in the inner two-thirds of the meniscus may not heal on its own as this area lacks a good supply of blood. Therefore, arthroscopic surgery is recommended. However, the surgery is not always 100% successful as this part of the meniscus lacks healing ability. The recovery becomes especially difficult for patients over 40 years of age.

Exercises for Meniscus Tear Knee Pain
Certain exercises can help increase the strength in your upper leg muscles and the flow of blood to your knee. You can perform the following exercises as a part of your chiropractic treatment or in order to heal after surgery:

Motion exercises such as flexing and extending the knee
Stretching exercises to keep the muscles around the knee loose
Basic exercises such as straight leg raises, and toe raises
Advanced exercises such as squats, toe raises with weights, and harder stretches

How a Chiropractor Can Help with a Torn Meniscus

Chiropractic care offers an effective, safe, non-invasive, and painless solution for a torn meniscus. A chiropractor uses laser therapy combined with other therapies to reduce knee pain, increase motion, and strengthen the joint muscles. These treatments also help in reducing swelling and improving the overall function of your knee.

Dr. Berry, one of the most trusted chiropractors in Tustin, offers the Class IV K-Laser Knee Program to treat patients with a torn meniscus. Contact us at (714) 639-4640 to get advice from Dr. Berry on your personalized treatment program.

Shockwave Therapy: What You Need to Know

Shockwave therapy is a non-invasive method of healing that sends sound waves through the tissues to address specific conditions and reduce both pain and inflammation. It works exceptionally well for all types of chronic pain, including that associated with plantar fasciitis, arthritis, and fibromyalgia.

How Shockwave Therapy Works

Shockwave therapy is done in the doctor's office. An ultrasound is performed to identify the area that is to be treated. A small wand is guided over the area, and the sound waves are directed towards the area where the pain is located. As the procedure is non-invasive, there is little to no recovery period so you can return to your normal activities within a few hours of the procedure.

The Benefits of Shockwave Therapy

Shockwave therapy offers a variety of benefits for many different conditions that are known to cause chronic pain. A few examples are:

Arthritis
Fibromyalgia
Plantar fasciitis
Tendonitis
Bursitis
Rotator Cuff Syndrome
Tennis Elbow
Golf Elbow
Any chronic joint pain associated with past injuries or excessive wear and tear.

The sound waves work by breaking up inflammation and increasing the amount of circulation to the area. This helps to rejuvenate the tissues and create a healing response that allows the body to begin to repair itself.

Types of Shockwave Therapy
There are mainly two types of shockwave machines.

High-energy treatments – They are done in the operating room and require general or regional anesthesia
Low-energy treatments – They are done in the clinic and require no anesthesia or injections.

What to Expect During Shockwave Therapy

First, the treatment site or sites are identified. Then a thin coat of coupling gel is applied which helps in translating the acoustic sound waves that are generated by the therapy. The treatment starts at a low output setting and gradually increased depending on the type or depth of tissue that is being treated. You may experience some ache or discomfort during the treatment. The clinician will adjust the output level of the device to an appropriate level if it becomes uncomfortable. After the treatment, the gel is removed, and you can easily return to your normal routine. You may notice reddened skin or minor soreness around the treatment site.

How Long Does Shockwave Therapy Take?

The entire procedure only takes 18-20 minutes to complete. A second treatment may be needed to maintain the procedure's healing effects. Normally, 1-2 treatments are performed per week. A total of 3-5 treatments need to be performed for improved results. In the case of acute pain, a single session may be successful.

Why Choose Us for Shockwave Therapy?

If you experience chronic pain and other treatment methods haven't worked, call our office today for a consultation to find out how shockwave therapy can help you. Dr. Berry, one of the trusted chiropractors in Tustin, will provide the treatment best suited to your condition.

Our goal is to provide you with an effective chiropractic treatment - a safe alternative to surgery and make you as comfortable as possible throughout the entire healing process. Call and schedule your appointment today, so you have the information you need to make an informed decision.

Sprains and Strains: Know the Causes, Symptoms, & Treatments

Sprains and strains are common injuries and athletes aren't the only persons to receive them. Anyone can slip on a spot of water or trip over something that's in the way. Many people get the two injuries confused because the signs and symptoms are similar. In fact, they are two different injuries.

Causes and Symptoms of Sprains
A sprain is the result of ligaments in a weight-bearing joint being extended or stretched beyond their normal capacity. Once the ligament has been stretched, continued use of the joint can result in even further damage. Symptoms of a sprain include:

Bruising
Swelling
General pain and discomfort throughout the injured area

Causes and Symptoms of Strains
Strains occur when a muscle is worked or stretched beyond its normal capacity. Strains often occur during periods of intense physical activity. They heal much faster than a sprain because muscles receive more blood flow than ligaments and tendons. The symptoms of a strain include:

Swelling
Muscle tenderness
Stiffness in the nearest joint

Treatment Options for Sprains and Strains
Everyone receives a sprain or strain at some point in their lives. While most will heal sufficiently on their own, you should always be aware of your activity level to ensure that you don't re-injure the area or make it worse.

If a joint has been strained or sprained in the past, you are at higher risk for spraining/straining the same area again. Sprains and strains often tend to repeat in the same area if it has become weak or hasn't healed properly. You may also consider wearing a brace over an injured joint.

Rest is the best treatment option available. Avoid stressing the injured area and use R.I.C.E. to control your symptoms of sprains and strains. Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation are a good way to keep pain and discomfort to a minimum. If the pain persists, it's important that you visit a chiropractor near you who you can trust. They will help you determine the best chiropractic treatment options for your particular injury.

If you are looking for a trusted chiropractor in Tustin, contact us for a free consultation. We provide affordable chiropractic services including Class IV K-Laser which is an effective, non-invasive, safe, and painless solution for injuries caused by sprains and strains.

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