We have a new doctor’s toy in my office, and it is the Erchonia FX 405 laser!
I have pretty much wanted a laser since I walked across the stage on my graduation day. Even 14 years ago, laser technology was quickly making its move into private practice and we were able to see how it could speed healing in the human body. However, the laser can do much more than quickly heal tissue and improve range of motion; it can treat areas of the body that are not easily accessible, such as brain tissue.
What really inspired me to pull the trigger on an expensive piece of equipment, were concussions. I had a seen a rise in concussions in many of my patients, as more and more of them were dealing with post-concussive syndrome. Symptoms of post concussive syndrome include the following: headaches, dizziness, memory loss, trouble focusing, and sometimes problems with sleep. I myself have had two concussions and yet I have never had some of the long-term symptoms I was seeing in my patients. I have also been doing more reading and research into mild cognitive decline and how it effects many people, such as the elderly to people with traumatic brain injuries.
Earlier this year at a conference, I came across a company who makes a device that looks at your brain’s activity signatures. It is being used as a tool to measure how severe a person’s brain injury is, and how long it would take to get better to begin playing a sport. Having a scientist’s mind, I really wanted a device that would give me data on brain injury and would help me determine when a player could re-join a sport.
While the data is crucial, what people truly need is the treatment and that is where our new laser comes in. Currently it is in the process of getting FDA clearance for the brain, but it is being used off label with wonderful and promising results. Below are the basic facts about the FX 405 and I hope you are as excited as we are, either for yourself or for someone you know!
What is the laser for? Is it safe?
The FX 405 laser is used to treat acute and chronic pain.
It is FDA cleared to use safely on the musculoskeletal system and on the feet for plantar fasciitis.
It is contraindicated (not safe to use) on pregnant patients’ abdomens and spines, and on areas of malignant tumors (cancers).
Here is a list of areas which have shown significant improvement with treatment:
- Chronic Neck and Shoulder Pain ( K012580) 2002
- Pain associated with Surgery Post Surgical Care (K072206) 2008
- Tendon and Ligament Injuries
- Musculoskeletal Pain (K190572) 2019
- Plantar Fasciitis (K132940)
- Low Back Pain (K190572) 2019
- Brain Injury - Currently being studied with promising results results.
How much is it?
Individual Laser Treatments: $100
The Acute/Long Term Pain Plan: $800
(2 treatments a week for 4-5 weeks )
** Includes 8 treatments, plus 2 bonus treatments
The “Try and See” Plan: $360
(4 treatments, 2x per week)
What does it do?
Low Level Laser Therapy has been used worldwide for over 50 years to relieve pain, remove scars, heal wounds, regenerate nerves, and solve addictions. Human cells produce a chemical known as ATP to run the body and heal tissue. All of our body’s activities result from the use of ATP, similar to what gasoline does for a car. Laser therapy stimulates a micro-structure within the cells, called the mitochondria, to produce higher amounts of ATP. Thus with more energy at the cellular level, tissues heal faster, and relief comes quicker!
Does this replace chiropractic adjustments?
No, it is recommended to get laser as a supplement to chiropractic treatments in order to increase healing time.
Who does it? How long does it take?
Our doctors will oversee the first visit, and our office staff are trained to set patients up on the following sessions. The treatment time varies based on the area, it can range anywhere from 5-20 minutes. Bare skin contact will provide the best results, we can provide gowns for the patients
****Fun side note: I recently had a lipoma and scar tissue removed from an old rock-climbing injury, and have been lasering my post-surgical incision. This is a feature of the laser and it has been healing beautifully, so it is really cool to have gotten to try it on myself!