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Low Level Laser Therapy FAQ's

Kerstin Lindsay. Naturopath. Remedial Massage. Laser Practitioner.
What is Low Level Laser Therapy?
Low-level laser therapy is the use of light frequencies to reduce pain and promote tissue healing.  Being a healing laser, also known as ‘cold’ lasers, it is non burning or cutting.

Low–Level laser has an analgesic effect, which reduces the pain signals going to the brain.  After a number of treatments, the nerves in the affected area become less irritable and pain is reduced.  By blocking the pain over a period of time muscles in the affected area become more relaxed and tissues heal.   As your pain is reduced you can become more active and natural healing progresses.

The benefits of LLLT include;

* Pain relief (an analgesic effect)
* An anti-inflammatory effect
* Nerve growth and regeneration
* Systemic effect (whole body system)

What can Low-level laser therapy treat?
Low Level Laser Therapy is extremely versatile. Here are a few examples (but not exclusive) of common ailments that would benefit from LLLT:

  • Carpal Tunnel and RSI
  • Bursitis
  • Neck and back pain
  •  Shingles
  •  Frozen shoulder
  • Arthritic Pain
  • Tendonitis
  •  Sciatica Pain
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Leg, foot and joint pain
  • Rotator Cuff injury
  • Lymphoedema
  •  Migraine
  • Neuralgia
What should I do after treatment with Low Level Laser?
You will be encouraged to continue to move the affected area within its previous range of movement, but not to exert stretch or force during the healing phase. Rest is essential to tissue healing.

Keep the cells hydrated by drinking adequate amounts of water. You may need to reduce or avoid any activities that induce pain or swelling for a period of time. Don’t try to work through the pain so as not to further injure the area.

Is there any scientific research supporting Low Level Laser Therapy?
*LLLT has been in active and beneficial use in Europe for nearly 30 years and there is over 30 years of published clinical evidence-based research around the effectiveness of laser therapy.

*There are more than 200 double blind positive studies confirming the clinical effect of LLLT.

Published in the world’s top scientific journals:

*Nature, Pain, PNS, Blood, BMJ, Spine, Muscle and Nerve, The Lancet, Circulation, BJSM

30 LLLT papers published a month in 2010.

*Over 2000 laboratory studies

*Over 2,500 clinical studies and published research reports have shown the effectiveness of LLLT for a variety of health issues. Looking at the limited LLLT dental literature alone (370 studies), more than 90% of these studies do verify the clinical value of laser therapy.

*In the past 6 years, professional sports teams have begun utilizing LLLT.
*LLLT has been a staple in veterinary practices for decades.

*In the last 3 years six systematic reviews have found in favour of LLLT

BMJ sports medicine journal, systematic review of surgical and conservative interventions for frozen shoulder found “strong evidence” for LLLT. (2010)

The International Association for the Study of Pain (Global Task force on musculoskeletal pain) found “strong evidence” for Low Level Laser Therapy on myofascial pain syndrome. (2010)

The BMJ clinical evidence recommendations for tennis elbow 2011 now include LLLT

American Physical Therapy Association guidelines recommend LLLT for Achilles tendinitis. (2010)

Lancet systematic review: “LLLT reduces pain immediately after treatment in acute neck pain and up to 22 weeks after completion of treatment in patients with chronic neck pain”. (2009)

World Health Organisation (Bone and Joint Task Force) for neck pain Low Level Laser Therapy “more effective than no treatment, sham, or alternative interventions” (2008)

In August 2010 The Lancet reported that the systematic review of LLLT for neck pain was in their top 20 most downloaded papers for 2010.

Is Low Laser Level Therapy safe and are there any side effects?
The majority of patients have no problems with the treatment.  A small number of patients may experience some worsening of pain for a day or so after the treatment. This usually passes without need for medication.

LLLT is non-invasive and does not cause any discomfort or harm.

Contraindications are as follows:

  • Direct irradiation of the eyes
  • Primary or secondary cancerous lesions.
  • Over the womb in pregnancy
  • Over cancerous tumour
How many treatments will I need and Is this a temporary fix to my problem?
The effects of LLLT are accumulative. By treating the underlying problem, LLLT can result in lasting pain relief and restoration of function.

While some patients get immediate results, most improvements are observed after 3 to 5 treatments. Remember, everyone is different and everyone responds at different rates.

Most patients usually require 6-12 treatments to achieve resolution of the problem or a sustained effect. This is dependent on may other influential factors, which will be discussed. As a rule, the more chronic the pain, the more frequent the treatment required.

Naturopathy + Nutritional FAQ's

Kerstin Lindsay. Naturopath. Nutritionist. Laser Practitioner.
What can I expect from my initial naturopathic consultation?
  • A detailed case taking of your present health concerns information is gathered regarding onset and nature of your symptoms, your medical history and where relevant review of family history
  • Dietary and lifestyle assessment (including work/ study/ home routine)
  • Find out what your diet is lacking and what changes you need to implement to address these deficiencies
  • Specific questions relating to associated body systems (immune, nervous or digestive system etc)
  • An understanding as to how your symptoms have come about will be explained to you and a therapeutic plan will be devised with your input.
  • Your therapeutic plan will include dietary advice, utilising common, wholesome foods that are specific to your presentation.  In addition to this, herbal medicines, vitamin and mineral supplements, as well as low level laser therapy, may be recommended to assist the body in its healing process.
  • Your naturopath’s role is to educate, empower and motivate you!  You are encouraged to take responsibility for your health by learning how to make the most appropriate diet and lifestyle choices.
  • Healthy living does of course require some planning on your part.  Let me provide you with some wholesome shortcuts to make a healthy lifestyle a little easier for you!
  • Duration 1 hr
Is naturopathy covered by private health insurance?
Yes, private health insurance rebates may apply for appointments when insured with AHM, Australian Unity, CBHS, GU Health, BUPA, Health Partners, Manchester Unity, Medibank Private, NIB, Teachers Union Health (Nutrition) and HCF.
Are prescribed supplements included in the consultation fee?
No.  Any prescribed supplements are sold in addition to your consultation fee.  Supplements start from $7 – $50 in price, with an average cost of $25 per item.
Will I need to be on the remedies for the rest of my life?

Naturopathy is not intended as a ‘magic pill’ solution to your health problems. The role of a Naturopath is to help guide you to your health goals, and education is part of that journey. Along the journey you may learn that there are certain nutrients that you require in higher doses to prevent illness or that certain herbal remedies are beneficial for your health, however, you should not be expected to take a remedy for the rest of your life and not think about how you became unwell or what factors contribute to your health condition.

I am seeing another therapist for my health condition, should I mention this during the consultation?

As a Naturopath works on improving your whole health, including any information about other therapies or supplements that you are using is always beneficial information for preparing your health treatment strategies. Kerstin may also wish to communicate with the therapist you are seeing to help to achieve your health goals and provide you with whole health solutions.

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Naturopath, Nutritionist, Remedial massage & Low-level Laser Practitioner 

Kerstin Lindsay is a qualified health practitioner, with a Masters in Human Nutrition and 13 years’ experience of working in the health industry. She is a member of the Australian Traditional Medicine Society and World Association of Laser Therapy.

*Servicing Mornington Peninsula, Mount Eliza, Mount Martha, Frankston & more

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Mornington Clinic
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PHONE: 0434874078
EMAIL: kerstinlindsay@gmail.com