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OVERVIEW OF LASER THERAPY - PHOTOBIOMODULATION (PBM)

Laser therapy is a non-invasive, drug-free, painless therapy that uses the power of light to stimulate increased blood flow, improve oxygenation, reduce pain and accelerate cell activity. Laser therapy is currently offered at 6S PHYSIO clinics in  Mingara, Umina  and  Ettalong.

Red and infrared light targets inflamed and injured tissues and accelerates the healing process by stimulating ATP production within the cells. In our clinic, consistent with the research, we observe much faster rates of healing when we apply the Laser in addition to traditional therapies and suitable rehab exercises. Patients have reported that their healing appears to be faster than previous times they may have had an injury.  Discuss with us if this could be the case for you.

Conditions that may benefit from Laser Therapy

Laser therapy can be an effective adjunct to your  physiotherapy, massage, chiropractic  or exercise treatment if you suffer from:

    Osteoarthritis        Ligament Sprains          Muscle Strains and Tears        Myofascial pain syndromes      

      Post-surgical pain & swelling - Joint Replacement (Hip, Knee, Shoulder); Arthrscopic surgery (Mensiscus, ACL)

       Fractures including stress fractures and non-union

       And many other acute and chronic conditions, including wound healing and some nerve pain.

Official Approval

The Laser devices we use have TGA approval in Australia, they are cleared by the FDA in the USA and CE in Europe. 

Laser effects

Pain relief from laser therapy may be dramatic and substantial, lasting for hours, days or weeks.  However, your results may be minimal or insignificant.  We aim to identify individual features that may detract from success before recommending laser treatment - if we do not think you will get positive results we will not recommend it.

Adverse effects from laser therapy are normally rare and temporary. They may occur from multiple causes including hypersensitivity (due to genetic makeup or to certain medications), pre-existing health conditions, thermal effects (overheating, which is prevented by always keeping the laser moving), excessive pressure from the probe (we actually prefer to keep the probe off the skin, so this has never happened), and laser over-stimulation (which is why we are conservative in our applications and follow specific protocols). 

Laser light can damage the retina in your eye - always wear the laser protective glasses provided and tell your therapist if laser light is getting around the edges of your goggles. 

The most common of these rare adverse effects are: 

- Temporary increase in pain after laser treatment. (Occasional, due to increased blood flow to sensitive areas.)

- Mild bruising from vasodilation or direct pressure of the handpiece. (We avoid direct pressure.) 

- Temporary dizziness. (This is rare, and we’ve only observed it in a small number of neck treatments.) 

- Skin reaction from make-up and photosensitizing drugs. (Prevented by screening – see below.)

ESSENTIAL SCREENING QUESTIONS

Click on any question and extra information will pop up.  (If nothing appears, you may need to set your computer to allow pop-ups - usually a message or icon will appear in your browser address/search bar.)   Click on the corresponding box if any of the following apply to you.  


Do not apply any creams or makeup to the area that is to be treated.  If necessary, this can be removed using a non-alcohol base, but best not put any on.

PRICING OF LASER TREATMENTS

Because the Laser machine and associated equipment is very expensive, we charge more when Laser is provided in addition to other treatment.  However, when Laser is applied as a stand-alone treatment, it can be administered in less time than standard treatment, so we charge LESS than a standard consult. (This assumes only one body part is being treated.  More body parts or larger areas may require longer consults and incur more costs; however this is generally not recommended or required.)

Typical initial course of Laser treatment, where Session 1 involves assessment and other treatment (possibly manual therapy or exercise instruction)  in addition to Laser:

Session 1: $170 (this is the price of a  Normal Initial Consult plus $25) [40min consult]

Session 2: $105 ( $15 less than standard consult); Session 3: also  $15 less [20min consults]

Review sessions or sessions where a substantial amount of manual therapy or exercise instruction is included in addition to Laser are priced at $150 ( the price of a normal consult plus $30 ). [30min]

INFORMED CONSENT

I have completed the Essential Screening Questions.

I understand the risks of laser therapy as explained above and agree to the treatment program outlined by my therapist.

I understand that Laser applied during a normal length consult attracts an extra fee and I understand that “Laser Only” consultations cost LESS than normal length consults where one body part is treated.


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Thanks for completing this Questionnaire - it will provide valuable information that we can use to measure how much you change through your active participation!

Once you have hit Submit your responses will be recorded in your Clinical Notes and you will receive an email including information on how to prepare for your session or what alternatives are available to you.

Talk to you soon!