Avalon Laser Health - Live without pain

Services

Laser Therapy

Laser therapy is the use of red and near infrared monochromatic light to enhance the body's natural healing processes. The light source is placed in contact with the skin allowing the light energy (photons) to penetrate tissue, where it interacts with various molecules resulting in the restoration of normal cellular function.

What Conditions Can Laser Therapy Treat?

-Carpal tunnel syndrome
-Repetitive strain injury
-Sports injuries
-Low back pain
-Rotator cuff inflammation/tear
-Ligament and tendon tears
-Fractures with associated soft tissue injuries
-Facet joint syndrome
-Contusions
-Bulging and herniated discs
-Tendonitis
-Epicondylitis (tennis elbow)
-Reflex sympathetic dystrophy
-Fibromyalgia
-Myositis
-Bursitis
-Plantar fasciitis & heal spurs
-Rheumatoid arthritis
-Osteoarthritis
-Spinal stenosis
-Wound healing (acute & chronic)
-Diabetic neuropathy & ulcers
-Burns
-Psoriasis, eczemas, acne
-Gout/arthritis
-Lymphedema

Frequently Asked Questions

The Technology

The BioFlex Low Intensity Laser Therapy System uses both super luminous and laser diodes to produce photons of light energy. These photons are absorbed by a variety of chromophores (light absorbing molecules) within the cell. When chromophores absorb these photons there is an increase in the amount of biochemical energy within the cells. The resulting increase in energy results in improved cellular function.
Light in its various forms has been used for healing from the time of the ancient Egyptian and Greek civilizations. The negative effects of the absence of light on the human body are also well known (Seasonal Affectivity Disorder, Rickets, etc.). Recent advances in the engineering of laser therapy devices and the development of appropriate dosages for effective therapeutic application has dramatically improved the results of this therapy.

What you Feel as a Patient

You will feel a slight warming of the area being treated. Other than the minor temperature increase you will feel nothing during the therapy.

The Advantages of Low Intensity Laser Therapy

-Non-invasive
-Non-toxic
-Easily applied
-Highly effective
-Virtually no side effects
-Some of the physiological effects of low intensity laser therapy
-Short Term Effects
-Reduction in pain
-Production and release of beta-endorphins
-Improvement in localized blood flow
-Small localized increase in temperature
The short-term effect is significant in 5-10% of cases during or after the conclusion of the initial treatment, but is not as important as the long term or cumulative effect

Long Term Or Cumulative Effect

-Increase in cellular energy
-ATP (adenosine triphosphate) production is increased resulting in improved cellular metabolism
-Faster healing of damaged tissue
-Increased protein and DNA production results in higher cell replication rates
-Stimulation of macrophages, fibroblasts and other cells results in a quicker healing time
-Regulates cell membrane potential, essential in Na, Cl and K ion transfer (electrolyte balance)
-Better nerve conduction
-Neurotransmission is facilitated due to elevated levels of serotonin and aceytylecholine
-Reduction in scar tissue
-Increase in collagen synthesis results in healing with normal muscle-tendon matrix
-More blood flow to the damaged area
-Angiogenesis (formation of new blood vessels) brings more blood to the damaged area

Other Effects

-Improved resistance to infection
-The immune response is stimulated
-Reduction in swelling
-Lymphatic drainage is improved
-The body's natural healing processes are enhanced
For more research information on the effects and application of Low Intensity Laser Therapy, visit the Meditech International website.

This information has been copied with permission from the Meditech International website.

Massage Therapy

Massage Therapy can benefit you!
Athletes
Regular massage included in a training schedule can:
• Reduce the chance of injury
• Shorten recovery time
• Improve range of motion
• Increase muscle flexibility
• Increase circulation

Injuries/Pain
Many people suffer from injuries and chronic pain including: neck pain, headaches, back pain, disc herniation, strain, sprain, whiplash, tendonitis, etc. Routine massage can help by:
• Improving mobility
• Decreasing pain
• Decreasing swelling
• Improving muscle function
• Reducing adhesions

From relaxation to rehabilitation massage therapy has many benefits and is an important component of a healthy lifestyle!

Athletic Therapy

Athletic Therapy is specifically geared towards helping individuals achieve their fitness goals. For the active population the intent is to get the maximum result from physical conditioning and training. Athletic Therapy is also the means to help inactive people achieve their fitness goals. Through proper assessment, treatment and activity-specific rehabilitation, Athletic Therapy can help you get over acute injuries and resolve those nagging chronic injuries that have never properly healed. Whether you are an elite athlete or beginning a fitness program, Athletic Therapy aims to get you in top condition so that you are less likely to re injure.
Some of the conditions treated include:
• Muscle tears
• Ligament sprains
• Repetitive use injuries
• Chronic and acute injuries
• Hematomas
• Fractures
• Myofacial dysfunction
• Muscle imbalances

Acupuncture

What is Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Acupuncture?

Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture originated in China over five thousand years ago. It is based on the balanced flow of qi (chee) within the body. Qi is the vital life energy that exists within all living organisms.
Acupuncture theory suggests that qi circulates in the body along fourteen major energy pathways called meridians, each linked to specific internal organs and organ systems. Just as blood flows through veins in our bodies, energy flows through meridian systems.
When special needles are inserted into acupuncture points along the meridians the needles stimulate the corresponding organs and organ systems to rebalance the flow of energy and consequently restore health.
A healthy body is in balance. When one experiences symptoms such as headaches or back pain, Traditional Chinese Medicine looks for the basic root to find where the imbalance begins. The symptoms are treated with one of the following treatment options:
Acupuncture
Herbal Medicine
Tuina Massage
TCM Diet Therapy

Benefits of Acupuncture

Acupuncture plays a vital role in the treatment of a variety of illnesses and conditions and helps brign the body to a healthy balance. Some other benefits of Acupuncture include:
Increased energy and vitality
More restorative sleep
Healthier appetite
More enjoyment of life
Better handling of stressful situations
Improved menstrual cycles
Overall sense of well-being

Some people choose to include acupuncture as a regular part of their health care visiting their TCM acupuncturist weekly monthly or seasonally to ensure and maintain balance within their lives. Due to this rise in popularity and the success of the treatment, most insurance companies cover acupuncture treatments.

Acupuncture: conditions treated

Women's health conditions:
- Fibroids
- Menopausal symptoms
- Yeast infections
- Menstrual irregularities
- Infertility

Digestive disorders
- Constipation, diarrhea
- Heartburn, indigestion
- Hiccups

Stress conditions:
- Anger management
- Depression
- Insomnia

Respiratory complaints
- Common colds and flu
- Asthma
- Laryngitis
- Allergies

Other:
- Soft tissue injuries
- Headaches
- Fibromyalgia
- Arthritis

Acupuncture: What to expect during acupuncture treatment

The traditional Chinese Medical Diagnosis follows four steps: Wang looking, Wen smelling,
Wen` asking, Qie touching.

At Avalon Laser Health - live without pain an initial acupuncture consultation will include a case history which involves your medical history plus information about your life style, diet, sleep habits and digestion. The acupuncturist will question you about your presenting condition, check your tongue and pulse and form an initial diagnosis.
This evaluation is important; while two people may suffer from the same complaint, the energetic imbalance causing the complaint may not be the same reflecting the unique composition of each individual. Based on the initial diagnosis, a program of treatment will be prescribed. Your acupuncturist will provide some guidelines for treatment and you will have an idea of how many treatments will be required to resolve your condition. Changes in diet and lifestyle may also be discussed.

What do Needles feel like?
An Acupuncturist gently inserts tiny, disposable stainless-steel needles just beneath the skin's surface. The sensation of the needle varies from person to person. You may feel nothing at all, a quick pinch or possibly a dull ache or tingle.
It is very important that you keep track of your response to the treatment as your response determines the future treatment you will receive. Some of the things to consider would be: How did you feel after the treatment? How long did the effect last? If you are able to keep notes that would provide even more information to the acupuncturist.
At Avalon Laser Health, your acupuncturist has received special training in the use of laser acupuncture. She will be able to use laser-light to stimulate the acupuncture points on the meridian in a similar way to the acupuncture needles. This is a wonderful option for those who love the effect of acupuncture treatment but do not enjoy the needle experience.

Thermography

Introduction
Medical Thermography is the use of an infrared camera to "see" and "measure" what we call metabolism, thermoregulation or thermal energy emitted from the body. Thermography reveals a reliable pattern of thermal activity which depicts underlying physiological activity. Infrared lets us see what our eyes cannot because it's part of an invisible electromagnetic wavelength that we perceive as heat. Everything with a temperature above absolute zero emits heat. Infrared thermography cameras provide the ability to record precise non-contact body temperature measurement. Abnormal physiological activities in the body are easily observed with thermography.

Thermography is often used clinically to detect disease in the vascular, muscular, neural and skeletal systems. Clinical uses for DITI include, defining the extent of a lesion of which a diagnosis has previously been made (for example, vascular disease); localizing an abnormal area not previously identified, so further diagnostic tests can be performed (as in Irritable Bowel Syndrome); detecting early lesions before they are clinically evident (as in breast cancer or other breast diseases); and monitoring the healing process before a patient returns to work or training (as in musculoskeletal injury).
Medical Thermography supplements and enhances clinical diagnosis. X-ray, Computed Tomography, Ultrasound and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) are tests of anatomy or structure. DITI is unique in its capability to show physiological changes and metabolic processes. For those living with chronic pain, medical DITI is most helpful in confirming the location of inflammation, and can be used to track success of treatment.

Results obtained with medical DITI systems are totally objective and show excellent correlation with other diagnostic tests. Thermograms are read by board certified radiologists, and results are generally available within 10 days. Unlike most diagnostic modalities DITI is non invasive and involves no radiation. While it is not covered by insurance, the costs associated with thermography are much lower than with most other diagnostic tests.

How to prepare for a Thermogram

Brochure - Pain