As physiotherapists, we try so hard to meet our clients’ goals and achieve treatment success for all. It is as disappointing for us, as it is frustrating to our clients, when injuries are slow to heal or we can’t get a handle on persistent or chronic pain. (Thankfully, not so many!). It is for this reason that we would like to introduce you to the Laser Program available at Avalon Laser Health Physiotherapy and Wellness (ALH). 

The Laser Program

The program does not require that you also attend physiotherapy at Avalon Laser Health. In fact, if possible, the best arrangement would see you continue physiotherapy with your own physiotherapist. This program is covered by MVA and third party insurance in some circumstances, but otherwise is an out-of-pocket charge. To ease costs, a 10-session package, at a discounted rate is available. Ask your physiotherapist for details, or consult the ALH website. An option for out-of-town clients, or for those who are house-bound or otherwise anticipate difficulties accessing their clinic regularly, is the Laser Rental offered in association with Meditech Inc (Bioflex Laser). Check with Avalon Laser for these details.

https://avalonlaserhealth.ca/service/bioflex-laser-therapy/ or call 709-753-0155.

How it Works

Low intensity laser, or just ‘laser’, produces a photobiomodulation effect on injured and diseased cells.  This is the process by which light energy stimulates cell function. The light energy needed to create such an effect is of specific wavelengths, and low power. Examples of photobiomodulation at work include the photoreceptors in our eyes which allow vision, and those in the skin which initiate the production of vitamin D from ultraviolet rays. Another well known analogy is photosynthesis, the process through which plant life uses light energy for growth.

All human cells contain a specialized light sensitive protein (cytochrome c), which when stimulated, increases the production of ATP (cell fuel). Laser directly targets these light sensitive proteins in injured and diseased cells. Its impact on muscle, joint  and nerve injuries is to stimulate healing and provide pain relief. For more information, check out the attached document.  BIOFLEX Science | BIOFLEX Laser Therapy

When it hurts to move, you have to deal with the painful motion in order to recover. The laser program will provide pain relief to make it possible to move and exercise; and it will stimulate healing. There’s no avoiding the restoration of normal or best muscle function if you want a lasting recovery. For this reason, best results are achieved when you work with your physiotherapist throughout and following the Laser Program.

Please share this information with family and friends!

Avalon Laser Health: 709-753-0155          eMail: info@avalonlaserhealth.ca

Villa Nova: 709-834-1785                          eMail:info@villanovaphysio.com

1) Why does dry needling hurt?
The insertion of an acupuncture needle into the muscle causes minimal discomfort. If the
needle hits a trigger point there is a twitch response. The twitch response is uncomfortable
and difficult to explain. The twitch response is also something desired by the practitioner as
it is associated with better outcomes.
Theoretically an active trigger point undergoes constant repetitive contraction. This causes
a build up of metabolic waste. A twitch response will allow the metabolic waste to dissipate
into the muscle. This creates an acidic environment, thus for 6-48 (96 hrs in extreme cases)
hrs post treatment there will be some residual soreness that could be compared to delayed
onset muscle soreness (DOMS) post work out.

2) How long do the effects of dry needling last? And what should the frequency of
treatment be?
If the dysfunction or pain is associated with myofascial tension, then dry needling should
have significant effects with one treatment. Usually only 2-3 sessions over a month is
needed for this type of client. More complex pain patterns, ie whiplash or repetitive
strain/desk job, are harder to predict. A reduction of symptoms is expected but full
resolution through dry needling alone should not be expected. A multi-focal treatment with
focus on exercise should be used with this type of client. If dry needling provides relief but
for only a couple of days it indicates that the trigger point is the result of some other
dysfunction, usually the neck or back.

3) Are there certain activities that should be avoided post dry needling?
Post needling movement is better than no movement. If the pain has been present for
longer than a month there will be a tendency for a rested muscle to creep back to the
hypertonic state. Movement provides feedback to the central nervous system of restore
muscle length and tone which helps with maintenance of outcomes. If the post needling
soreness is enough to make a person avoid movement, a day of rest is ok. I would not
recommend deep tissue massage within 24 hrs of dry needling. Effleurage like massage
would likely be beneficial.

4) Can dry needling be combined with other modalities and/or therapies?
Dry needling can be combined with all other modalities and therapies, with caution of
deep tissue massage 24 hrs post. Anecdotally, massage therapists have reported easier
ability to release tension and chiropractors have reported more success of
manipulations when combined with dry needling. A recommended spacing of 48 hrs in
between dry needling and massage or chiropractic treatments is satisfactory.