Miller Concierge Physical Therapy

Laser Therapy Treatment

Berman Medical Laser Therapy: Relieve Jaw Pain & other Symptoms Associated with TMJD

Painless Relief

Some patients report a slight sense of warmth or lightness as circulation is improved and muscles relax, others report no particular sensation during treatment.

No Side Effects

Laser therapy facilitates the natural healing responses of the body, and does not add any biochemical, mechanical or neurological stress to the healing process. The only "side effects" of laser therapy are the natural effect of healing: the return of function and mobility in damaged joints and muscles, the return of sensation in damaged nerves, and the reduction of pain.

Quick Results

Some patients experience pain relief or increased mobility or improved strength or other symptom relief from the first treatment, while others experience relief hours or days later, or even only after 2nd or 3rd treatment. The amount of pain or injury, the amount of time since the symptoms began, and the cause of symptoms all affect the speed of result. Since there are no biochemical side effects blocking the body's responses to the light therapy, laser therapy tends to produce faster, and more progressive relief than many alternative therapies.

Rapid Pain Relief

The laser light increases blood flow to damaged areas and accelerates the body’s natural repair process.

Anti-Inflammatory Action

The laser reduces swelling caused by bruising or inflammation of joints to give enhanced joint mobility and reduced pain.

Reduced Scar Tissue

The laser reduces the formation of scar tissue following damage from cuts, scratches, acne, or burns and post-surgery.

Improved Nerve Function

Slow recovery of nerve function in damaged tissue can result in areas of reduced sensitivity and feeling, risking further injury. The laser speeds nerve repair to restore feeling to these numbed areas.

Faster Wound Healing

The laser accelerates the development of new cells for skin, muscles, blood vessels, bone and nerves while reducing the time to return to health and activity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Please reach us at millerconciergept@gmail.com if you cannot find an answer to your question.

What should I discuss with a patient before treatment?

Important discussion topics with patients

Expected number of treatments (acute vs chronic)
Duration of each treatment
Treatment area (proximal and distal of the injured tissue)
Expected improvement of condition(s)
Potential side effects
Thermal effect of the laser (if any) and any sensations patients may feel
Sounds the laser may make
Working with staff
Insurance versus cash payment

What are the Contraindications?

Eye exposure
Over cancer or tumor
Over gravid uterus
Over thyroid
Through clothing

Can you treat over metal implants?

Lasers do not penetrate metal and metals do not absorb therapeutic lasers. Therefore, they are safe over metal implants and associated hardware.

How long will the relief last?

Results vary with each patient. However, in our experience results last for 3-4 days after the first treatment. The period of pain relief (sustainment) increases as more treatments are performed. Treatments are cumulative.

What does laser therapy feel like?

Most patients feel a warm soothing sensation while they are receiving laser therapy.

Can I treat over tattoos?

Tattoos are generally darker than the surrounding skin. The tattoo may heat up more than the surrounding skin. Pigments absorb laser energy at different rates, depending on the color pigment.

The following are recommendations if the patient indicates discomfort .

Move the handpiece or probe more quickly across the skin.
Increase distance between the handpiece or probe and skin.
Lower or decrease the treatment power level setting.
Change the treatment from Continuous Wave mode to Pulse mode.

What impact does skin pigmentation have with laser therapy?

Continuous wave lasers have a thermal effect. The higher the amount of watts used, the greater the speed and amount of heat will be generated. Dark skin will hold the heat more than lighter skin. Both ends of the Fitzpatrick scale for skin tone will be impacted more by the thermal effect.

Will treatment hurt the patient?

NO. The patient should have no pain or discomfort during the treatment. However, some people feel a slight warming sensation. The laser has the ability to adjust to all clinical situations.

Can we apply cold before laser therapy?

YES. The cold will move blood away from the treatment area. The laser therapy treatments will be more effective.

Can we apply heat before laser therapy?

NO. Heat will bring blood to the surface. The blood "steals" the photons of laser energy.

How long do we need to wait to use laser therapy after a steroid injection?

Steroids and laser therapy tend to negatively impact each other. A minimum of 7-10 days should elapse between steroid injections and laser therapy.

How does laser therapy work?

Lasers work, as an example, by increasing ATP (adenosine triphosphate) synthesis in the cellular mitochondria, activating the electron transport system and many other biochemical and biophysical reactions in tissues and organs.

What is laser therapy used for?

Laser Therapy has photobiomodulation beneficial effects for relieving pain, resolving inflammation, and increasing the speed, quality and tensile strength of tissue repair. It has also been shown to stimulate the immune system, reduce infection and improve the function of neurological tissue. Laser Therapy is also effective in increasing collagen production, bone repair, reducing edema, increasing lymphatic drainage, and increasing production of capillary beds.

How do I charge for laser therapy?

Most health insurance carriers and Medicare/ Medicaid do not pay for laser therapy. Several Personal Injury (PIP) carriers will pay for laser therapy. Generally, providers charge cash for laser therapy.

Should I sell treatment packages?

YES. Virtually all patients need multiple treatments. A series of laser therapy treatments should be part of their care plan.

Will a HSA or FSA reimburse the fee?

In our experience, some HSA and FSA accounts will reimburse the expense to the patient.

Laser Therapy Treatment for TMJ pain