High Power Laser Therapy (HPL)

Laser technology for treating Pain, Swelling, and Inflammation

High Power Laser (HPL) therapy uses a Class 4 high-power laser device. It emits monochromatic light that is invisible to the naked eye, with a consistent wavelength of 980 nm. This laser has a precise direction and can penetrate through the skin and tissue layers to a depth of approximately 5-10 centimeters. It is highly effective in treatment by inducing "Biological effects" (biological changes in the tissue) to treat pain caused by disorders of the musculoskeletal system, bones, and joints.

With modern laser technology, the device can operate without generating dangerous levels of heat on the skin and tissues, even though the laser has high power.

Diagram showing 980-nanometer laser wavelength

Diagram showing laser light penetrating skin and tissue to a depth of 5-10 cm.

Highlights of HPL Treatment

Painless for the Patient: Patients will feel a comfortable warmth during the treatment. High-power laser therapy is a non-invasive procedure, unlike some methods for treating muscle and tendon pain/inflammation that require needles or injections, which can cause patient discomfort.
Immediate Results: A key advantage of high-power laser therapy is that patients can feel a difference immediately. Inflammation typically improves by at least 40-50% after the first session, especially in patients with acute inflammation.

Short Session Times: The high-power laser helps shorten the treatment time to only 5-10 minutes per painful or inflamed area.
Short Overall Treatment Plan: Generally, musculoskeletal pain or inflammation takes several weeks to show significant improvement. However, laser stimulation accelerates tissue recovery, resulting in a shorter total treatment period compared to other methods. Acute injuries often see results within 3–5 sessions, while chronic injuries typically require approximately 5 or more sessions.
Effective for All Stages: It can be used for acute, sub-acute, and chronic inflammation. It is particularly effective for acute cases, providing an advantage over other therapeutic devices that cannot be used during the acute phase of an injury.

Patients Suitable for HPL Treatment

Group 1: Pain Syndromes resulting from musculoskeletal injuries (muscles, bones, joints, and tendons), both acute and chronic. This includes conditions such as muscle inflammation, rotator cuff tendinitis, tennis/golfer's elbow, wrist inflammation, trigger finger, plantar fasciitis, knee osteoarthritis, lower back/waist pain from muscle strain or herniated discs, and sports injuries. It is exceptionally good at reducing acute pain.

Group 2: Neuropathic Pain and Numbness, such as numbness in the hands and feet from peripheral neuropathy (e.g., from diabetes or chemotherapy side effects), stroke recovery, Bell's palsy (7th cranial nerve inflammation), Trigeminal neuralgia (5th cranial nerve pain), or shingles.

Group 3: Swelling and Bruising, including swelling from trauma, subcutaneous bleeding, arm swelling after breast surgery, lymphatic obstruction, and lymphedema.

Group 4: Wounds, such as diabetic ulcers and pressure sores. (Note: Wounds must have stopped bleeding before HPL treatment can begin. The wound is cleaned before each daily session to reduce inflammation and accelerate tissue repair/regeneration).

Precautions & Contraindications (Consult a doctor or physical therapist before service)

High-risk groups, including diabetic patients, those with sensory perception issues, or those with communication impairments.
Pregnant patients: Do not use the laser on the abdomen or back areas.
Patients with actively bleeding wounds.
Patients with a cardiac Pacemaker.
Patients taking high doses of steroids: The effectiveness of laser treatment may be reduced. (Hospital staff will provide protective laser goggles for all patients during the procedure).