Pain Relief with Laser Therapy – Scientific Update

Living with chronic pain is one of the most common challenges people face as they age. Whether from arthritis, old injuries, or degenerative conditions, persistent pain can limit mobility, sap energy, and affect every part of life. Many people find themselves cycling through medications, injections, or even considering surgery, all in search of relief. In recent years, a number of gentler therapies have gained attention, offering ways to support healing without relying solely on drugs or invasive procedures. One such approach is cold laser therapy, also known as low-level laser therapy (LLLT).

Cold laser therapy is a gentle, non-invasive treatment option that has been used successfully to manage chronic pain conditions including arthritis, soft tissue injuries, and joint disorders. As a naturopathic physician who has offered this therapy for the past 18 years, I have seen firsthand the significant benefits it can offer, particularly to individuals over 50 who are looking for safe, complementary options.

Cold laser therapy works by using low-intensity light to stimulate healing processes within the body. Unlike surgical lasers, cold lasers do not cut or burn tissue. Instead, they emit light at specific wavelengths that penetrate the skin and underlying tissues, promoting cellular repair, reducing inflammation, and enhancing circulation. There is no pain or even sensation with the type of laser I use, which lends itself to placebo controlled human trials.

There is a growing body of solid scientific research supporting the use of cold laser therapy for chronic pain management.

  1. A 2019 meta-analysis published in the British Medical Journal, which reviewed 22 randomized placebo-controlled trials, found that low-level laser therapy significantly reduced pain and disability in patients with knee osteoarthritis.
  2. Another high-quality study, a Cochrane Review on rheumatoid arthritis, concluded that LLLT provided a measurable reduction in pain and morning stiffness compared to placebo.
  3. Additional research published in Physical Therapy Reviews on chronic joint disorders also found that cold laser therapy reduced pain and improved overall health status.

In clinical practice, we use a Health Canada/FDA-cleared laser device to ensure treatments are both safe and effective. Every treatment plan is customized to the individual’s condition and response. While some patients experience noticeable relief after just a few treatments, others, especially those with more complex or chronic issues, may require a longer series of sessions to achieve sustained improvement.

Although the primary benefit of cold laser therapy is pain reduction through tissue healing, as a naturopathic physician I often use other therapies to accelerate the healing process. We might combine laser treatments with natural medicines for pain and inflammation, lifestyle modifications. physical therapy exercises, and other supportive approaches to help patients achieve the best possible outcomes. Working with a physical therapist, chiropractor, massage therapist etc. along with laser therapy can be a useful adjunct.

For people living with the daily challenges of arthritis, back pain, or other chronic conditions, cold laser therapy offers a research-backed, gentle option that can be part of a broader, thoughtful plan to improve comfort and quality of life.

Break Free from Nicotine

If you are wanting to improve your health, quitting smoking or vaping remains one of the most impactful changes you can make. Whether you’re a teen hooked on vaping or a senior who’s smoked cigarettes for decades, breaking free from nicotine can dramatically improve your quality of life. Yet, quitting isn’t easy, and many who try are derailed by intense cravings, mood swings, and the physical grip of addiction. That’s why finding the right support is key. As a naturopathic physician, my role is to help people to take charge of their health. So over that last 14 years, I’ve studied the art and science of quitting nicotine and developed a multi-faceted approach that works.

Let’s start with vaping, which has become a major concern for young people. While it’s often marketed as a safer alternative to smoking, vaping is far from harmless. E-cigarettes deliver high doses of nicotine, often more than traditional cigarettes, in a form that’s easy to overuse. This makes them highly addictive, especially for young brains that are still developing. Beyond nicotine, e-cigarettes contain chemicals that can irritate the lungs and have been linked to serious health issues, including the “vaping-related lung injuries” seen in recent years. Teens who vape are also more likely to transition to traditional cigarettes, perpetuating a dangerous cycle of nicotine addiction.

For adults who’ve smoked for decades, the stakes are just as high. Smoking remains the leading cause of preventable death worldwide, contributing to heart disease, cancer, respiratory illnesses, and countless other health problems. While the damage caused by years of smoking can’t be entirely undone, quitting now will immediately reduce your risk of further harm. You’ll breathe easier, feel more energetic, and enjoy the long-term benefits of a smoke-free life.

Why is it so hard to quit? Methods like quitting cold turkey often fail due to intense withdrawal symptoms and the psychological pull of nicotine. Nicotine gums and patches may ease withdrawal, but they keep your body dependent on nicotine and can be costly over time. They also don’t address the behavioral patterns and triggers that often lead to relapse.

Our program includes:

  1. Painless laser “acupuncture” to powerfully change the brain’s response to nicotine withdrawal for a more easy transition
  2. Natural medicines to reduce cravings, begin detoxing the body and calm the nerves
  3. Psychological strategies to address both the physical and mental sides of nicotine addiction.

This integrated approach aims to reduce cravings, ease withdrawal, and provide tools for long-term success. Laser therapy, a cornerstone of our program, uses gentle laser beams to stimulate specific points on the body. It works much like acupuncture to reduce cravings, calm the nervous system, and support withdrawal. When paired with natural medicines that aid detoxification and mood balance, the physical hurdles of quitting become far less daunting.

Equally important are the psychological strategies for staying smoke-free. Identifying triggers, managing stress, practicing mindfulness and building a solid support system are key components of long-term success. By addressing these aspects, we aim to give people the tools they need to quit for good.

Breaking free from nicotine is a journey, but it’s one worth taking. Whether you’re worried about your teen’s vaping habit or ready to quit cigarettes after years of smoking, there are ways to make the process smoother and more effective. With the right support, you can reclaim your health and enjoy the benefits of a smoke-free life.

Dr. Deidre Macdonald is a naturopathic physician practicing in downtown Courtenay. www.getwellhere.com/quit-smoke-now/ or 250 897-0235

Pain Relief – Naturally

If you feel like aches and pains are holding you back from enjoying life fully, just cutting back on exercise is not the answer, as that comes at a high cost. As a naturopathic physician I love helping people to keep their bodies strong, vital and flexible as they age, so they can stay active and engaged. I aim to help my patients activate their bodies’ own healing mechanisms with a healthy lifestyle, natural medicines and physical therapy. One physical treatment that integrates with this philosophy is Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT), also known as cold laser therapy.

This non-invasive and gentle approach utilizes the power of light, concentrated by lasers, to stimulate cellular activity and promote tissue repair. The treatments are painless and lasting results are often seen after only a few weeks of treatment. Laser therapy is unique in that it helps to promote healing of damaged tissue including cartilage, ligaments, tendons, muscles and nerves. It can penetrate deeply into joints like knees and hips and can get right inside the spine to help with the disc issue and arthritis that can cause pinched nerves. 

Hundreds of scientific studies have shed light on the effectiveness of LLLT across various conditions including a groundbreaking meta-analysis published in 2024 which looked at 14 high quality studies using laser therapy for osteoarthritis of the knee. The review showed that laser therapy significantly reduced pain and increased range of motion, a result I have witnessed many times in my clinical practice. Additionally, a meta-analysis of many studies on laser therapy and neck pain showed significant benefit compared to placebo treatments. These results showcase laser therapy’s ability to ramp up the body’s regenerative processes even in chronic, degenerative conditions like arthritis. 

The gentle, non-invasive nature of LLLT makes it an appealing option for those seeking natural approaches for conditions such as acute and chronic back pain, arthritis, neck pain, rotator cuff issues, carpal tunnel syndrome, plantar fasciitis, pinched nerves, tendonitis and more. In the 17 years I have used this treatment in my clinic, I have helped countless people to reduce pain, reduce pain medication, and increase their enjoyment of life. I have many patients who rely on laser therapy to keep their various aches and pain in check so they can work and play to their full potential. 

Once the injured and painful areas are on the path to healing, then treatments that restore optimal alignment and strength are important to prevent reinjury. In addition, naturopathic physicians coach their patients on how to create a healthy environment for the body to heal itself by optimizing diet, digestion, sleep and movement. We also utilize natural medicines that can help with pain management like Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) and natural anti-inflammatory medications like curcumin (from turmeric). For some people with nerve pain or autoimmune diseases, I can prescribe a prescription drug called Low Dose Naltrexone that can reduce pain and inflammation as well as balance the immune system. So as nature invites us to get outside this spring, consider utilizing Low-Level Laser Therapy and other naturopathic strategies to help you overcome any aches and pains that might limit your activity. To learn more click here. 

Quit Smoking with Ease – Laser Acupuncture

Frequently Asked Questions about our Laser Quit Smoking Program

Play Video

What is the secret to your success in helping people quit smoking?
If you have decided that it’s time to quit smoking, we can help. Our program is uniquely powerful in that it incorporates several proven interventions.  This program helps you to quit smoking and get through the initial nicotine detoxification phase and we also help you to resist the temptation to resume smoking in the future.

Step One.  “You gotta waaaaant it.”

We help you to cement your desire to quit.  We coach you to create a steadfast commitment to the process of becoming a non-smoker.

Step two.  “Just do it.”

Quitting cold turkey is the proven strategy recommended by best-selling author Alan Carr.  But we make it easy for you.  Nicotine withdrawal can be quick and painless with laser therapy.  Clinical studies show that laser acupuncture is a highly successful method for bypassing the cravings, mood swings, weight gain and nervous tension of quitting nicotine.  We also give you natural medicines that calm your nerves and detox your body.

 Step three.  “Meet your new best friend.”

Avoiding relapse requires two things:  help in overcoming the habit of smoking and help in dealing with stress so you don’t turn to cigarettes.  We address both these challenges by giving you strategies to break the habit and teaching you mindfulness and relaxation techniques.  We give you the support and tools you need to succeed.

Who are the practitioners I’ll be dealing with?

Dr. Deidre Macdonald is a licenced naturopathic physician who has a natural family practice in downtown Courtenay.  She has a degree in psychology from UBC (first in class) and completed her doctorate in 1996.

She is dedicated to helping people achieve optimum health and knows that quitting smoking is a critical step in that journey.

Beverly Bedard is an experienced laser quit smoking therapist. She is a certified laser technician as well as a former licensed massage therapist in Alberta.  She has helped hundreds of people quit smoking with laser therapy programs.  She shares her enthusiasm and confidence in this process and will be your main support with your transformation.

How does a laser therapy help people quit smoking?

The first hurdle in quitting smoking is to get through the nicotine withdrawal phase, which people often dread.  The laser treatments significantly reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms, so people generally sail through this phase with greater ease and break their nicotine addiction.

How does it work?

We apply a painless beam of cold laser therapy to specific acupuncture points on the ears, face, hands and feet.  The deep stimulation provided by laser therapy activates these key points.  On a chemical level, cravings are a desire for endorphins and dopamine that used to be released by smoking.  Laser acupuncture lets the body release those chemicals naturally, eliminating the physical need to smoke immediately.  Endorphins are the body’s natural painkillers; they help keep the body calm, reduce irritability, help with sleep, and provide a general sense of wellbeing.  Dopamine is needed for a feeling of reward and satisfaction.  Both are provided by laser acupuncture.

How many treatments will I need?

For most people, one treatment is all that’s needed to quit smoking for life.  If you feel the need, we provide up to two free 30 minute “booster” treatments to make sure you stay on track. After that, you can book a booster session to help you relax as part of your maintenance program, but most people don’t need it unless their stress spikes.  We want you to become a life-long non-smoker.  We are here to help.

Does the laser treatment hurt?

Laser treatments are virtually painless.  It will feel relaxing.

What kind of laser it is?

We use a class 3B laser designed to stimulate and heal tissue.  These lasers are Health Canada approved.  In our clinic we have safely performed thousands of laser treatments since 2005.

 Will there be side effects from the treatment?

The laser treatment is very safe, but it’s important to know that there will be adjustments in the body when you quit smoking. It’s your body’s way of adjusting to the new you and any symptoms will pass.  You may have congestion or coughing as you detox from smoking, there may be some restless nights, but simply let us know and we’ll suggest natural medicines if you need any help.  For instance valerian is a good, safe herbal medicine proven to help with sleep.

When should I take my last cigarette?

3-5 hours before the treatment

What do I need to do to prepare for my laser quit smoking session?

  1. Remember, you will be quitting cold turkey. In the long run, it’s the easiest and most effective technique of smoking cessation.
  2. It’s time to get rid of your cigarettes once and for all. Do not carry cigarettes.  Remove all cigarettes, ashtrays and lighters from your home, car and workplace.  Clean any residue out your car.
  3. Tell your friends, family and co-workers you are quitting with laser therapy and you are not going back.
  4. Envision yourself free from cigarettes. Actually picture yourself walking away from your laser session feeling calm and at peace with your new life as a non-smoker. Picture yourself in one week, one month, one year, five years and ten years.  Let yourself FEEL the thrill of being free of cigarettes, healthier in mind and body than you are now.
  5. Give some serious thought to the questions:
    1. What are the compelling reasons I want to quit
    2. What is smoking costing me in terms of your health, self-esteem, relationships, limits on my activity, etc.
    3. Figure out the monetary cost of smoking, and how much you will save by quitting. Think about what you’d like to do with that money.

How can I assist in the detoxification process?

We will give you a month’s supply of effective natural medicines for detoxification, lung healing and nervous system relaxation.  This program will give you that fighting edge while you are getting through that critical first month off cigarettes.

How is your program better than nicotine patches or gum?

The bottom line is, you will eventually have to get off nicotine, whether from cigarettes, patches or gum, and there will be withdrawal symptoms.  Laser therapy gets you through the cravings, while nicotine replacement just postpones the inevitable.  Many people say they are afraid to quit smoking because they become cranky and miserable to be around.  Laser therapy deals with that by helping patients relax.  Others fear they’ll overeat when they quit smoking.  Our treatment protocol includes appetite suppression points to curb food cravings.  We also teach you the life-skills you’ll need to stay quit.

For laser quit smoking programs, it is best to be off all forms of nicotine in order to detoxify.  That said, if you wish to use the patch that is fine.

What about the prescription drugs that are marketed for people quitting smoking?

Those drugs are in the anti-depressant class.  They have side effects and once you decide to you want to get off them, there will be a new set of withdrawal symptoms to deal with.  Plus, the success rate is quite poor, because taking a pill doesn’t teach you how to deal with the habit of smoking or how to deal with stresses that have made you reach for the smokes in the past. Why use a limited treatment that has side effects?

Fees and Policies

What is the cost of the program?

The investment in this program is $350.  The fee includes a

  • 15 minute introductory consultation with Dr. Macdonald
  • one hour laser therapy and quit smoking educational session with Beverly
  • self-stimulating ear acupressure “seeds”
  • one month’s supply of detoxification and nerve calming natural medicines
  • relaxation CD
  • educational booklet
  • stress ball
  • 2 complimentary laser acupuncture booster sessions (30 minutes)

 

Is this your treatment covered by my extended medical?

If your plan covers naturopathic physicians, then you can submit your receipt for payment.  They will likely cover at least a portion of the fee.

 Can I claim my treatments on my income tax?

Yes, depending on your total family income and medical expenses, it may be tax deductible and lower your tax payable.

Is there a refund?

There are no refunds available.  One aspect of motivation may be the desire to make your investment pay off.  If you smoke a pack a day, you will pay off your treatment in only about five weeks of being a non-smoker!

Cancellation fee
Once you book your one hour laser treatment and consultation, we ask that you give us 48 hours notice if you need to change or cancel your appointment.  Less than that will result in a $50 fee.

Wound Healing with Laser Light Therapy

Chronic wounds are a major source of disability for many people. They are notoriously difficult to treat with standard protocols. Often chronic wounds occur on the feet and lower limbs as a result of poor circulation. Diabetes and atherosclerosis are common contributing factors. Laser therapy has been proven to speed healing and resolution of skin ulcers and chronic wounds. An analysis of the research on laser therapy allowed researchers at the University of Johannesburg to conclude:

“Low level laser therapy (LLLT) is a form of phototherapy that involves the application of low power … light to injuries and lesions. It has been used successfully to induce wound healing in nonhealing defects. Other wounds treated with lasers include burns, amputation injuries, skin grafts, infected wounds, and post-surgical wounds. The unique properties of lasers create an enormous potential for specific therapy of skin diseases.”

A triple blind study at Brigham Young University concluded that:

“The laser therapy resulted in enhanced healing as measured by wound contraction. These data indicate that laser therapy is an effective modality to facilitate wound contraction of partial-thickness wounds.”

Harvard Medical School, Department of Dermatology has been researching laser therapy extensively. In a published paper researchers state:

Our laboratory has shown that a single exposure to red or near-IR wavelengths 30 minutes after wounding can stimulate wound healing in mice. Specifically, the light appears to hasten the contraction process at the edges of the excisional wound.

In my naturopathic medical clinic I have been treating patients with a high end laser therapy machine for two years and have had the opportunity to help patients heal wounds that previously wouldn’t heal. One such patient, a 60-year-old man with diabetes, had a longstanding wound on the bottom of his foot the size and depth of two stacked toonies. After a series of treatments, the wound healed completely. Six months later, the wound remained healed, and laser therapy quickly healed up another wound that was starting. The patient was able to increase his activity level, go traveling and enjoy life again.

Laser therapy is a painless treatment used to heal tissues throughout the body too. It is an excellent way to speed the healing of back pain, sports injuries, arthritis, plantar fasciitis (foot pain), tendonitis, shoulder pain and more. It works by increasing the output of fuel within the cells. Specific wavelengths of light, emitted by the machine, can be absorbed by photoreceptors in the body’s cells. Photons are then transmuted into ATP, which is the fuel for the cells. Also, cell membranes become more permeable to nutrients. Thus, with added energy and fuel, cellular function is enhanced. Nitric oxide is also increased, which increases circulation. The net effect is less inflammation and rapid healing of tissue creating a real resolution of the problem. The results are quite visible in the case of wound healing and there has been photo documentation of many dramatic resolutions of gangrenous toes that were able to be saved from amputation.

To book a no-charge 15-minute no obligation consultation with naturopathic physician Dr. Deidre Macdonald, contact her medical practice in downtown Courtenay at (250) 897-0235. For more information about laser therapy, read the Frequently asked Question about Laser Therapy on this website or contact Dr. Macdonald via the website. 

Call 250 897-0235
FAQ about Laser Therapy

Sports Injuries and Laser Therapy

Want to know a secret that professional athletes use to get a competitive edge? In addition to hard work, genetics, and the will to win, many athletes have something else on their side: laser therapy.
 
Sports injury rehabilitation is all about getting back in the game quickly and with optimal functioning. Cold Laser Therapy is a fast, effective tool for the treatment of sports injuries. Over the past nine years I have helped hundreds of athletes and weekend warriors overcome injuries so that they can do their rehab exercises and return to the sports they love.
 
Laser therapy is used by professional sports teams and athletes to accelerate healing and provide pain relief. For the past decade, it has revolutionized treatment in the professional sports world including NBA, NFL, NHL and USA cycling athletes, as well as Ironman triathlon competitors, college athletes, elite runners and more.
 
Hundreds of placebo controlled studies have proven the safety and effectiveness of this physical therapy modality. For instance, tennis elbow completely resolved in 82% of acute cases in a placebo controlled study. Soccer players with sprained ankles showed much less swelling if they were treated with laser therapy vs. placebo treatment. Plantar fasciitis, a common cause of foot pain in athletes, has been shown to resolve more quickly with laser therapy. Many studies have shown that knee, back and shoulder injuries heal faster with laser therapy, a result I see commonly in my practice.
 
Pain is a symptom of injury. Laser therapy doesn’t just mask the symptoms, it treats the injury by activating and accelerating the healing process. Your pain is alleviated because the injury has improved or been cured. So don’t let injuries keep you out of the game. Get back into your fitness regime with the help of laser therapy.


FAQ about Laser Therapy

Shoulder Pain Relief with Laser Therapy

We don’t realize how much we use our shoulders until something goes wrong.  We use them for putting away dishes, lifting our kids, playing sports, trade work and so much more.  The shoulder is one of the most complex joints in the body.  It moves in more directions than any other joint.  This tremendous mobility makes the shoulder joint vulnerable to problems.  Shoulder pain is one of the most common musculo-skeletal conditions that I see in my naturopathic practice.  If you have shoulder pain, it is wise to try and determine the source of the problem and take an active role in treatment so you can get back on track as quickly as possible.  Laser light therapy is a safe, painless and effective treatment for a variety of shoulder problems.

Determining the source of the problem requires a detailed physical examination of the bones, joints, muscles, tendons, bursa, ligaments and nerves.  I can often learn a great deal through a thorough physical exam involving structural palpation, muscle testing, orthopaedic tests and measuring range of motion.  Diagnostic imaging (x-ray, ultrasound, MRI or CT) can be helpful but are not always available for people with mild to moderate injuries.

The most common conditions I see are rotator cuff problems. The rotator cuff is a sheath that is made up of four muscle tendons:  the suprapinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor and subscapularis muscles.  Tendonitis can set in, the tendons can become impinged under the top of the shoulder (acromion process of the scapula) or the tendons can be partially or fully torn.  The most common tear is in the supraspinatus muscle that runs along the top / back of the shoulder, under the acromion and attaches to the top of the arm bone (humerus).   When this muscle is affected, lifting the arm up to the side is very painful or impossible.   Rotator cuff issues are often associated with bicep tendonitis and bursitis, although these conditions can occur alone.  In bicep tendonitis, the tendon becomes inflamed or fibrotic, and commonly creates a deep, throbbing ache in the front of the shoulder.  Bursitis (inflamed padding of the shoulder) can create very acute pain with raising the arm.  Tears in the labrum (cartilage cuff inside the socket) can create deep joint pain and frozen shoulder.  Arthritis, in the ball and socket joint or where the collarbone meets the shoulder, can cause pain and reduced range of motion.

What are the treatment options?  Anti-inflammatory drugs create problems with daily use.  Surgery is necessary to repair a complete rotator cuff tear, but for most other conditions the effectiveness of shoulder surgery, according to published reports, is difficult to predict at best.  Exercise and stretching are important, but may not be feasible when the shoulder is too painful to move.  Laser therapy is a very effective treatment for speeding the healing of shoulder problems.  Extensive research has shown that laser light therapy is safe and effective treatment for tendonitis, bursitis, arthritis and other issues that affect the shoulder.  It reduces inflammation, increases

 circulation, speeds metabolism on a cellular level, reduces fibrosis and scar tissue, and strengthens tissue.  These mechanisms result in rapid resolution of pain.  Placebo controlled studies of laser therapy for even frozen shoulder have shown significant reduction in pain and disability.   In my clinic I use a state of the art laser light therapy machine with an extra large treatment head that uses nine laser beams to bathe large areas of the shoulder in the therapeutic light.  The laser beams can penetrate deeply into the tissues to safely and effectively promote healing.  Most of my patients with shoulder issues treated with 9-12 sessions of laser light therapy heal quickly, take less pain medication and are able to resume work and normal activities.

So take care of your hard working shoulders.   With laser light therapy, stretching, and therapeutic exercise, you may be able to enjoy relief from shoulder pain.

Wondering if laser therapy is right for you? Dr. Macdonald offers a free 15-minute consultation. Contact her naturopathic medical clinic in downtown Courtenay at (250) 897-0235 or via this website.

Call 250 897-0235
FAQ about Laser Therapy

Neck Pain Relief with Laser therapy

We don’t realize how much we use our shoulders until something goes wrong.  We use them for putting away dishes, lifting our kids, playing sports, trade work and so much more.  The shoulder is one of the most complex joints in the body.  It moves in more directions than any other joint.  This tremendous mobility makes the shoulder joint vulnerable to problems.  Shoulder pain is one of the most common musculo-skeletal conditions that I see in my naturopathic practice.  If you have shoulder pain, it is wise to try and determine the source of the problem and take an active role in treatment so you can get back on track as quickly as possible.  Laser light therapy is a safe, painless and effective treatment for a variety of shoulder problems.

Determining the source of the problem requires a detailed physical examination of the bones, joints, muscles, tendons, bursa, ligaments and nerves.  I can often learn a great deal through a thorough physical exam involving structural palpation, muscle testing, orthopaedic tests and measuring range of motion.  Diagnostic imaging (x-ray, ultrasound, MRI or CT) can be helpful but are not always available for people with mild to moderate injuries.

The most common conditions I see are rotator cuff problems.  The rotator cuff is a sheath that is made up of four muscle tendons:  the suprapinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor and subscapularis muscles.   Tendonitis can set in, the tendons can become impinged under the top of the shoulder (acromion process of the scapula) or the tendons can be partially or fully torn.  The most common tear is in the supraspinatus muscle that runs along the top / back of the shoulder, under the acromion and attaches to the top of the arm bone (humerus).   When this muscle is affected, lifting the arm up to the side is very painful or impossible.   Rotator cuff issues are often associated with bicep tendonitis and bursitis, although these conditions can occur alone.  In bicep tendonitis, the tendon becomes inflamed or fibrotic, and commonly creates a deep, throbbing ache in the front of the shoulder.  Bursitis (inflamed padding of the shoulder) can create very acute pain with raising the arm.  Tears in the labrum (cartilage cuff inside the socket) can create deep joint pain and frozen shoulder.  Arthritis, in the ball and socket joint or where the collarbone meets the shoulder, can cause pain and reduced range of motion.

What are the treatment options?  Anti-inflammatory drugs create problems with daily use.  Surgery is necessary to repair a complete rotator cuff tear, but for most other conditions the effectiveness of shoulder surgery, according to published reports, is difficult to predict at best.  Exercise and stretching are important, but may not be feasible when the shoulder is too painful to move.  Laser therapy is a very effective treatment for speeding the healing of shoulder problems.  Extensive research has shown that laser light therapy is safe and effective treatment for tendonitis, bursitis, arthritis and other issues that affect the shoulder.  It reduces inflammation, increases circulation, speeds metabolism on a cellular level, reduces fibrosis and scar tissue, and strengthens tissue.  These mechanisms result in rapid resolution of pain.  Placebo controlled studies of laser therapy for even frozen shoulder have shown significant reduction in pain and disability.   In my clinic I use a state of the art laser light therapy machine that utilizes pads of light that can bathe large areas of the shoulder in the therapeutic light.  Then we use a high potency nine beam cold laser unit to penetrate deeply into the tissues to safely and effectively promote healing.  Most of my patients with shoulder issues treated with 9-12 sessions of laser light therapy heal quickly, take less pain medication and are able to resume work and normal activities.

So take care of your hard working shoulders.   With laser light therapy, stretching, and therapeutic exercise, you may be able to enjoy relief from shoulder pain.

For more information or to book a free 15-minute introductory consultation with Dr. Deidre Macdonald contact her naturopathic medical clinic in downtown Courtenay at (250) 897-0235 or via the website.

Call 250 897-0235
FAQ about Laser Therapy

Joint Pain Relief with Laser Therapy

Joint pain slowing you down?  There may be more options for treatment available than you know.  There is a relatively new physical therapy modality called laser therapy that can create rapid healing of joint problems.  It is a painless, effective therapy for the treatment of a wide array of muscle, joint, back and skin issues.  In my practice, it has been an invaluable tool for helping my patients.  Most of my patients who have utilized laser therapy for their joint problems have had relief from pain, increased range of motion, and are able to return to exercise and work   Also, in my experience, laser therapy is the only therapy that shows consistent benefit for arthritis sufferers.
This technology uses multiple laser diodes to bathe abnormal tissue with photons.  Photons are particles of energy that are absorbed by the cell.  Once inside the cells, light energy can be converted into biochemical energy to accelerate cell function.  The therapeutic light beam permits penetration of deep tissues without adversely affecting normal cells and the body’s natural tissue healing processes are enhanced.  The therapy doesn’t just mask symptoms.  It is curative and as logic dictates, symptoms resolve.

The Theralase laser device that I selected for my naturopathic medical clinic is a top of the line, Health Canada approved unit that is used in physiotherapy clinics and burn units around the world.  It has 9 laser diodes in one unit and allows for efficient, safe, powerful treatments.  Let’s look at a number of common joint problems and how they can be addressed with laser therapy:

Jaw pain:  In a published placebo controlled study, laser therapy was shown to significantly reduce pain, increase range of motion and decrease tender points in patients with MRI confirmed temporo-mandibular joint pathology.

Shoulders:  Shoulder pain can be caused by tendonitis (biceps tendonitis for example), rotator cuff injuries (often a torn supraspinatus muscle), bursitis, or deep joint problems.  Often several of these mechanisms can co-exist.  Laser therapy can effectively address each of these mechanisms and result in improved range of motion and decreased pain.  Many of my patients have also reported that they sleep better since their shoulders don’t hurt at night.

Golfer’s and Tennis Elbow:  These conditions are medically called epicondylitis,  inflammation of the tendon that attaches to the medial and lateral bumps of the elbow.  A placebo controlled study in Switzerland found that total relief of the pain and improved function was achieved in 82% of the acute cases.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (hand and wrist pain / numbness):   The treatment of this condition with laser therapy has been extensively studied.  In a review of 5 significant studies, it was found that the average success rate was 84%.  The patients had pain for an average of two years prior to entering the studies.  I have had several patients able to cancel surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome after about 9 treatments with laser therapy.

Bursitis of the hip:  This condition causes pain when sleeping on the affected side and also with activity.  It is the condition that I have found responds most consistently to laser therapy.  All the patients we have treated for this condition have improved, and I too have used it successfully for the same issue.

Knee Pain:  Osteoarthritis of the knee is a very common cause of significant disability for many seniors.  Who wants to wait until the condition is so bad that surgery is the only option?  In fact, studies have shown that with laser therapy, surgery can be avoided in many cases.  In humans, a meta-analysis of 36 randomized placebo-controlled trials found that 2-4 weeks of laser therapy offered significant pain relief compared to placebo controls.  Trials showed significant decrease in pain, reduction of swelling, increased range of motion and circulation.  Animal studies show that laser actually regenerates worn cartilage, increasing the thickness of cartilage.  Since real healing is what occurs with laser therapy, the results are sustained.  I have certainly seen the long term effects myself and in my patients.  Arthritis patients return for more treatments, but usually it is for a different joint!

Plantar fasciitis:  This painful condition affects the bottom of the foot.  I usually recommend stretches, exercises and massage for patients with this condition, along with laser therapy.  Research shows that patients report significantly less pain after a series of laser treatments.  A placebo controlled study found that the thickness of the plantar fascia was reduced.  Another study showed that 90% of patients experienced relief:  64% of patients had no pain and another 26% were significantly improved.  Unlike other treatments for plantar fasciitis, laser therapy is a painless process.

So why suffer?  Laser therapy is a safe and effective tool that can help you get back to the life you desire.  For more information about Dr. Macdonald’s state of the art laser therapy machine, click on laser therapy on her website www.getwellhere.com.  To book a free 15 minute consultation to see if laser therapy is the right treatment for you, call her medical office at 250 897-0235.

Dr. Deidre Macdonald is a naturopathic physician with a medical practice in downtown Courtenay. 

Call 250 897-0235
FAQ about Laser Therapy

Knee Pain Relief with Laser Therapy

One of the most common injuries that people experience as they get older is knee pain.  You depend on your knees to stay active.  Knee pain can significantly affect quality of life when it limits the enjoyment of your favorite activities, and especially if it interferes with your sleep.  Years ago, in my naturopathic medical practice, I was struck by the lack of good options for helping people with knee pain and set out to find a treatment that would provide real and lasting pain reduction for my patients.  I too had an old knee injury that was becoming arthritic.  I was impressed by the research on laser therapy and have been delighted to find that it has helped me and many of my patients to enjoy life without knee pain.  Laser therapy has helped patients with knee problems to enjoy reduced pain, increased mobility and a return to the activities they enjoy.

Low Intensity Laser Therapy (LILT) has been used successfully as a treatment for an extensive range of acute and chronic musculoskeletal conditions.  This painless procedure speeds the healing of tissues, including cartilage, ligaments, muscles, bursa, nerves, tendons and skin.  It enhances DNA synthesis, cell replication, cellular nutrition, circulation and has both anti-inflammatory and pain relieving effects.  The effectiveness of treating knee pain with laser therapy has been well established in human and animal placebo-controlled, double-blind studies.

The majority of the knee pain is due to osteoarthritis.  Osteoarthritis is caused by the wear and tear on the knee joint and affects 80% of people by the age of 65.  When cartilage begins to wear down in the knee joint, the bone begins to get exposed and irritated, sometimes causing bone spurs to form.  This breakdown can lead to sharp medial knee pain.  It is often worse first thing in the morning, after sitting or driving for a while, and going down stairs.  Swelling may be present, especially in the inner side of the knee. Baker’s cysts in the back of the knee may also contribute to pain and swelling.  With recent studies showing little benefit from arthroscopic surgery for arthritic knees, and the side effects of pain medications making them an undesirable long term treatment option, patients are left with either pain and limitation or the long wait for knee replacement.

Laser therapy is an excellent treatment choice for arthritis that has been proven to work in many well designed studies.  In animal studies, laser therapy has been shown to decelerate the arthritic process, regenerate worn cartilage, and increase the thickness of cartilage.  In humans, a meta-analysis of eight randomized placebo-controlled trials found that 2-4 weeks of laser therapy offered significant, lasting pain relief compared to placebo controls.  It was shown to be more effective than acupuncture or other physiotherapy treatments.  Another more recent clinical trial measured a significant decrease in pain, reduction of knee swelling, increased range of motion and circulation compared to a placebo group that was treated with a sham laser.

In my naturopathic medical practice, I use a state of the art Low Level Laser Therapy machine called the Theralase that utilizes a unique laser probe providing nine laser beams versus the usual one.  This higher intensity treatment is ideally suited for treating joints like the knee.

Other knee conditions that can be successfully treated by low level laser therapy include chondromalacia patella (often seen in runners), meniscus tears (pain in the inner and outer knee), rheumatoid arthritis, bursitis, and ligament strains and tears (often acute sports injuries).

Over the counter and prescription anti-inflammatory medications, while providing good pain relief, come at a cost.  Sustained use of ibuprofen (Advil) increases the risk of bleeding ulcers and other gastro-intestinal side effects.  Patients looking for safer anti-inflammatories have several options.  For those who are currently dependent on anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen, I will often write a prescription for a topical anti-inflammatory medicine called Diclofenac.  Numerous studies have shown that prescription strength topical diclofenac provides similar pain reduction in osteoarthritis of the knee to oral NSAIDS like ibuprofen, without the risk of stomach bleeding.   Alternatively, a natural topical cream called Traumeel was recently featured in the International Journal of Internal Medicine.  Upon review of the placebo controlled studies of Traumeel, it was concluded that “Traumeel has shown comparable effectiveness to NSAIDs in terms of reducing symptoms of inflammation, accelerating recovery, and improving mobility, with a favourable safety profile”.  Natural oral anti-inflammatories include fish oil and turmeric.  Both of these natural medicines have many side benefits instead of side effects!  One turmeric extract product called Mireva has shown to have superior absorption and effectiveness.  In a large, nine month placebo controlled study of Meriva’s effect on osteoarthritis of the knee, the Mireva group showed a significant decrease in pain and increase in range of motion versus the placebo group.  So don’t let knee pain slow you down.  With natural medicines and laser therapy, safe, painless and effective treatment is available.

To book a free 15-minute consultation with Courtenay naturopathic physician Dr. Deidre Macdonald to see if laser therapy is right for you, please call (250) 897-0235 or contact us here.

Call 250 897-0235
FAQ about Laser Therapy