Can K-Laser Therapy Help with Back Pain?
Back pain is extremely common and can range from a relatively minor ache or stiffness to pain that significantly affects work, sleep and everyday activities.
There are many different causes of back pain and, importantly, there isn’t one treatment that’s right for everyone. At The Form Practice in Hardwick, Cambridge, we use K-Laser therapy as one of the treatment options that may be considered alongside hands-on treatment, exercise and rehabilitation.
What is K-Laser therapy?
K-Laser is a form of high-intensity therapeutic laser. It uses specific wavelengths of light that are delivered into the tissues being treated.
This is sometimes referred to as photobiomodulation – the interaction between light and biological tissue.
Therapeutic laser has been studied for its potential effects on pain and inflammation and is used by healthcare practitioners for a variety of musculoskeletal conditions.
Can laser therapy help with back pain?
Research into laser therapy for musculoskeletal pain has produced encouraging results for some conditions, although its effectiveness depends on factors including the underlying cause of the pain and the type and dose of laser being used.
For someone experiencing back pain, the first step should therefore be to understand as far as possible what is causing or contributing to the symptoms.
An assessment may consider factors such as:
- Where the pain is located
- How and when it started
- Movement of the back and surrounding joints
- Muscle and joint function
- Previous injuries
- Work, exercise and everyday activities
- Whether pain travels into the buttock or leg
- Any other symptoms that could indicate that medical investigation is required
Where appropriate, K-Laser therapy may then be incorporated into a broader treatment and rehabilitation programme.
Does K-Laser work alongside other treatments?
Yes. At The Form Practice, we don’t necessarily view K-Laser as a stand-alone treatment.
Depending on your individual assessment, it may be used alongside osteopathy, sports therapy, massage, exercise or rehabilitation advice.
This allows us to consider both symptom management and the musculoskeletal factors that may be contributing to your back pain.
What does K-Laser treatment feel like?
K-Laser treatment is non-invasive and sessions are generally relatively short.
The laser handpiece is moved over the area being treated and patients commonly experience a gentle warming sensation during treatment.
Protective eyewear is worn by both the patient and practitioner while the laser is operating.
The number and frequency of treatments recommended will depend on the condition being treated, how long you have had the problem and your response to treatment.
Is K-Laser suitable for everyone with back pain?
No treatment is appropriate for everybody, and back pain can have many different causes.
Before recommending K-Laser, your practitioner will consider your symptoms and medical history and whether laser therapy is appropriate for you.
If your symptoms suggest that further medical investigation is required, you may be advised to speak to your GP or another appropriate healthcare professional.
K-Laser therapy for back pain in Cambridge
At The Form Practice in Hardwick, Cambridge, K-Laser is one of a number of treatment options we can use when helping people with musculoskeletal pain.
If you’re experiencing persistent or recurring back pain, you can book an assessment with one of our practitioners to discuss your symptoms and whether K-Laser could be an appropriate part of your treatment.