what is the brand name and model # of the machine you use? TIA.

New member here.
Low Level Laser Therapy has proven great results for me. Have had about 10 treatments with a Dr. Miller. I believe the manufacturer of the unit she uses is Bio Tech ?
Many manufactures out there and it is important to find a unit that uses pads as well as probes.

In 2001 I had near complete compression of the thecal sac at L-4-5. Spinal fusion performed. Cauda Equina Syndrome resulting in loss of Bowel and Bladder so I cath and do digital stim to eliminate bowel.

Recently diagnosed with 8.3 mmTarlov Cyst at L-5 nerve rootwhich has been there for many years. I believe I have at least 2 other TC's. One at S-1 and one at L-4
I have suffer greatly with severe internal rectal pain / ankle,foot and hip, sciatica and low back pain. Take a ton of pain med including Opana, an extended release morphine med.

About 2 weeks ago I started the laser treatments. I immediately had significant relief of so much of the chronic inflammation and pain. I am taking it slow but range of motion has increased dramatically with no pain and some ankle foot and bowel neurologic improvement.

Please do not think everyone will have this much improvement and the verdict is out on if I will be able to cut back on pain meds.

I am at least in way less pain - from 2-5 daily with break through rectal pain 10 plus to no I rarely feel daily pain is more than 1-3 and break through rectal pain at times goes away with rest or is never more than 7-9.

Give it a try!
Richard

do you feel anything like a tingling , or heat ?

m

Nope... my 5mW does not have any sensation. Once or twice I thought I felt a faint thing, but it could be my imagination.

My foot did not swell up on vacation. But since I have been home, yesterday was the first day...I am thinking it is the stairs here. Has to be a stressor of some kind. So out comes my laser ...which I packed and shlepped up there and back.

I've also done my toenail which has some fungal issues, and it is about 50% better. Will continue with that as well. 5minutes for that part.

how do you hold it so long pointed at your foot ?

I need to hold fairly close before it has any sort of effect otherwise it just seem way too weak , i was thinking of sticking it in my dremel clamp

m

Good questions. I know the nerve distributions down the leg and in the foot. I've posted a graphic several times here, on my magnet and lidoderm threads to help people understand how those nerves come down the legs.

My left ankle has a huge scar to guide me. I know going up and down our high stairs outside, I could feel it pinch several days ago at the bottom end of the scar. So that is where I concentrate my laser time. It is my instep up to the crease of the ankle.

But today I did my right knee, and it activated the nerve all the way down to the right toe! So I followed that pain signal with the laser, slowly back and forth, for about 5 minutes. And it stopped.

Today was the longest I've used it. In between periods my 10 month old kitten was squealing for action. So I had to play with her some. Then our older cat got involved... yada yada.

All in all I did quite a bit today, as I am not in a comfortable place.

After the treatments (about 20min each time 2 hrs apart), the swelling and discoloration on my left foot improved. At least it doesn't hurt like yesterday! I didn't use the laser ONCE on vacation. No swelling... and very little pain then. Obviously this old house is slowly killing me!

I did my hands too..since my right hand starting hurting holding the button down. Wrist down to the thumb and palm. Now there I did feel the laser light...but it was a very faint tingle. I don't feel it on my feet. Today was the first time a nerve activated, but it didn't last long on my right leg. Historically new people here don't know I had major knee issues on the right for several years. Those resolved with SAMe.. I discontinued it a year ago thinking I was home free, but this new relapse, I've started 400mg a day again. Maybe this is my problem all along?

It is rather experimental. There does not seem to be any risk involved, and today the nerve reactions were very brief, maybe 2-3 minutes tops. Point the laser pointer to an area you think needs it and hold it for a couple of minutes. Move slowly around to all the spots that bother you and then go back. I don't stay in one spot for more than 2 minutes. And it seems to work. If nothing happens then move on to another spot. Eventually you will hit your sweet spot I think.

I do alot on my big toe and the ball of my foot because that is where my sesamoid bones are bad. But each person will have their own targets...and you have to discover those yourself.

me again.

its been 60 days or so since my LAST Light treatment and i am happy to report that there has been continued success. at 90 days i will go in for another exam.

but there is continued relief with my PN symptoms.

I would suggest this to anyone.

Just had my 90 eval. Doc did the nerve test and this time I scored like a 60 on each side. That is marked improvement. I have also lost 36 pounds in the last 12 weeks following ideal protein.

good luck to all/

Hi robpp,

Congrats on everything - it sounds great. I don't know much about the whole laser thing - I'm skeptical by nature - but I know a bit about lasers, and there's little risk of shining a light (even coherent) on your body so long as it's not the eyes and the wattage and focus are within safe levels.

I'd never heard of the ideal protien diet either. This however does concern me a bit, as does any diet that makes such incredible claims (I've tried enough of them! ) Keeping an open mind, I just googled this one, and the very first link I found after the "official" sites was this one, which brings up some excellent points:
http://healthinmotion.wordpress.com/...-protein-diet/
I found the review to be quite balanced and knowledgable in its evaluation.

I'm glad you lost so much weight - I really am, and I hope you'll be able to keep it off (which IME is the more difficult half of the battle), but I also hope you've looked into this carefully.

That's all - be careful, be safe. Still rootin' for ya!

Doc

I am looking at trying the cold laser. My local PT guy has a class 2 and 3 which didnt seem to do anything. I know most places here in NY (Longisland ) are touting class IV lasers.

http://www.hicksvillephysicaltherapy...2/article.html


Is it snake oil? I am nervous these lasers can damage or cause further irritation.

I have burning lower back of my neck, upper back, back of sholders, and sometimes triceps. It happens on both sides. There is no evidence of neuropathy but I am left with this pain.