High-Powered Laser Therapy for Neck Pain

Yes, high-powered or high-intensity laser therapy (HILT) has proven to be an effective, non-invasive treatment for neck pain, supported by strong scientific evidence. The following are two supporting studies:

1. Systematic Review on HILT for Chronic Neck Pain

• Research showed that HILT combined with exercises helped reduce neck pain and improve movement in people with chronic neck issues.
• Participants reported feeling less discomfort and being able to move their necks more freely after consistent treatment sessions.

2. HILT for Chronic Neck Pain

• HILT combined with exercise significantly increased cervical range of motion (ROM) and reduced pain levels in individuals with chronic neck pain.
• Functional activity improved notably after six weeks of HILT treatment compared to placebo laser combined with exercise.

The number of laser therapy sessions required for neck pain varies based on the following factors:

• Condition Type:
  Acute neck pain often requires five to six treatments. Meanwhile, chronic pain conditions may need 6-12 sessions or more for lasting relief.
• Severity of Pain:
  Severe or long-standing pain may demand additional treatments to address deeper inflammation and tissue damage effectively.
• Healing Response:
  Each person heals differently. Some respond quickly, while others may need ongoing treatments to achieve positive results.
• Combination Therapies:
  Pairing laser therapy with physical therapy or stretching exercises can influence the number of treatments needed for recovery.
• Maintenance Needs:
  Certain conditions may require periodic follow-up treatments to manage symptoms and maintain mobility over time. For example:
• Degenerative disc disease:
  Patients might need maintenance sessions every 4-6 weeks to manage ongoing symptoms and prevent flare-ups.
• Cervical spondylosis:
  Regular treatments every 2-3 months may help maintain pain relief and flexibility in the neck.
• Chronic whiplash-associated disorders:
  Some patients benefit from monthly or bi-monthly sessions to sustain improvements in pain and range of motion.
• Occupational neck strain (e.g., from prolonged desk work):
  Quarterly sessions could help prevent the recurrence of pain and stiffness.
• Fibromyalgia affecting the neck area:
  Periodic treatments, such as every 6-8 weeks, might assist in managing widespread pain and tenderness.

Yes, laser therapies for neck conditions are generally considered safe. Here’s why:

• Non-Invasive Nature:
  Both high-powered laser therapy and low-level laser therapy utilise light amplification by stimulated emission to target tissues without causing damage. This non-invasive approach makes them a safe and effective treatment for neck pain relief.
• Minimal Side Effects:
  Many reported side effects are mild, such as temporary discomfort at the application site. These are significantly less severe than those associated with surgery or medication.
• Qualified Administration:
  When performed by trained professionals, the treatment is safe, with proper dosage and techniques used to avoid complications.
• No Recovery Time:
  Laser therapy does not require downtime, allowing patients to resume daily activities immediately after treatment.

Advanced laser treatments for neck pain are a generally comfortable and relaxing experience for most people. They are non-invasive, painless, and often soothing. Here’s what you can expect:

• Little to No Sensation:
  Many patients feel nothing at all during the procedure. The laser device emits a specific wavelength of light to target tissues without causing discomfort.
• Mild Warmth:
  Some describe a gentle, soothing warmth in the affected area. This occurs as the energy from the laser promotes tissue healing and reduction of inflammation.
• Relaxing Experience:
  The process is calming for most people, as laser therapy helps block pain signals, reduce inflammation, and promote recovery through photobiomodulation.
• Temporary Discomfort (Rare):
  In rare cases, mild discomfort may occur after treatment due to the healing process being activated in chronic conditions.

The number of laser therapy sessions required for neck pain depends on the type, severity, and duration of the condition. It also varies based on how the body responds to treatment. Here are the general guidelines:

• Acute Neck Pain:
  Acute conditions, such as recent injuries or sudden-onset pain, usually require two to six sessions for significant relief. These visits are often scheduled daily or every other day to quickly reduce inflammation and pain.
• Chronic Neck Pain:
  Chronic conditions usually need 6-12 sessions total, performed two to three times per week. This approach helps address long-term inflammation, nerve dysfunction, and tissue damage while promoting sustained recovery.
• Severe or Degenerative Conditions:
  Conditions like severe arthritis may require ongoing periodic treatments, such as monthly sessions, to manage symptoms and maintain quality of life.

Treatment frequency and total sessions vary by individual. A healthcare provider will assess your condition and tailor a plan to maximise the effectiveness of laser therapy for neck pain.

The therapist carefully determines the frequency of laser therapy sessions based on a variety of factors, such as:

• Condition Type:
  Therapists assess whether the neck pain is acute, subacute, or chronic. Acute conditions may require daily sessions, while chronic conditions might need two to three sessions per week.
• Severity of Symptoms:
  Severe or debilitating pain often requires more frequent treatments initially to reduce inflammation and pain effectively.
• Tissue Depth and Target Area:
  The depth of the affected tissue influences frequency, as deeper tissues may require more sessions to allow adequate laser penetration and healing.
• Laser Dosage Variables:
  Factors like wavelength, power density, and pulse frequency are adjusted based on the condition. This impacts how often sessions are needed for effective results.
• Patient Response:
  Therapists monitor progress after each session and adjust frequency based on how quickly the patient responds to treatment.
• Maintenance Needs:
  For chronic or persistent conditions, therapists may recommend periodic maintenance sessions (e.g., monthly) to sustain improvements. This promotes the long-term effectiveness of laser therapy for neck pain, especially in managing recurring symptoms.

Preparing for laser therapy is important to achieve positive results and minimise any risks. Here are some key steps to prepare:

1. Discuss Your Medical History:
   Inform your healthcare provider about any medical conditions, medications, or allergies. This allows them to tailor the treatment to your needs and avoid complications.
2. Avoid Sun Exposure:
   Stay out of direct sunlight and avoid tanning for at least two to four weeks before treatment. Sunburnt or tanned skin can increase the risk of side effects.
3. Pause Certain Products or Medications:
   Don’t use retinol, glycolic acid, or exfoliating products a week before treatment. Additionally, avoid blood-thinning medications unless advised otherwise.
4. Clean the Treatment Area:
   Arrive with clean, makeup-free skin and avoid applying lotions, deodorants, or oils to the affected area.
5. Avoid Smoking:
   Refrain from smoking at least two weeks before treatment to support better healing and recovery.

You should consider high-powered laser therapy for neck pain in the following situations:

• Chronic Neck Pain:
  If you have been dealing with persistent neck pain for weeks or months, laser therapy can help reduce inflammation. It also provides long-term relief without the need to rely on medications.
• Severe Pain:
  When neck pain affects your daily activities or quality of life, laser therapy offers a non-invasive option for effective symptom management.
• Limited Success with Other Treatments:
  If traditional treatments like medications or massage have not alleviated your pain, laser therapy could be a viable alternative.
• Desire for Non-Invasive Options:
  For those looking to avoid surgery or invasive procedures, laser therapy provides a safe and painless option for managing neck pain.
• Acute Injuries:
  Laser therapy can also be used for recent neck injuries to reduce swelling, improve circulation, and accelerate healing.

Health fund cover for laser therapy for neck pain depends on the type of therapy and the specific policy. Here’s how you can check:

• Review Your Policy:
  Carefully read your health fund policy documents to see if laser therapy is listed under covered treatments.
• Contact Your Health Fund:
  Call your health fund directly and ask if advanced laser treatments for neck pain are covered. Provide details about the treatment, including the specific type (e.g., LLLT or HILT).
• Request Pre-Authorisation:
  If cover is possible, ask your healthcare provider to submit a pre-authorisation form with supporting medical records to confirm eligibility.
• Check for Out-of-Pocket Costs:
  Ask about co-payments, deductibles, or partial reimbursements to understand any financial responsibilities you may have.