The neck and shoulders are linked together through muscles, nerves, and fascia. Meaning an injury or dysfunction in one area can affect the other and vice versa. Understanding this relationship can unlock progress plateaus and stubborn conditions that don’t respond to localized treatments.
We will cover the relationship between the neck and shoulder and how investigating and addressing issues in both areas can lead to faster and better outcomes for the patient. We will discuss treatment strategies and troubleshooting tough cases.
Join Dr. Brian Fitzpatrick and Dr. Christopher Carraway, for a 1-hour discussion of the anatomy of the neck and shoulder and functional implications of its impairment. Learn specific areas of interest to address to provide patient breakthroughs and restore optimal function.
#shoulderpain #neckpain #lasertherapy #painmanagement #webinar #photoceuticals
What is Light Therapy?
Light therapy, also known as Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) or Photobiomodulation (PBM) is a low intensity light therapy. The North American Association of Light Therapy defines PBM as , “A form of light therapy that utilizes non-ionizing forms of light sources, including LASERS, LEDs, and broad-band light, in the visible and infrared spectrum. It is a non-thermal process involving endogenous chromophores eliciting photophysical (i.e. linear and non-linear) and photochemical events at various biological scales. This process results in beneficial therapeutic outcomes including but not limited to the alleviation of pain or inflammation, immunomodulation, and promotion of wound healing and tissue regeneration.” This process can be compared to photosynthesis in plants.
L.A.S.E.R. (Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation) is a name for a type of intense radiation of the light spectrum.
A laser is a beam of light in which high energies can be concentrated. Laser light has unique physical properties, which other types of light do not have. These are coherence and monochromaticity. This is what makes laser light so effective compared to other kinds of light in the field of pain reduction and healing.
Laser treatment (also known as phototherapy and low level laser therapy) involves the application of low power coherent light to injuries and lesions to stimulate healing and reduce pain. It is used to increase the speed, quality and strength of tissue repair, resolve inflammation and give pain relief. Low level laser technology has been found to offer superior healing and pain relieving effects compared to other electrotherapeutic modalities such as ultrasound, especially in dealing with chronic problems and in the early stages of acute injuries.
Low level laser technology is a complete system of treating muscle, tendon, ligament, connective tissue, bone, nerve, and dermal tissues in a non-invasive, drug-free modality.
Multi Radiance Laser devices are FDA cleared in the U.S. for the following indications of use:
☀️ Temporary relief of minor muscle pain
☀️ Temporary relief of joint pain
☀️ Temporary relief of arthritis
☀️ Temporary relief of muscle spasm
☀️ Relieving stiffness and promoting relaxation of muscle tissue
☀️ Symptomatic relief and management of chronic intractable pain
☀️ Adjunctive treatment for post-surgical and post-trauma acute pain
What conditions would prevent me from getting a light treatment?
Light therapy should not be used near a pacemaker, if you are pregnant or have an active cancer diagnosis.
Multi Radiance devices have a Class 1M safety rating.
Light Enhanced Athletic Performance
Introducing L.E.A.P.
Everyone is not an athlete but at some point, we all need strength, endurance and recovery to reach our personal health, fitness and performance goals.
Phototherapeutic light energy is absorbed deep into the muscles. This light energy stimulates a protective effect, reducing oxidative stress and fatigue while producing more Nitric Oxide (N.O.) and adenosine triphosphate (ATP).
Scientifically proven and validated
• Increase strength and endurance
• N.O. boost directly to muscle
• Reduce fatigue
• Reduce aches and pains
• Minimize downtime
The LEAP protocol takes 15-20 minutes and can be included in a massage session. Light is applied to the quadriceps, gastrocnemius, hamstring & hip muscle groups and/or the shoulder complex for strength and recovery.
Multi Radiance has developed strength, endurance and recovery protocols based on published peer-reviewed studies using Multi Radiance super pulsed lasers.
Massage + Light Therapy Prices
60 Minute Massage + Light ~ $100
90 Minute Massage + Light ~ $130
2 Hour Massage + Light ~ $180
Super Pulsed Laser and Its Effect on Pain Control
Listen to the recorded March webinar of Chris Carraway, DC & Timothy J. Demchak, PhD, ATC of Indiana State University as they review and discuss acute pain pathways and the body’s own pain modulation pathway, along with the effects of photobiomodulation on pain and treatment strategies based on the patient’s stage of pain. Registration is free and this is available to watch free until June 2021.
For better understanding of pain modulation, watch this video:
How does massage help with upper back tension?
Sitting in front of the computer for hours creates a lot of strain and stress on the back, neck and shoulders. With the arms extended forward on a keyboard, the muscles of the upper and midback become weak and overstretched (taut), the muscles in the front of the upper body become short and tight and as the head unnaturally moves forward, the muscles at the base of the head and the front of the neck become short and tight.
Therapeutic massage can be part of a solution in relieving upper back tension with treatments that focus on lengthening the shortened muscles in the front of the chest, using moderate pressure on the muscles of the back to reduce trigger points, and gently stretching the neck and reducing trigger points at the base of the head.
In order to get long term relief from upper back tension, it is necessary to include exercises for posture and set a timer when you are working on the computer, to remind you to move throughout the day.
Research has shown that moderate pressure massage has a cascade of positive benefits for the mind and body.
1. Increased vagal activity
2. Decrease of cortisol
3. Decreased heart rate and blood pressure
4. Enhanced attentiveness
5. Increase of serotonin and dopamine
6. Reduced pain
7. Increase in immune function
References:
1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5467308/
2. Orthopedic Assessment in Massage Therapy by Whitney Lowe