Laser therapy offers a new treatment option and hope for people suffering from Parkinson’s Disease.
Parkinson’s is a debilitating, progressive disease that affects 1% of people over the age of 60.
In Parkinson’s disease certain cells within the brain stem make less of the neuro-transmitter dopamine. This leads to the jerky, slowed movements, difficulty walking and speaking, and the resting tremor of the hands. Perhaps our most famous younger patient is Michael J. Fox who was only 29 when he was diagnosed.
Typically Parkinson’s is treated with medication and occupational or physical therapy.
There is a brand new application of Laser Therapy to reach the area of the disease and stimulate more normal function. Movements can be smoother, better coordinated. Tasks of daily living, like eating can be improved with steadier movements.
Here at the Cruz Life Center we have been using Laser therapy for many conditions for over 10 years. Daily we see amazing results in the recovery from injuries to muscles, joints, ligaments, tendons and the injury or dis-ease of the brain. Low Intensity Laser Therapy utilizes light energy to produce biological effects in tissues. It is known for being extremely safe and without any side effects that are so common with medication.
Laser therapy is bringing hope of lessening the typical Parkinson tremors to patients. Laser pads are placed on the back of the neck aimed at the region of the brain stem to reach the cells that produce the neurotransmitter dopamine. Laser light can reach deep into the tissue and increase circulation, bringing more nutrients and oxygen to the region. Laser Therapy decreases inflammation and stimulates cell renewal as well.
While the therapeutic potential has not yet been fully established for Parkinson’s, there have been a growing number of promising studies to date providing insight into the long-range therapeutic potential of Laser Therapy for neurologic diseases such as Parkinson’s.