Low Level Laser Myths That Just Won’t Die

Sometimes back in 1970s, Low level laser therapy in Melbourne used to differentiate between surgical and therapeutic lasers that applied thermal effects in surgery. Therapeutic lasers by then used low power of not more than 50mW. Non-surgical lasers were those that had power above 50mW and they were referred to as cold lasers. Since there is a wide array of form of lasers, people often get confused about the performance and application. Some of the misconceived ideas are listed below.
 

• Low Lasers Can’t Burn The Skin:

This is not true in the case of continuous laser of the category 3b. A laser of appropriate intensity used in a particular body part continuously, it is possible for the tissues to burn. The class 3b lasers lack thermal effect. As the tissues absorb the emissions, they gain energy and become hot. Even though the treatment is ‘cold’, it doesn’t mean that a patient experiences cold. Constant waves can easily burn the skin.

•  All Lasers in The 4th Category Are Surgical Lasers:

This is a wrong statement. The truth is, all surgical lasers are in the 4th category but there are other lasers in this category which are not surgical lasers. Some ads use class 4 to denote lasers that burn, it doesn’t mean that all lasers in this class can burn. A laser is considered cold depending on the optimal power density. Only the continuous lasers in class 4 burn tissues. These thermal effect lasers are totally safe if they are applied slightly across the body instead of holding them at a particular point for long. Burning risk is reduced through appropriate application and following safety measures.
 

• The Thermal Effect is a Result of Class 4 Status:

False. Highly powered class 4 lasers can burn the body. Super waves generate more pulses in less than a second and exceed continuous waves. Fast pulsing produces thermal effects so that they act like cold lasers. In other words, class 4 lasers are cold lasers. However, the thermal effect does not solely emanate from this category but rather as a result of energy density. For optimal results, a laser needs to be positioned at a single place. Low energy lasers take long to achieve any biological effect on a tissue but a high-powered laser accomplishes the task quicker.

Some scientists use the term cold laser therapy to refer to lasers of class 3b i.e. those that unction below 500mW. However the best term to use is photo-bio-modulation.  Manufacturers on the other hand describe class 4 laser as deep penetration or high power lasers. The best approach is not focusing on thermal power but rather the average power used.

Understanding Myotherapy in Melbourne

In case you are suffering from a serious ache in the joints or muscles, it would be advisable to seek the help of a myotherapist in Melbourne. Myotherapy refers to an alternative treatment method that assesses, treat and manage the pain that affects the soft tissues and causes restriction in the mobility of the joints. This leads to muscle dysfunction or myofascia.

The tough and compact tissues that surround and cover the muscles and bones are referred to as myofascia. This is similar to a complete body suit and run from the head to the toes. This is usually quite strong and flexible. Not only is it continuous but it connects all the parts of the body. When this is in a normal and healthy state, it is usually soft and relaxed and it stretch and move with no restriction.

However, when there is occurrence of inflammation or physical trauma, this causes the myofascia to lose pliability and become tight and restricted, leading to tension in the entire body. The pain that occurs in the muscle tissues or muscle fascia is usually referred to as myofascia pain. This is marked by symptoms such as:

• Constant pain that is deep and nagging
• Joint stiffness
• Numbness
• Sore spots occurring in muscles(referred to as myofascia trigger points)
• Tightness of muscles
• Feeling of tiredness
• Reduction in joint mobility

What You Should Expect During Consultation:

The role of a myotherapist is to ensure the restoration of the muscular working system to a point that enables it to work well. The myotherapist will begin by asking several questions on the symptoms. It is advisable to carry any X ray image that you may already have. You should also inform the medical practitioner of any drugs that you may be taking. The myotherapist will also want to know certain information such as your medical history and whether you have had any prior surgery or illnesses.

During consultation, your myotherapist will usually examine the joints or muscles before manipulating any affected area. He or she will test whether your reflexes are working well. Not only do they carry out the first test thoroughly but they use it to determine whether you have myofascial symptoms. The specialist will detect and treat whatever is causing the problem using massage technique as well as other therapies such as muscle stretching, cupping, muscle energy techniques and many more. Therefore there are many good reasons to choose myotherapy melbourne.

Use of Sports And Remedial Massage Melbourne For Athletes

Use Of Sports And Remedial Massage Melbourne For Athletes

There are many people out there who wonder what the difference between sports and remedial massage Melbourne is. The key thing to remember is that whatever the massage style that you choose, it can be tailored to meet your needs. However, remedial massage in Melbourne is usually thorough and has been designed to treat any areas that may have knots or tension. It includes the use of skills & techniques such as trigger point therapy, myofascial release and dry needling.

On the other hand, the technique of sport massage can alter depending on the client as well as their training program. Sports massage is commonly used in recovery programs where it is used to improve the recovery time after a major event. This involves the use of various dynamic techniques like PNF, MET and active release methods. Unlike the former, there is no much focus in the trigger points and specificity and instead focuses more on the general long strokes to free up the fibrous tension while at the same time causing the most minimal pain. This means that sports massage is in most cases tailored around the client as well as their training programs.

Which is the better massage option?

Athletes will require both types of massage depending on the situation. For instance, a triathlon athlete will require remedial massage during their taper period as well as the sports massage at the pre or post event. The sports massage that is done pre and post event are usually a bit lighter, uses some more strokes and their goal is to flush muscles and have them ready for the race. Alternatively, they can aim to assist in recovery. Since most triathlon athletes will feel their worst while tapering, a good remedial massage can help deal the trigger points and get rid of any issues that may arise. Since you can end up experiencing a certain level of soreness the following day after the event, remedial massage can be quite helpful.

   

If you love working out in the gym and strength training is your preferred exercise, a good remedial or deep tissue massage can be quite helpful as you will need time for working on the joint mobility and be aware of the trigger points and work on them effectively. Since trigger points are responsible for inhibiting muscular strength, you should prioritize having a massage that targets the trigger points.

On the other hand, if you are a muscle builder whose aim is to get into sculpting competition, it is always a good idea to enjoy deep tissue massage throughout the training program. This can then be blended in the deep tissue/remedial massage melbourne during the training program and get blended. A remedial/ sport massage session is necessary for around one and a half week when you are out of the competition. The main reason why you need to begin backing off in advance is that the amount of body fat can become so low. Dehydration can get high and undergoing a strong massage during this time will not leave you in an optimum position.