Jade Health Life 玉衡針灸 Book Appointment Hours & Directions

Registered Acupuncturist in Downtown Vancouver

Laser Acupuncture : Needless Way for Muscle Recovery

Indications:

  • Muscle strain or sprain
  • Post-exercise muscle soreness
  • Local tenderness or trigger points, myofascial tightness

Mechanism Overview:

Uses gentle near-infrared (905 nm) laser light to stimulate local and distant acupoints — a safe, non-invasive process called photobiomodulation (PBM).

Goal:

  • Regulate inflammation, improve microcirculation and metabolism, reduce movement-related pain, and support tissue repair and functional recovery.

Scientific evidence:

  • Studies show short-term pain relief and functional improvement in some musculoskeletal conditions.
  • Effectiveness varies with dosage, frequency, and individual response.
  • PBM serves as an adjunct therapy, not a substitute for emergency treatment or surgery.

Expected Progress:

  • Most people notice pain reduction after about 3–5 sessions.
  • Combined with gentle exercise, strength and tolerance gradually improve.
  • Treatment frequency and intervals are flexibly adjusted based on severity, lifestyle, and training schedule.

Therapeutic Goals:

  • Reduce pain and stiffness during movement
  • Promote tissue repair and scar remodeling
  • Restore muscle strength, movement control, and confidence

Treatment Rhythm & Procedure:

  • Each session targets at least six points around the affected muscle — including local acupoints and tender points — together with selected points on remote or opposite areas to enhance overall therapeutic balance and effectiveness.
  • Early phase: Pain-relief settings are applied first, followed by tissue repair settings.
  • From session 6 onward: The focus shifts to repair settings; if pain persists, pain-relief mode is added at the start.
  • Recommended visiting frequency: Begin with 2–3 times per week, then gradually extend the interval as improvement stabilizes.
  • Request option: If you prefer a needle-free or pain-free approach for your acupuncture treatment, you may request laser acupuncture at your visit — no extra cost.

Combination with Other Therapies:

  • Can be safely combined with massage, cupping or sliding cupping, gua sha, manual therapy, and exercise rehabilitation.
  • Common sequence: Relaxation and circulation enhancement → Laser therapy for repair.
  • Caution: Pain relief may lead to overuse. Gradually increase activity duration and intensity.

Sensation & Safety:

  • Most people feel no pain, only mild warmth or a light tingling sensation.
  • Do not look directly at the laser. Goggles must be worn for facial applications.
  • Temporary redness, mild soreness, or fatigue may occur after treatment and usually resolve within hours.
  • If pain worsens significantly after 48 hours, or if fever, swelling, numbness, or inability to bear weight occurs, seek urgent medical care — other internal injuries may be present.

Precautions (Please Inform Before Treatment):

  • Pregnancy (especially abdomen or pelvic area)
  • Current or past cancer (avoid direct exposure to tumor sites; discuss with your physician)
  • Recent bleeding, coagulation disorders, or active bleeding Photosensitivity, photosensitizing medications, or epilepsy triggered by flashing light
  • Avoid direct exposure over the thyroid or eyes
  • Tattoos or darker skin tones may feel more warmth; laser power will be adjusted accordingly
  • Reduced peripheral sensation (e.g., neuropathy), long-term steroid use, or implanted medical devices — please inform your practitioner
  • Report any unusual or worsening symptoms after treatment

Frequently Asked Questions:

  • Will it hurt?Almost never — most patients describe only mild warmth or gentle stimulation.
  • How many sessions until improvement? Noticeable improvement often appears after around five sessions, but progress varies by individual and condition severity.
  • Can it be combined with other treatments? Yes. It is often used alongside manual or exercise therapy for greater overall benefit.
  • Is it safe? Yes. Laser acupuncture is non-invasive, dosage-controlled, and associated with minimal side effects. Treatments are personalized and do not replace necessary medical evaluation or emergency care.

Self-Care Recommendations:

  • Avoid movements that aggravate pain initially; maintain gentle activity and progressively increase load.
  • Ensure adequate rest, hydration, and protein intake.
  • Follow your practitioner’s guidance for warm-up, stretching, and stability exercises, gradually increasing intensity.
  • If pain worsens on a given day, reduce intensity or modify your training routine.

Conclusion:

Following the principle of “pain relief first, then repair,” laser acupuncture provides a safe, comfortable, and effective support for recovery.

This information serves as general health education; your actual treatment plan will be customized after professional evaluation.

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