Tag Archive for: low level laser therapy

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Low-Level Laser Therapy – the runners’ friend

Research published by Macmillan Cancer Support shows an estimated 7 million people across the country turned to running or jogging during the Covid-19 crisis to boost their mental health.

One in seven people in the UK (14%) said running had helped them deal with stress since the first lockdown in March.  And about a third said running helped them feel calmer and more positive.

All of which is great news.  But it’s important that these mental benefits don’t come at a physical cost. More research (!) show that, for every 1,000 hours of running, beginners get injured twice as often as experienced runners.

Among the most common problems to plague runners are Plantar Fasciitis – painful inflammation of the tissue along the bottom of the foot and Achilles Tendonitis. This manifests as pain and tenderness in the heel and along the Achilles tendon.  Which is the thickest tendon in the human body.

Responding to running injury

On a practical level, there are a couple of simple self-help measures that you can try:

  • First and foremost, take an immediate break from training.
  • Apply ice regularly to the painful area for the first 48-72 hours to reduce swelling.
  • Take a good look at your training footwear. Running shoes will generally need replacing after you’ve run 300-500 miles.
  • Consider gentle, stretching exercises, such as the heel drop (devised by Swedish sports doctor Dr Hakan Alfredson).  Try three sets of 15 heel drops twice daily over three months.

Give low-level laser therapy a try

Over time, most such treatments will provide some relief.  But what if you had access to a quicker, more effective and long-lasting therapy? Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) could be the answer. It’s a pain-free, non-invasive treatment that involves placing a low-power light beam on the injured area. The light stimulates repair by cellular organelles (specialised structures within a cell that carry out a particular function) called Mitochondria, This reduces pain and promotes a speedier, safer recovery.

Treatment times are relatively short and many patients report encouraging results within two or three sessions.

LLLT is used widely by osteopaths in the United States.  It is gaining ground here in the UK, alongside general osteopathic techniques, as a successful treatment for sports injuries.  Also, Plantar Fasciitis, Achilles Tendonitis, back pain, various types of arthritis and other conditions including strains and sprains.

Osteopath Robin Kiashek said: “I’ve been using LLLT as part of my treatment plans for over 10 years.  It sits nicely alongside the other therapies and patients frequently report great improvements to their symptoms.”

There is some useful information on the website about LLLT, including a video explaining how it works.

So, if pain has stopped play when it comes to your exercise regime then why not contact Robin to see if LLLT could get you back up and…well, running?

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What is Low Level Laser Therapy?

Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) is a technique used by London Osteopath Robin Kiashek.

In this short video, Robin explains what low level laser therapy is and what it can be used to treat.

For more information on Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) please click here.

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Plantar Fasciitis – Causes and Prevention

In clinic I seem to be asked more frequently than before about Plantar fasciitis, and anecdotally I have heard people speaking about the number of friends/colleagues of theirs who suffer from it.

What is Plantar Fasciitis?

AdobeStock_54976863 [Converted]It is actually a very common reason a person will suffer from pain in their heel and is caused by an inflamed or swollen plantar fascia (which is the fascia connecting your heel bone to your toes and supports your foot arch). This condition can cause immense pain when you stand-up or put pressure on it which is caused by a build-up of calcification at the point where the fascia meets the heel bone.

What Triggers Plantar Fasciitis?

Just some of the triggers for Plantar fasciitis include:

  • Excessive running or walking on hard surfaces
  • High arches
  • Wearing ill-fitting shoes
  • Having either high arches or being flat-footed
  • Carrying extra weight

Most people find that the symptoms and pain are most prevalent when they stand up after sitting for a long time or when the first get out of bed in the morning. Many of my patients would say their symptoms get less painful throughout the day however this isn’t exclusively the case and some patients say that the sharp stabbing pain and stiffness ease but their foot actually takes on more of a dull ache as the day goes on.

Prevention of Plantar Fasciitis

So, you may ask me, how can it be prevented?

  • Make sure if you’re a jogger/runner that you have well-fitting shoes, I’d recommend going to a specialist running shoe shop
  • If, on the opposite end of the spectrum, you have a sedentary lifestyle and don’t get much exercise start trying to get even twenty to thirty minutes per day of exercise, starting with walking or something gentle
  • If you are overweight try slowly and steadily lose some weight
  • If you’re on your feet all day or have a job which requires you to stand make sure to wear suitable insoles or stand on a soft mat

Of course, even the best laid plans don’t always lead to a condition free life. You may do all you can to prevent Plantar fasciitis yet still end up in pain. If you come to see me at the clinic I will:

  • Take a detailed case history, including Lifestyle factors which may have caused the problem Assess both feet, passively and actively (note the way you walk/heel strike)
  • Assess the ‘Closed Chain’ biomechanically – the pelvis, leg and foot
  • If confirmed as Plantar Fasciitis, Low Level Laser Therapy (https://www.robinkiashek.co.uk//low-level-laser-therapy-lllt/) will be used to the plantar fascia
  • If relevant, a combination of Osteopathy and Western Acupuncture used to address any related biomechanical underlying issues to the Pelvis and leg
  • Give the patient Lifestyle advice to aid speed of recovery and future possible relapses

For further information on Plantar Fasciitis or to book a consultation with me in either the North London or Central London (Regent Street) clinic, please call (020) 8815 097 or click here to request an appointment.

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Shining a Light on Low Level Laser Therapy

low level laser therapyLow Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) is a treatment that can speed up certain healing processes by using specific wavelengths of light to interact with tissue. It has been effective in treating a variety of chronic and acute conditions in order to enhance functionality and to reduce pain, swelling and spasms. Some conditions that respond particularly well to LLLT include:

  • Sports Injuries
  • Plantar Fasciitis (Heel Pain)
  • Epicondylitis (Tennis Elbow)
  • Achilles Tendonitis
  • Acute & Chronic Back Pain
  • Adhesive Capsulitis (Frozen Shoulder)
  • Rheumatoid & Osteo-Arthritis
  • Chronic Oedema (Swelling & Fluid Retention)
  • Fracture Healing
  • Headaches & Migraines (including TMJ Dysfunction)

I advise my patients that LLLT can stimulate certain cell types including muscle, ligament, cartilage and nerves; therefore a thorough evaluation of each patient’s case should be conducted to assess the correct form of treatment.

Interesting Note: The light used in LLLT has the ability to penetrate 2 to 5 centimetres below the skin!

So what happens during LLLT treatment?

During treatment, the laser (which is about the size of a torch) is placed directly over the injured area for about 30 seconds to several minutes (the exact time depends on the size of the area being treated and the severity of the injury). As a painless and extremely safe process, the light passes through the layers of skin and interacts with the light sensitive areas of the mitochondrial and fibroblast cells. Once the cells have absorbed this light energy, a series of events initiate, which create a healing process to the injured or damaged tissue. The desired result is a reduced level of pain, swelling and inflammation and an accelerated healing process.

Depending on your type of condition and its severity, you may be offered LLLT on a weekly or twice-weekly basis where the frequency of your treatment will decrease as your condition improves.

Find out more about: Low Level Laser Therapy.

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Don’t let tennis elbow keep you off the court this summer follow this advice from an experienced London osteopath in W1

While the name tennis elbow may imply that this is a ‘tennis’ specific injury to the elbow, this is not the case. Tennis elbow is most often sustained as a result of repetitive overuse or wear and tear from any hobby, sport or activity. However, sometimes a single injury can cause the symptoms.

The pain and tenderness associated with tennis elbow are experienced in the outside of the elbow joint. Unfortunately, the pain can be prolonged as a result of a person’s normal activities and habits.

Whilst many cases of tennis elbow can ease naturally over time many people seek treatment and advice from an osteopath.
Three Ways a London Osteopath can help you …

1. Low Level Laser Therapy & Acupuncture

As an experienced London osteopath, with over 20 years experience, I aim to work with my patients to address their presenting symptoms and understand causative factors to promote on-going health. I use a combination of Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT), acupuncture and massage techniques, whilst also assessing the biomechanical relationship between the hand, shoulder and upper back region.

2. Advice & Guidance

I can offer advice that will help you, including activities and movements to avoid and specific exercises to help you. As a qualified Display Screen Equipment assessor, ergonomic advice may be included.

3. Referral

In rare cases it may be necessary to refer you for further investigations

Visit an experienced London Osteopath in W1 and N2 N10

If you are suffering pain or discomfort and you would like further information on how I may help you or to book an Osteopathy appointment at either of my osteopathy clinics in London W1 and London N2 N10 please feel free to send me a message or call me on 020 8815 0979.

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Other therapies offered at the Robin Kiashek London Osteopathy Clinics in W1 and N2 N10

My aim, as an experienced London osteopath, is to help my patients achieve overall health of the body and the mind.

Treating each patient as an individual

In addition to being a registered London osteopath I am also qualified in a range of other complementary therapies that allow my patients to benefit for an integrated approach to their wellbeing based on a treatment plan that is specific to their individual needs.

Other complementary therapies offered

The other complementary therapies that I am qualified to practice have both specific and general applications. They can also work extremely well in combination with each other. These therapies include:
• Naturopathy
• Life Coaching and Neuro Lingustic Programming (NLP)
• The Perrin Technique
• Autogenic Training
• Acupuncture (Western)
• Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT)

What some of my patients say

“Robin’s “holistic” approach attracted me … I can’t thank him enough for all he has done for me and I highly recommend him” JH (Read more)

“After all these years and the many, many things I have tried, I really didn’t think anything would help me, thanks to Robin and Autogenic Training I have been proved to be wrong– and that’s a first!!” DL (Read more)

“Robin has been my osteopath for 10 years. His addition of NLP Neuro Linguistic Programming & Life Coaching to his practice has been useful to me.” RK (Read more

Visit an experienced London Osteopath in W1 and N2 N10

If you are suffering pain or discomfort and you would like further information on how I may help you or to book an Osteopathy appointment at either of my osteopathy clinic in London W1 and N2 N10 please feel free to send me a message or call me on 020 8815 0979.

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The benefits of Low Level Laser Therapy are many suggests London Osteopath Robin Kiashek

For over 30 years, Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) has been used in the field of osteopathy.

As an experienced osteopath in London I use Low Level LAser Therpay in my practice as it offers an effective form of treatment for pain, the healing of wounds and musculoskeltal conditions. These conditions include but are not limited to: sports injuries, heel pain, tennis elbow, achilles tendonitis, back pain, frozen shoulder rheumatoid and osteo-arthritis, fracture healing and headaches and migraines.

What is Low Level Laser Therapy?

LLLT uses low power or ‘soft’ laser light. I t is able to alter cellular function, improves outcomes and speed up your body’s natural healing process in a safe and effective way.

How does it work?

It works by directly treating damaged tissues with particular and appropriate wavelengths of light. This stimulates your body’s healing cells and optimises your recovery. The positive effects of LLLT have been researched and tested by medical professionals and the treatment is a viable option.

LLLT is quick, pain free and easy to apply. As an experienced Osteopath in London my patients experience the many benefits of this treatment which supports their body’s natural healing process.  It can also restart a stalled healing process and can be especially effective for chronic conditions or where the immune system has been compromised.

The benefits of LLLT

There are many benefits to LLLT and in short you will benefit from quicker injury recovery without the associated pain of other more intrusive treatments. You won’t feel the pain, discomfort and side–effects of other treatments.

As an experienced London Osteopath I believe that Low Level Laser Therapy is an extremely effective and safe treatment and LLLT is available at my London osteopathy clinic in central and north london.

You can find more informtaion about Low Level Laser Therapy here.

If you are suffering pain or discomfort and you would like further information on how I may help you or to book an Osteopathy appointment at either of my osteopathy clinics in London please feel free to send me a message or call me on 020 8815 0979. I have a clinic in North London and Central London.

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