High-Intensity Laser Therapy - FAQs

Mar 28

What is HILT?

HILT is a non-invasive and painless treatment method. It stimulates cells, including pain receptors and the immune system, and can increase blood flow and decrease pain. It promotes the repair of damaged tissues of the musculoskeletal system and nerves, which can help with neurological regeneration. Stay tuned for Coach Amy’s article: The Science Behind HILT - How Does It Work?

What conditions does HILT treat?

HILT is a treatment, not a cure; it is supplemental to other physical therapy methods such as manual treatment, dry needling, biomechanics, and functional exercises. It is not a stand-alone treatment. It helps in the treatment of:

Neuropathy and neuromas, nerve entrapment, carpal tunnel syndrome
Fascitis
Musculoskeletal injuries (tears, bursitis, fractures, sprains/strains)
Tendonitis/tendonosis
Back and neck pain (herniated disc, facet joint syndrome)
Joint pain
Frozen shoulder
TMJD
Rotator cuff injuries/impingement syndromes
Pain syndromes (fibromyalgia)
Headaches (tension, cervicogenic, migraines)
Arthritis (osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis)

This list is not all-inclusive. Ask Coach Amy if HILT will help with your specific condition.

How many treatment sessions will I need?

The number of sessions depends on the nature and duration of your condition and other factors. Some acute conditions will respond in 4 or fewer sessions, whereas chronic conditions may take several more treatments. You can expect some progress and change within 1-4 sessions. When a patient does not demonstrate progress after 3-4 treatments of HILT, Coach Amy re-evaluates the diagnosis and treatment protocol.

Some chronic conditions require ongoing care, e.g., 1/mo—tune-up sessions to sustain pain relief and functionality. Coach Amy will discuss your personalized plan of care with you.

How much does treatment cost?

The quotes below are effective 3/2024. Prices are subject to change.

Self-Pay Patients

Coach Amy can incorporate HILT into a regular appointment. The total price of Self-Pay with HILT add-on is $180.00.

Blue KC Patients

BCBS does not cover HILT. Coach Amy can incorporate it into a regular PT appointment at an additional cost of $70.00. You are also responsible for the copay or coinsurance due for covered services provided during the treatment session.

For more information on the cost of physical therapy, see FAQ: How much does physical therapy cost?

Can I book a laser-only treatment?

15-minute follow-up HILT costs $80.00 and is for established patients only on a case-by-case basis. These appointments require an initial evaluation within the treatment year and 1/mo. 40 min—appointments for supplemental treatments and reassessment. Please email Coach Amy before booking if you are unsure.

What does HILT feel like?

Most patients describe it as a very soothing, warm sensation. Because it is a high-powered laser, your skin will get warm during the treatment. Many patients feel a significant reduction in pain on the first visit. Occasionally, patients will feel slightly more pain immediately after the treatment but feel much better the next day.

How will I feel after the treatment?

You may feel pain relief after the first treatment. For some patients, it takes a while longer. Most patients report feeling very relaxed or even tired.

I feel a lot better- but Coach Amy prescribed more than one session of HILT. What should I do?

If you experience a reduction in pain, remember that pain reduction is just one goal. HILT boosts cell energy, so they repair and regenerate new tissues, which takes time and successive treatment. HILT is cumulative and requires dosing similar to a round of medication. See above: "How many treatment sessions do I need?"

Do I need to take special precautions after HILT?

One effect of HILT is vasodilation, which increases blood flow and lymph drainage; this helps reduce inflammation but can cause soreness. You can soak in EPSOM salts, moist heat, or apply soothing cream to the area.

Why must I wear safety glasses during the treatment?

HILT is a high-powered laser. The lens of your eye can focus class IV laser light and potentially cause damage to your retina. The safety glasses block out the damaging wavelengths of light.

Is HILT safe?

HILT is safe if administered by a trained physical therapist. Coach Amy is trained and certified to use a safe and effective FDA-approved Therapeutic Class IV laser to stimulate cellular repair and decrease pain.

High-intensity laser therapy (HILT) emits powerful beams to quickly provide a desired high amount of multi-directional energy to deep tissues. The laser is applied in long smooth strokes for several minutes to provide adequate dosage levels to structures below skin level, like muscles and nerves.

While the therapeutic laser is a class IV laser, it is not a surgical laser. The therapeutic laser disperses the energy in a broad area for healing purposes, unlike a surgical laser which distributes the power in a concentrated area to cut, coagulate, and evaporate tissue.

Are there any risks to HILT?

HILT is a valuable treatment for musculoskeletal pain and injury; however, there are possible complications like any treatment. While these complications are rare, it is essential to consider them before consenting to therapeutic laser treatment. You must sign a consent form before receiving HILT.

Risks may include mild bruising, temporary increase in pain during the application process and the following day, temporary dizziness, and reaction with photosensitizing drugs (certain antibiotics, for example). Please check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are unsure whether you take a photosensitive medication. Coach Amy maintains a list at the clinic.

Are there contraindications to HILT?

Many of the few contraindications for therapeutic lasers are relative rather than absolute. Caution and consideration for:

pregnancy
history of seizures
growth plates
history of cancer
photosensitizing drugs
radiation therapy

A skilled clinician, together with careful patient selection, should minimize risks.

How do I prepare for a HILT session?

High-powered lasers react with jewelry, dark hair, and lotions. Coach Amy prepares the treatment area to ensure your safety, but you can help by preparing for your session.

Remove jewelry and any reflective clothing.
Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing around the treatment area. Laser is applied directly to the skin.
Fill out your consent forms before your first treatment session.
Secure long hair in a hair band if the treatment area is the face or neck.
Do not apply lotions or creams before treatment.
Make sure the treatment area is clean.

I have more questions about HILT.

If you have more questions about HILT, please ask Coach Amy at your next appointment.

Coach Amy