Lumix FAQs

Is laser therapy all it’s cracked up to be?

Yes! Laser therapy is backed by science. Widely used in Europe and Asia since the 1970’s, it was cleared by the FDA for use in the United States as a treatment for pain in 2002. Lumix lasers received the first FDA clearance for its superpulsed technology in 2004, and subsequent FDA clearances for other technological advances since then. Major league sports and Olympic athletes vouch for its impact in their performance and injury recovery. Medical scientists and clinicians have demonstrated the effectiveness of laser therapy in hundreds of scientific studies. 

What are the advantages of using a Lumix laser for pain?

Lumix lasers provide pain relief faster than many other options. First of all, patients will benefit from reduced downtime after surgery or other procedures. As a result, the dangerous side effects often arising from surgery or prescription pain medications are minimized. Above all, the unique superpulsed technology provides safer, more comfortable and lasting results in relieving peripheral neuropathy as well as addressing significant relief in many other sources of chronic and acute pain.

How does a Lumix laser work?

The Lumix laser superpulsed technology sends light photons deeply into bodily tissues. There, photons are absorbed by cells and converted into energy that supports the repair and rebuilding of tissue. Once inflammation is reduced and damaged tissue is repaired the pain symptoms are relieved. 

Many other lasers on the market are not equipped with the technology to match the claims of treating deep-tissue. These ill-equipped lasers cannot emit sufficient light energy to the depth of the source of pain. As a result, any benefits of the therapy will be short-lived, if they are even experienced at all. Research studies verify that studies using insufficient laser power obtain little or no benefit.

Does a Lumix laser treatment hurt?

No. Most Lumix patients report a feeling of soothing warmth over the treatment area. Many experience reduced swelling, pain relief and improved range of motion during or after the first treatment session.

How long is a treatment session?

Typically treatment sessions average 10-20 minutes. However, the treatment time needed depends on the condition: chronic or acute, size of the area to be treated, size of the patient, and the depth of penetration needed to reach the damaged tissue.

How many treatments will be needed?

With Lumix lasers, for many acute conditions, 1-2 treatments suffice. If a condition is chronic, it might require up to 12 treatments or more, incurred over weeks or months. These are only averages, as each person is unique and healing times vary accordingly. The good news is there is no downtime, as with surgery, while the condition is being treated and improvements may be experienced ongoing with each treatment, while life goes on normally.

Can laser therapy work through clothes?

No. Laser light does not penetrate clothing effectively for treatment purposes. Studies by physicists to test this question demonstrate that 90-98% of laser emission is lost through one layer of cloth. The ability to see laser light through clothing is not physically equivalent to the ability of laser light to penetrate skin tissue.

Can Lumix therapy be used with implants?

Yes. Lumix lasers are equipped with superpulsed technology that prevents heat build-up in any type of implant. The laser energy will not be absorbed by the implant, and will not generate heat in the implant.

An implant may block laser energy if the implant is in the direct path of the emission; treat slightly to either side of the implant if the target tissue is deeper than the implant, for greater effectiveness. 

Is laser therapy addictive?

No. Laser allows energy to reach cells and regain normal function. It does not dysregulate cellular function, which can be a mechanism that promotes addiction.

Can Lumix therapy accidentally burn the skin?

Lumix lasers are equipped with superpulsed technology that prevents heat build-up. Although Lumix has the highest pulse and average powers in the market, enabling the laser energy to go to the depths needed to reach and repair damaged tissue, heat is not quickly built-up on the surface; it is dispersed gently through the body. The sensation of heat sometimes experienced with other lasers is not required to achieve deep healing.

*It is important not to treat body surface areas where flammable lotions and gels have been applied; these substances may absorb laser at the surface, creating heat that could burn. Many analgesic lotions and ointments contain flammable ingredients; use these products safely after laser therapy, if needed, or at least 4 hours before.

Is Lumix laser therapy safe over tattoos?

Tattoo pigments absorb photons at the surface, blocking full transmission of the laser emission, and creating a heat sensation. Different pigments absorb differently, some creating greater heat. Warmth has soothing effects, but seek the more powerful effects of deeper laser penetration.
 
When treating over tattoos, treat cautiously –  thermal skin damage is possible. To safely and comfortably treat the deeper tissues beneath the tattoo, move the applied lens to minimize thermal accumulation and repeatedly move over the area. Go as slowly as is comfortable for the patient. “Warmth” is fine, “heat” is risky. If there is another nearby area to treat, returning to continue treatment of the tattooed area, or a short break in the treatment time, a “cool off” period of a minute or more will also allow better advantage of the laser capability.
 
Caution and alerting the patient to give feedback are key factors, but tattooed areas can be safely and effectively treated.

Can laser therapy be used on someone with cancer?

Laser is contraindicated for treating cancerous tissue. The research results with cancer are inconsistent, and do not justify the risk.