Law #2 Of Laser Therapy Success
Law (noun); a statement of a scientific fact or phenomenon that is invariable under given conditions.
Success (noun); the achievement of something planned or attempted.
Law #2: Proper Training and Diagnosis.
A laser is only as good as the clinician behind its appication and the proper diagnosis. Point the best laser in the world at the wrong spot and you get minimal results at best. To obtain phenomenal success you MUST have sufficent training and knowledge of laser applications.
Unfortunately, after a sales rep hooks you in with a laser purchase their job is done. Their only priority is usually selling you a laser, meeting a sales quota, and keeping a job. Subsequent training usually involves showing you how to turn on the equipment and wishing you good luck. I see it all the time!
Doctors are left to follow pre-programmed settings with the misunderstanding that a “point and shoot” method of treatment is adequate. The success rate in laser therapy is directly related to the clinician’s ability to diagnose the true cause of a patient’s problem.
Pointing laser light at a painful area is not enough to get the spectacular results that properly trained physicians can achieve. Corporate sales reps spewing back to you “statistics” and research articles on laser therapy cannot compare to a skilled practicing clinician who uses successful techniques everyday in real world practice. Which would you rather get your training from? I know my answer! What about your patient’s?
Many companies organize courses and “training” events of markedly varying quality. A serious importer or manufacturer takes pains to ensure that his equipment is used in a qualified way, and makes sure that the customer receives some training in its use.
What are the trainer’s background and qualifications? Has he or she published anything? Is there a course description? Is a training course included in the cost of the equipment? Is the training material included?
Your training should involve at a minimum the following:
Laser Operational Instructions
How to set up the Laser
Proper Fiber Handling and Storage
Using the different laser tips. Understanding the difference between CW and Modulation Laser Safety: review manual Laser Contraindications review manual: Eyes, do not treat thyroid, Cancers, Pregnancy, patients that have had a steroid shot within 7 days of treatment, patients that are taking photosensitive medication.
Risks of treatment Protocols: Presets, and Manual settings Techniques: Sweeping technique, and contact methodConditions: Go over different conditions with doctor and how to treat them.
How to treat Shoulder, Knee, Cervical, Wrist, and Low Back. Integrating muscle work into treatment (ART, MRT, TPT, MFR) Kinetic Chain assessment techniques Understanding chronic cases and secret problem areas to search for Biomechanical compensation syndromes (Avoid common treatment mistakes)
Available for support anytime via personal phone calls Understanding adjusting power settings and frequency changes Make sure your trainer is available for future consultations and continued support. Once trainers walk out the door after your purchase-they can be impossible to reach for help. Marketing, PR, patient education, reimbursement, and other value added material should be provided. Public relations and instructions on public speaking with “Patient Education Lectures”, “Open Clinic Nights” and “Lunch & Learn Programs.”
Before your purchase a laser ask other doctors what their training involved. Were they happy with the results? Was the trainer a doctor too? What type of conditions have they had success treating utilizing laser therapy? Do they use laser therapy alone or do they use other treatments with it?
These are very important to know before making a purchase decision. Never go by the fancy brochures created by the laser company telling you how great their support and training is. Results speak for themselves!
Dr. Perry Nickelston, DC
VP Practice Development, K-Laser,USA
1-866-595-7749 Ext. #102