Costochondritis is the medical term for a sometimes painful, and often debilitating condition, caused by inflammation of the cartilage that joins the ribs to the breastbone (sternum), the area known as the costochondral joint. Cartilage inflammation leads to a restriction in elasticity, which in the case of costochondritis, may cause a constriction in the ribcage and impede respiratory function. Patients often experience chest pain, and / or the feeling of intense pressure on the chest. Although there are no recognised medications for costochondritis, Laser Therapy for Costochondritis is becoming more widely adopted as an effective solution for healing this condition.
There are various causes of costochondritis. These include severe coughing, which strains the chest area, physical strain from physical exercise or sudden exertion, a respiratory tract infection, or even from on-going wear and tear to the chest area. During the process of diagnosis for Costochondritis, checks on the heart, chest and blood are carried out to eliminate the possibility of chest pain and restriction caused by other conditions.
Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT), also known by its medical term of Photobiomodulation Therapy (PBMT) offers patients with Costochondritis an effective treatment option because of the natural anti-inflammatory response that is created by applying light at certain frequencies and power. At Laser Medicine we use Class 3b Medical Laser (around 820nm at 200mW) to focus on the cartilage between the ribs. We also use a wider spectrum of wavelengths (between 600 – 1,000 nm) at varying speed and power, in order to address the affected area comprehensively. Patients have reported an immediate improvement in their condition, even after suffering for several months beforehand.
Read more about Low Level Laser Therapy for Costochondritis.
To talk to us and discuss how PBMT or Low Level Laser may be suitable for you, please Contact Us.
