A to Z News  Exclusive Interview with Dr. Clarissa Meza Torres of HealthSource Chiropractic of De Zavala

---

A to Z News: Dr. Torres, how long have you been incorporating laser therapy as part of your treatment options?

CMT: I have used laser before at some PT offices I was working for, but in our practice here at Healthsource, I have been incorporating it since day one! We started using the OptonPro since our practice opened and we have seen great results from it!

A to Z News: In your video, you mentioned that this laser therapy is effective for both acute injuries and chronic pain, with examples like carpal tunnel in the wrist, long-term neck or back pain, and athletic ankle sprains with swelling. Which conditions or symptoms do you find the OptonPro particularly effective in addressing?

CMT: The results have been great for both chronic and acute injuries. But for specific body parts, extremities and spinal conditions are where I have noted a significant objective and subjective changes. It decreases pain and helps increase mobility in the area.

A to Z News: Based on your experience, what are the most significant differences between low-level laser therapy and high-power laser therapy like the OptonPro?

CMT: Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) and high-power laser therapy (HPLT), such as the OptonPro, are both used for therapeutic purposes but differ significantly in their mechanisms, uses, and effects. LLLT primarily works by stimulating cellular processes such as ATP production, mitochondrial activity, and cellular regeneration. It enhances tissue repair and reduces inflammation without producing heat. While HPLT also does all the things that  LLLT does on a cellular level, the thermal effects can play a significant role in increasing circulation, muscle relaxation, and enhancing the recovery of deeper tissues. The increased energy can promote vascular dilation and pain relief by affecting deeper nerve tissues.

A to Z News: How long does a typical OptonPro treatment session last?

CMT: High-power lasers generally require fewer sessions for more intense treatments. Treatment duration may vary but is usually shorter than LLLT, depending on the area being treated and the power used. But each treatment session usually lasts from 8-15 minutes.

A to Z News: You mentioned you typically treat the area with about 5-10 sessions, depending on the condition’s severity. How long does it generally take for patients to start noticing a difference in their pain levels?

CMT: Honestly, most of our patients note a difference with the laser treatment with their first or second session.

A to Z News: You noted that for chronic neck and low back pain, the laser works at a localized cellular level to help the healing process. Can you explain more about how the OptonPro supports cellular-level healing and why this is beneficial for long-term pain?

CMT: Of course, the OptonPro supports cellular-level healing by stimulating cellular processes such as ATP production, mitochondrial activity, and cellular regeneration. It enhances tissue repair and reduces inflammation. It supports cellular healing through a combination of mechanisms that improve energy production, promote tissue repair, reduce inflammation, enhance circulation, and modulate pain. These effects are particularly beneficial for chronic neck and low back pain because they address both the underlying tissue damage and the pain process itself. Over time, the therapy can help to restore function, reduce reliance on medications, and improve quality of life by promoting long-term tissue health and healing.

A to Z News: Are there specific features of the OptonPro 25 Watt that you especially appreciate in your practice?

CMT: What I appreciate: The 25-watt power of the OptonPro is particularly advantageous when treating deeper tissues or more severe conditions. This power allows for significant penetration of light into the body, enabling effective treatment for conditions that involve deeper muscles, joints, and connective tissues. It also means I can treat larger areas more quickly. Why it’s important: For patients with chronic low back pain, neck pain, or deep musculoskeletal injuries, high power allows for intense pain relief and effective tissue regeneration. The increased power also ensures that the energy reaches deeper layers, stimulating healing in areas that might otherwise be hard to address with lower-power lasers.

A to Z News: In your demonstration, you highlighted how the OptonPro fits into your treatment approach. Could you expand on how it enhances your capabilities compared to traditional chiropractic methods or other laser devices?

CMT: The OptonPro enhances my capabilities as a chiropractor by offering a complementary, non-invasive treatment that targets the cellular level of healing. While traditional chiropractic methods are incredibly effective for addressing structural alignment issues and joint mobility, the OptonPro provides deeper tissue healing, faster recovery, and more precise treatment for a wider range of conditions. By combining manual adjustments with laser therapy, I can treat patients more holistically, addressing both mechanical issues and biological healing, which results in improved outcomes and long-term relief from chronic pain and injuries.

A to Z News: What kinds of outcomes and patient feedback have you seen since introducing the OptonPro?

CMT: Since introducing the OptonPro, the outcomes and patient feedback have been overwhelmingly positive. Patients have reported faster healing, reduced pain, improved mobility, and a better overall sense of well-being. The laser therapy has not only enhanced my ability to treat conditions effectively but also improved patient satisfaction by offering a non-invasive, drug-free solution that complements traditional chiropractic care. The OptonPro has truly elevated the level of care I can provide, leading to better patient outcomes and higher levels of patient engagement and compliance.

A to Z News: Do you have any memorable patient success stories or notable feedback that particularly highlights the impact of the OptonPro in your practice?

CMT: Yes! There was a patient who was thrilled with the results after suffering swelling and pain in the ankle for months. They mentioned that the laser therapy was “a game-changer,” allowing them to manage their condition without resorting to further invasive treatments. They were especially grateful for the long-term relief and the ability to avoid more injections or surgery. The patient said, “I’ve had more freedom in my daily life than I’ve had in years—without pain medications!”

A to Z News: Are there any misconceptions about high-power laser therapy that you’d like to clarify for both patients and fellow practitioners?

CMT: High-power laser therapy, like the OptonPro, is an incredibly effective tool, but it’s important to clear up some common misconceptions. It’s not just for pain relief, it’s safe and non-invasive, and it can be used to treat both superficial and deep tissues. It’s a complementary therapy that works best in conjunction with other treatments, and while it accelerates recovery, it’s part of a long-term healing process. By addressing these misconceptions, we can help both patients and practitioners understand how to get the most out of this powerful technology.

A to Z News: What advice or insights would you give to other chiropractors considering the OptonPro for their own practices?

CMT: Incorporating the OptonPro into your chiropractic practice is an investment that can significantly enhance the outcomes you offer your patients. It’s a non-invasive, pain-free modality that complements your existing treatments, improves patient satisfaction, and boosts healing efficiency. For chiropractors looking to provide more comprehensive care, laser therapy can be a major advantage. As long as you understand the technology, set realistic expectations for patients, and integrate it seamlessly into your existing treatment protocols, it can become an invaluable part of your practice.