Laser therapy is a solution for injuries and pain management

Kizzie’s severe case of sciatica nerve pain was so debilitating she could no longer walk. 

The excruciating pain kept her from completing everyday activities, like getting dressed or doing household chores. She experienced intense, shooting pain that radiated across her buttock and lower back to the hamstring and toes. 

While she tried home remedies, including stretching, icing, rest and over-the-counter medications, nothing seemed to relieve the pain. 

When Kizzie arrived at the Illinois Laser Center for an appointment, she was escorted into the clinic in a wheelchair by her brother, Ed Horton, a former regional basketball standout who went on to play professionally in the NBA.

Horton sat down with Dr. John Sigle, founder of the Foot & Ankle Center of Illinois and Illinois Laser Center, and said he heard good things about laser therapy from friends and family.  

“My family has been at their wits’ end trying to help my sister and we didn’t know where to turn,” Horton said. “She’s been in awful pain and can hardly function.”

Dr. Jared Kennedy, chiropractor and director of the Illinois Laser Center, combined chiropractic treatments with Cutting Edge MLS (multiwave locked system) laser therapy to treat Kizzie’s sciatica pain condition. 

Within a few weeks, Kizzie was able to drive to the clinic for laser treatments and walk without assistance. She was also able to return to work and resume her normal, daily activities. 

“The treatments were nothing short of a miracle,” Horton said. “They gave my sister her life back.”

Kizzie can now perform daily activities without pain or assistance.

“Losing my mobility was awful and embarrassing,” she said. “The pain was so bad I couldn’t function. I didn’t want to be a burden on my family. I didn’t know where to turn until my brother found out about the Illinois Laser Center. The medical staff was wonderful and really took care of me. I am so grateful the treatments worked.”

Another former Springfield basketball standout, Larry Austin, Jr., turned to the Illinois Laser Center for help. Austin had a severe groin pull that caused him to temporarily suspend his professional basketball workouts. 

“I have been getting laser treatment for many athletic injuries since high school and the laser always improves my condition quickly,” Austin said. “Dr. Sigle is really careful and thorough when I have a foot or ankle injury.”

Austin explained that the clinic’s MRI and CT scanner are used to help doctors make a proper diagnosis, and lasers help with the healing process. 

“This past month, while playing in Portugal, I had an injury that sidelined me,” he said. “When I came home to visit my family, I had five laser treatments. I am good to go now! I have had a lot of medical care all over the world, but nothing compares to the care I get here. Dr. Sigle and his staff really about me!”

Sigle said many NFL, NBA, MLB and college teams use laser treatments to help injured players. 

“We have had this technology in our clinic for nine years and the results have been impressive,” Sigle explained. “[Approximately] 80-90% of the laser patients get major relief from pain and improved mobility. We are fortunate to be able to offer patients an alternative to injections or other invasive treatment when traditional modalities are not producing relief.

“Whenever possible, we also use the MLS laser for all surgical patients to reduce swelling and pain and to speed up healing,” he added. “Most surgical patients recover better and are able to and return to work faster if they have laser therapy.”

Kennedy said the clinic is happy to serve the region. 

“I believe we are the only medical clinic between Chicago to Alton to offer Cutting Edge MLS Laser therapy,” he said. “Patients like Kizzie and Larry are experiencing extraordinary results from laser treatment and improving their quality of life.”

To receive additional information or to schedule an appointment, call the Illinois Laser Center at 217-670-2160. Visit myfootandanklecenter.com to view a short video that explains this laser technology, and hear what patients and physicians are saying about their experience. Also read about the advanced diagnostic imaging offered at the Foot & Ankle Center of Illinois.