After working with so many patients that have artificial joint replacements Charles Caccamesi, owner of Acupuncture Care of Naples, began wondering how he might produce better results. “I wanted the effects to go much deeper into the tissue. Some patients with joint replacements informed me that other acupuncturists had used electroacupuncture, where a small electric current is passed between pairs of acupuncture needles.

“While this practice might augment the use of regular acupuncture, in my experience, it is contraindicative for people with metal in their body, as the metal can disrupt the flow of current going from north to south through acupuncture points in the meridians. With electroacupuncture, the correct flow of current gets re-routed, generating heat, which isn’t good for inflamed tissue,” explains the licensed acupuncture physician.

Aware that low-light laser therapy (LLLT) has nothing to do with heat, but rather only light that stimulates mitochondrial cells to produce adenosine triphosphate (ATP) energy, Caccamesi, who had used lasers in his previous high-tech career, sensed that it could prove very beneficial for patients with joint replacements. ATP is the major component providing energy for cellular activity.

LLLT, cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), involves exposing tissues to red and near-infrared light. While lower in energy than lasers used in surgery, LLLT exerts the same end effect on ATP production and healing.

“The laser light penetrates four to five inches into the tissue, making it a replacement for acupuncture treatments. This is especially good for people who are sensitive to needles. Additionally, it causes the relaxation response,” says Cacamessi, who also uses LLLT on individuals with neuropathy, arthritis and carpal tunnel syndrome. “I’ve found that it can be used for anything that I would use acupuncture for, including sinus issues,” he advises.

LLLT is FDA-approved to use for pain relief in patients suffering from chronic and acute pain. It is safe for individuals with pacemakers.

Acupuncture Care of Naples is located at 501 Goodlette Rd. N., Ste. D100, in Naples. For more information, call 239-877-2531 or visit AcupunctureCareNaples.com.