GENERAL QUESTIONS

What is Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT)?

LLLT is the application of a "cold" pure laser light applied to body points for certain conditions. It has been cleared by the FDA for many kinds of musculoskeletal injuries because it promotes healing and tissue repair.

Is LLLT safe?

LLLT is non-invasive and medication-free. It has been used in England, Canada, and Europe for over 20 years.

How does LLLT work?

Low level laser is currently being studied in the U.S. to determine if it boosts endorphin production, thereby relieving the cravings and withdrawal symptoms normally associated with smoking cessation. Endorphins are produced naturally by your body and are nature's own mood lifter and anesthetic. The endorphin production may relieve the physical withdrawal symptoms of quitting smoking and help keep you from feeling anxious or "crabby."

Are the results guaranteed?

Nicotine addiction consists of two factors: the physical addiction and the mental addiction. The laser session may relieve the physical withdrawal symptoms, but will not give you amnesia! If you have smoked a pack a day for thirty years, this means you will be making a huge change to your daily routine when you quit. Even if you experience NO physical symptoms, you may still think about smoking. Therefore, while we cannot make a guarantee, we will do everything in our power to ensure your success.

Are there any health conditions for which LLLT is not recommended?

Yes. Since Quit 2 Live is participating in clinical research trials for smoking cessation, there are some health conditions that will exclude you from receiving LLLT. All clients are screened and their history reviewed to assure that they qualify for participation in these trials. The conditions that would exclude you from receiving these treatments are: active cancer, undergoing treatments with chemotherapy or radiation, photosensitivity to light, pregnancy, blood clotting disorders, epilepsy, and having steroid injections 48 hours prior to receiving laser.

Is LLLT approved by the FDA?

Treatments of certain musculoskeletal conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, etc. have been cleared by the FDA for human use. The laser that we use has been ruled a "non significant risk device†by the FDA; however, smoking cessation with the low level laser has not been cleared. Therefore, Quit 2 Live is one of over 100 centers across the U.S. conducting clinical research trials for smoking cessation. The purpose of the trials is to gather more information on the effectiveness of the low level laser for nicotine addiction. You will be given an informed consent prior to the laser session, which will be reviewed with you by one of our research investigators. Once you are enrolled in our clinical trial and receive laser, your progress will be followed for approximately three months.

Is this a medically supervised clinic?

Yes. Quit 2 Live of Waite Park, MN is under the supervision of David C. Anderson, D.C. who devotes many hours to assuring that the manner in which you are treated is both professional and ethical. All protocols are administered under his direct supervision, and he is responsible for the proper execution of all clinical research conducted at each center.

ABOUT YOUR TREATMENT

What parts of my body will receive laser?

The laser is applied to acupuncture points on the face, hands, and ears.

Will the laser hurt?

Most people describe an extremely relaxed feeling following their laser session.

Will I gain weight when I quit smoking?

Weight gain may be avoidable when quitting smoking with low level laser. Studies conducted in other countries have shown no weight gain with LLLT. Quit 2 Live technicians/study investigators will explain the metabolic changes that occur in your body when you quit smoking so that you may avoid weight gain.

ABOUT YOUR APPOINTMENT

How long does the laser session take?

The laser session itself takes about 30 minutes. Your first visit will include a personal consultation and counseling, so you should allow about an hour for that appointment.

Is there anything I need to do before my first laser session?

It is best to avoid any type of nicotine source for at least three to four hours before your session - four to six hours is even better.  Your body will also need extra water that day, so be sure to drink at least 8 glasses of water.  Decreasing your consumption of caffeine (coffee or sodas), increasing your vitamin C consumption, and taking a good multivitamin every day to help replace the nutrients that nicotine draws out of your system are also good things to do.

COST AND PAYMENT

Is the laser session covered by insurance?

At this time, LLLT is not reimbursable by insurance companies.  Depending on the rules of your plan, you may be able to use money from your Flex Spending, FSA, HSA, or Cafeteria Plan accounts.