Post-Operative Care
Cold Laser Therapy
Recovering from orthopedic surgery takes time—but advanced technology can help your body heal more efficiently.
Post-Operative Laser Therapy
with Dr. Drew Ratner
At American Orthopedics, Dr. Drew Ratner now offers post-operative laser therapy using the Erchonia EVRL® laser system to help reduce pain, decrease swelling, and support the body’s natural healing process following surgery.
This non-invasive treatment uses low-level laser therapy (LLLT), also known as photobiomodulation, to stimulate healing at the cellular level. When combined with your surgical recovery plan and physical therapy, laser therapy can help patients become more comfortable, move more easily, and return to daily activities sooner.
"Successful orthopedic surgery doesn't end in the operating room. My goal is to provide patients with every available advantage to recover faster, move better, and return to doing what they love. Post-operative laser therapy is another tool that helps us support the body's natural healing process."
- Dr. Drew Ratner, MD, Board-Certified Orthopedic Surgeon
Why Patients Choose Dr. Ratner
The region’s most preferred orthopedic surgeon
Recovering from surgery is about more than just the procedure itself. Dr. Ratner combines advanced surgical techniques with innovative recovery technologies to help patients achieve the best possible outcomes.
1. Advanced Recovery Technology
American Orthopedics offers cutting-edge therapies like the Erchonia EVRL laser to enhance healing after orthopedic surgery.
2. Personalized Recovery Plans
Every patient's rehabilitation program is customized based on their surgery, activity level, and recovery goals.
3. Continuity of Care
From consultation through rehabilitation, you'll work directly with Dr. Ratner, ensuring personalized guidance throughout every stage of recovery.
How Does Laser Therapy Work?
Every cell in your body requires energy to heal. Low-level laser therapy delivers carefully controlled light energy that penetrates the skin and is absorbed by the mitochondria—the “power plants” inside your cells.
This process stimulates several important healing responses, including:
- Increased production of cellular energy (ATP)
- Improved blood flow and oxygen delivery
Reduced inflammation - Enhanced tissue repair
Improved lymphatic drainage - Healthier collagen formation during healing
Because the Erchonia laser is non-thermal, it does not generate damaging heat and can be safely used following many orthopedic procedures, including joint replacements and fracture surgeries.
Who Is a Candidate?
Post-operative laser therapy may benefit patients recovering from many orthopedic procedures, including:
- Total knee replacement
- Anterior hip replacement
- Total shoulder replacement
- Rotator cuff repair
- ACL reconstruction
- Meniscus surgery
- Fracture surgery
- Tendon or ligament repair
Patients who experience prolonged swelling, stiffness, or discomfort during recovery may also be excellent candidates.
Dr. Ratner will determine whether laser therapy is appropriate based on your procedure, healing progress, and recovery goals.
Benefits of Post-Operative Laser Therapy
Laser therapy offers several advantages during orthopedic recovery:
- Helps reduce post-operative pain
- Decreases swelling and inflammation
- Improves circulation to healing tissues
- Promotes faster tissue repair
- Supports healthy scar tissue formation
- Helps restore joint mobility
- May reduce the need for prescription pain medication
- Non-invasive with no downtime
Many patients report feeling less stiffness and greater comfort after just a few treatments.
What to Expect
Experience advanced care at American Orthopedics.
1. Your consultation
During your follow-up appointments, Dr. Ratner will evaluate your surgical recovery and determine whether laser therapy can help accelerate healing.
If recommended, laser treatments can be incorporated into your existing recovery plan alongside physical therapy and routine post-operative care.
2. The Procedure
Laser therapy is performed in the office and typically takes about 10 minutes.
During treatment:
- The laser device is positioned over the surgical area.
- Red laser light is delivered to the tissues without causing heat or discomfort.
- Most patients feel little to nothing during treatment, although some describe a mild warming sensation.
- The procedure is completely non-invasive.
- No anesthesia is required.
Patients are able to resume normal activities immediately following treatment.
3. After Surgery
One of the biggest advantages of laser therapy is that there is no recovery period.
Immediately after treatment:
- Patients return to their normal daily activities.
- No bandages or special precautions are required.
Over the following days and weeks:
- Swelling continues to decrease.
- Joint stiffness gradually improves.
- Tissue healing progresses more efficiently.
- Patients often become more comfortable during physical therapy.
Most patients receive a series of treatments throughout the early stages of recovery for maximum benefit.
Advanced care for maxium results & comfort
StemWave Recovery Tips
Attend All Scheduled Treatments
Consistent laser therapy sessions provide the greatest cumulative benefit.
Follow Dr. Ratner's Recovery Instructions
Continue taking medications, performing exercises, and protecting your surgical repair as directed.
Stay Active Within Your Restrictions
Gentle movement encourages circulation and healing.
Communicate Progress
Let Dr. Ratner know how you're feeling so your recovery plan can be adjusted if needed.
With consistency and support, most patients achieve excellent outcomes and return to their active lifestyle.
