Cold Laser Therapy
The cold laser, a low-level light therapy device (LLLT), is an exciting 50+ year old technology that has been proven to be very safe, pain-free, and effective in treating various kinds of chronic pain and acute injuries. The cold laser is an effective treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), and is also effective in treating other “difficult-to-treat” conditions, including various forms of back and neck pain, arthritis, temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD), plantar fasciitis, and other muscle and joint pains.
“Laser Therapy (LLLT) reduces pain immediately after treatment in acute neck pain and up to 22 weeks after completion of treatment in patients with chronic neck pain.” – Chow et al Dec 2009 LANCET
Clinical Effects of Cold Laser
Cold lasers have been used around the world for more than 30 years, treating more than 150 different physical conditions. It has only been used in the United States since 2002, following its FDA approval. Cold lasers are effective tools for manual therapists for treating trigger points found within muscle tissue. What makes the cold laser unique in the treatment of trigger points is that it is pain-free, unlike many manual therapies. The application of a cold laser on a trigger point can still cause a client to feel some slight referral sensations, which usually dissipates within a few seconds.
The benefits of using cold lasers do not stop at just increasing circulation and reducing tension in muscles. It’s effects at the cellular level are extremely beneficial for healing. Cold lasers increase the production of a cells mitochondrial products, including the main energy source of a cell, ATP (adenosine triphosphate). This increase of mitochondrial activity, or cellular metabolism, enhances tissue healing and pain control, while stimulating the vascular, immune and lymphatic systems.
Our LLLT devices use wavelengths between 660 and 840 nm (nanometers). The 660 nm wavelength penetrates the body’s tissues up to one quarter inch, reducing myofascial pain, and increasing vascular circulation. The 830 and 840 nm wavelengths penetrate tissues up to approximately 2 inches, and is best used for deep muscular tissue work due to its higher absorption rate.
LLLT is more effective when used in conjunction with bodywork. After receiving a treatment, the area is manually treated for additional benefits. Clients are informed to stretch the treated area(s) and to apply moist heat to prolong the therapeutic effects of their treatment.
What conditions can be improved with cold laser therapy?
I was introduced to cold laser therapy for months of tension headaches and after just three sessions I’m headache free! I highly recommend Elements of Bodywork for better health-body & mind!
I have been having cold laser treatments by David on my leg that was severely damaged in an auto accident. It has been 5 years since the accident and my leg now feels the best since that injury occurred. My balance has improved and muscles spasms have improved. I am very happy with these improvements!
I love the cold laser therapy!! My knee feels great and the seemingly permanent swelling in my right ankle is almost completely diminished today!
Therapeutic laser devices are pain-free, using red and/or infrared lasers to target inflamed and injured tissues, increasing circulation and lymphatic flow
Is cold laser therapy safe?
Yes, and very safe. Over 3,000 studies have been conducted to validate the safety and effectiveness of laser therapy. And the most important safety precaution is to avoid directly pointing any laser device into the eye. LLLT devices, such as our class 3B cold lasers, can be used around any type of metal joint replacement implants, screws or prosthesis. The cold laser has been FDA-approved for the temporary relief of muscle and joint pain, stiffness and muscle spasm through adjunctive therapy. It is also safe for all ages. And, unlike class 4 lasers, class 3B lasers do not produce enough heat to burn you.
Can cold lasers and other LLLT devices cause cancer?
No, and cold lasers are now actually being used to treat many side-effects of cancer treatments. The wavelengths used in cold lasers and LLLT (630 nm to 1000 nm) are not in the ionizing range of the electromagnetic spectrum and therefore will not cause cancer. Excess exposure to UV rays (10 nm to 400 nm) can cause harm to the body, and are never used in LLLT devices. And X-rays are in the ionizing range of the electromagnetic spectrum, thus can cause cancer.
Are there any side effects?
Unlike most pharmaceutical solutions and other therapeutic options, laser therapy is non-toxic, and non-invasive. In millions of individual treatments, no significant adverse effect has ever been noted.
How many treatments are required?
Based on the genetic makeup of the cells, an individual’s response to laser will vary to some degree. Generally, the more chronic or severe the condition, the longer it takes to respond. The majority of conditions treated will take anywhere from 4-5 or 7-12 treatments to see a marked change.
A recent clinical review, including 1,000 consecutively treated patients, reveals the average number of treatments to be 9.4. Once again, the number of treatments depends upon the severity of the condition and its duration. If your condition does not change immediately, it may take 3-4 sessions before a dramatic or marked change is perceived.
What to Expect During a Laser Therapy Treatment Session
For most people, cold laser therapy is quite passive. Treatment is different than electronic stimulation, as no pulsating shocks are felt, and different from ultrasound, as it does not produce any heat. The most noticeable sensation is the touch of the probe head of the laser coming in contact with the skin.
Following (and even during) a cold laser therapy session, roughly 80% of patients being treated can notice an immediate improvement in their condition. This will depend primarily on the type of condition and the length of time the condition has been present.
