Cold laser therapy is a non-surgical treatment. It was first developed in the 1960s. It’s also called low-level laser therapy or (LLLT), soft laser therapy, or photo biomodulation therapy (PBMT).
The technique is called “cold” laser therapy because the level of light is low as compared to other forms of laser therapy, such as those used to destroy tumors and coagulate tissue. Cold laser therapy has been used for decades for knee pain relief. Cold laser therapy is low-intensity laser therapy that stimulates the healing of pain.
HOW DOES COLD LASER THERAPY WORK?
During the Cold Laser Therapy procedure, the light energy of different wavelengths is applied directly to a targeted area on the skin. The body tissue then absorbs light. This low level of energy doesn’t heat or cut your skin.
The light beams are placed directly over the injured area for 30 to 60 seconds. This procedure is painless and noninvasive. Also, there is no sound effect and feel of specific vibration or heat. You will need more than one treatment to get the best result. For every treatment, it typically takes only a few minutes. The specific wavelengths of light interact with tissue and accelerate the healing process. Cold Laser Therapy eliminates pain, swelling, and reduces spasms.
WHERE IS THE COLD LASER THERAPY USED?
Doctors and physical therapists use cold laser therapy in a variety of ways. It is an alternative method for pain relief. The main uses for cold laser therapy are tissue repair and inflammation.
Cold laser therapy can stimulate all cell types to include:
- Muscle Strains
- Ligament Sprains
- Neck Pain
- Lower Back Pain
- Knee Pain
- Nerves Problems
Some of the conditions that may be treated by cold laser therapy include:
- Arthritis pain
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Fibromyalgia pain
- Tendonitis
- Tennis elbow
- Bursitis
PROS OF COLD LASER THERAPY
Cold Laser Therapy is a non-invasive treatment, which means it does not require any surgical procedures. The recovery time will be less than compared to other treatment options that require surgical incisions.
There is no need for any medications in Cold Laser Therapy, and many patients prefer to avoid taking medications. Below are some advantages of Cold Laser Therapy:
- Safe
- Non-invasive
- Requires no recovery time
- Requires no medication
- Minimal side effects
- Reduces the need for surgery
- Highly effective with more than 90% efficiency
- A great alternative to analgesics and other medications
CONS OF COLD LASER THERAPY
After a Cold Laser Therapy session patients will not get instant relief from their pain. It takes a series of treatments in order to resolve the pain symptoms completely. Normally, it may range from 8 to 30 treatment sessions, depending on the severity and duration of the condition.
Old injuries may be aggravated for a few days after therapy, but this sensation is short-term and lasts for a couple of days. Cold Laser Therapy is an expensive treatment. Some insurance policies may not cover cold laser therapy.
RISKS
Cold Laser Therapy is risky for the eyes. Avoid exposing your eyes to the laser light during treatments. You need to wear goggles to protect your eyes.
If you have any of the following conditions, don’t do cold laser treatment:
- Epilepsy
- Cancer in the treatment areas
- Pregnancy
If you’re interested in cold laser therapy, speak with our expert physical therapist, to find out if it is suitable for you. Visit Zenith Injury Relief & Wellness Clinic in Texas.
Call 972-210-0033 to schedule your appointment, and begin living your life pain-free.