An Overview of Cold Laser Therapy
Pain management has indeed gone a long way through the years. Various forms of therapies have been developed and many of these have been very beneficial. One example that has proven to be immensely advantageous to thousands patients is the use of cold laser therapy.
What is Cold Laser Therapy?
Also known as low level laser therapy (LLLT), cold laser therapy is a form of treatment that uses wavelengths of light at low levels that works on the tissues to hasten the healing process. Laser therapy has been found to have applications of acute and chronic conditions by providing relief from pain, reducing swelling, and increasing functional capabilities by changing cellular functions. Cold laser therapy has also been known by other names such as cold laser, biostimulation laser, low-power laser, therapeutic laser, and laser acupuncture.
How Does Cold Laser Therapy Work?
With the use of cold laser devices, laser is targeted over the injured part of the body for at least 30 seconds or up to several minutes. The duration would really be dependent on the area being treated and the severity of the condition.
Through this process, non-thermal photons of light are given off from the laser and penetrate the skin layers. At a power of 90 MW and 830 nm, the laser light may be able to pierce two to five centimeters below the skin.
When the light energy goes through the skin layers and gets into contact with the target area, it then interacts with elements of the affected cells. This process has been compared to photosynthesis in plants wherein the sunlight absorbed by plants is converted into energy that will help the plant grow and be healthy. In effect, the light energy from the laser will result to a process wherein damaged tissues are revitalized leading to a reduction of pain and swelling and hastening healing of the injury.
What Conditions are Treated by Cold Laser Therapy?
The use of cold laser therapy has been found to be effective in treating injuries involving the musculoskeletal and nervous systems of a human being, specifically on the muscles, tissues, ligaments, tendons, cartilage, and nerves. As such, cold laser therapy has found practical application on conditions such as:
- Arthritis pain, swelling, and stiffness
- Acute and chronic pain in the back, knee, neck, and other parts of the body
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Fibromyalgia, Sciatica, and neuralgia
- Soft tissues injuries such as strains and sprains
- Tendonitis and bursitis
- Muscle spasms and tensions
What are the Benefits of Using Cold Laser Therapy?
Perhaps the foremost benefit a patient enjoys with a cold laser therapy is the effectiveness in managing the condition without any danger of side effects. Studies have determined that efficacy rates exceed the 90 percent mark. The fact that this form of therapy is non-invasive, drug-free and non-toxic is another advantage for the patient. This technique is relatively easy to apply without pain and does not have to be performed in a medical facility.