Cold Laser Therapy is a relatively new technology (about 30 years old) when compared to many alternative therapies like acupuncture (which has been used since 8000-3500 B.C.), chiropractic (since 1895) and physical therapy. Just like the abacus evolved into the computer, many alternative medicine practices are evolving to include light therapy. Recent innovations in Low-level lasers now make it possible for the average physician or consumer to own cold laser equipment. Cold lasers are sometimes called Low Level Laser (LLL) or soft lasers.
In General, cold lasers can be used in 2 distinct ways:
Targeting acupuncture trigger points (similar to acupuncture but without the needles)
Broad coverage of deep tissue with laser photons to stimulate changes in the tissues.
Cold Laser therapy offers a non-intrusive option to acupuncture and surgery. It also provides a non-addicting treatment that eliminates the complications of long-term drug treatment programs. Cold laser are widely use for treatment for
- Acute and chronic pain
- Ligament sprains
- Muscle strain
- Soft tissue injuries
- Tendonitis
- Arthritis
- Tennis elbow
- Back pain
- Bursitis
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Fibromyalgia
Healing With Cold Lasers:
The cold laser produces an impulse of light at a specific wavelength (usually 800 to 900nm) that minimizes reflection and scattering but maximized absorption of the energy (in photons) at a desire depth.
The goal of the laser therapy is to deliver light energy units from infrared laser radiation, called photons, to damaged cells. It is the consensus of experts, that photons absorbed by the cells through laser therapy stimulate the mitochondria to accelerate production of ATP. This biochemical increase in cell energy is used to transform live cells for a state of illness to a stable healthy state.
Over 4000 studies have been conducted in recent years to validate the effectiveness of cold laser therapy. Cold Lasers treatment systems may be cleared by the FDA.
Benefits of Cold Lasers:
- Easy to apply
- Extremely Safe
- Non-Toxic
- Non-Invasive
- No side effects or pain
- Cost effective for both the practitioner and patient
- Highly effective in treating ailments (more than 90% efficacy)
- Superior alternative to analgesics, NSAID’s (anti-inflammatory drugs) and other medications
- Reduces the need for surgery
- Works synergistically with other modalities like Chiro, Acupuncture and PT
- General Therapeutic Laser Biological Effects
- Increased Cell Growth: Laser photons accelerates cellular reproduction and growth
- Increased Metabolic Activity: Photons initiate a higher output of specific enzymes, greater oxygen and food particle loads for blood cells and thus greater production of the basic food source for cells, Adenosine Tri-Phosphate (ATP)
- Faster Wound Healing: Cold laser photons stimulates fibroblast development and accelerates collagen synthesis in damaged tissue.
- Anti-Inflammatory Action: Laser photons reduce swelling caused by bruising or inflammation of joints resulting in enhanced joint mobility.
- Increased Vascular Activity: Laser photons induce temporary vasodilation that increases blood flow to effected areas.
- Reduced Fibrous Tissue Formation: Laser photons reduce the formation of scar tissue following tissue damage from cuts, scratches, burns or post-surgery.
- Stimulated Nerve Function” Laser photon exposure speeds the process of nerve cell reconnect ion to bring the numb areas back to life.
- Pain Reduction: Almost all systems have a mode of operation specifically designed to reduce pain.