Cold Laser Therapy is a relatively new medical treatment that is a safe noninvasive, fast and effective modality to reduce pain, numbness and weakness for patients who suffer from severe, chronic pain, numbness and radiculopathy (pain, numbness, tingling etc. that radiates into the arms, legs, hands or feet).
Cold Laser is unlike the typical medical laser that comes to mind. Most lasers you hear about are hot laser for procedures like Lasik eye surgery and procedures that involve cutting or removing body tissues. Cold Laser is “cold” meaning there is no heat to cut or damage tissue but rather gently stimulates the cell therefore aiding in cell repair. It is kind of like UV sunlight for plants. Plants use sunlight UV rays to function, make new cells and repair.
The human nerve cell responds to a visible wavelength of light in the red visible spectrum at 635 nm which has been researched and documented as well as FDA approved to decrease nerve pain. Cold laser has also been studied to decrease nerve inflammation, nerve pain and actually increase muscle strength as pain decreases.
The physiological effects of Cold Laser Therapy are:
- Increased cellular metabolism, increased ATP production, increased cell growth.
- Proliferation of; fibroblasts, macrophages, endothelial cells, mast cells, and more.
- Anti-inflammatory action – reducing swelling caused by bruising or the inflammation of joints.
- Increased vascular activity.
- Pain relief as a result of increased endorphin release.
There are no contraindications for Cold Laser Therapy. However it is not recommended to be used on are on pregnant women or persons with a pace maker.
The only side effect to cold laser therapy that have been reported is a deep sense of relaxation that may cause drowsiness.
At our office we use the Erchonia Cold Laser. Erchonia is one of the leaders in cold laser research and development sponsoring numerous clinical trials.
What conditions can Cold Laser Therapy treat?
- Neck pain
- Whiplash
- Back Pain
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Frozen Shoulder
- Plantar Fasciitis
- Brachial Neuralgia (radiating arm pain)
- Acute and Chronic Joint Problems
- Ligament and tendon injuries
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Osteoarthritis
- Chondromalacia Patella
- Soft Tissue Injuries
- Sprains and Strains
- Hematomas
- Tendonitis, Tenosynovitis
- Capsulitis
- Bursitis
- Myofascial Trigger Points
- Skin Conditions
- Wound Healing
- Leg Ulcers
- Burns
- Dermatitis
- Acne