Cold Laser Therapy (a.k.a. Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT)) refers to a noninvasive treatment technique that utilizes specific wavelengths of light that painlessly penetrate the skin to assist in the body’s natural healing processes. According to Dr. Gary McDowell of McDowell Family Chiropractic in La Mesa, CA, cold laser therapy can be effective for those patients who suffer from a variety of acute or chronic conditions by reducing swelling, pain, and spasms.
How do Cold Lasers Work?
Cold laser therapy uses low levels of amplified light that can be effective in improving the aches related to a wide range of musculoskeletal issues and conditions. As its name implies, it penetrates your skin noninvasively (without the need to generate heat or side effects) and delivers a therapeutic light that stimulates cells to release more ATP, which they can use for energy.
Trained professionals and clinicians hold handheld cold laser therapy devices, which are usually about the size of a traditional flashlight. Depending on the area being treated and the required dose, the device may be held directly over the area for a half-minute to several minutes. During the session, the device emits non-thermal light photons that penetrate through the various layers of skin (e.g., the dermis and the epidermis).
The Benefits of Cold Laser Therapy
Photo-biomodulation, another name for cold laser therapy, is painless and noninvasive. As a therapeutic intervention, cold laser therapy can effectively –
- Improve nerve function.
- Reduce the need for medication in managing the many symptoms that manifest from musculoskeletal injuries, trauma, and disorders.
- Allow injuries to heal faster
Some of the conditions that are usually effectively treated by Low-Level Laser Therapy/cold laser therapy include the following -
- Arthritis/Joint Pain
- Neck and Back Pain
- Muscle Strains and Sprains
- Soft Tissue Injuries
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Tendonitis
- Bursitis
- Knee and Elbow Pain
- Muscle Spasms
- Fibromyalgia
Consult with a Leasing La Mesa Chiropractor Near You
Cold laser therapy has the potential to stimulate the healing of the cells within muscles, ligaments, cartilage, nerves, etc., so a variety of medical conditions/injuries can be treated with cold laser therapy.
If you would like additional information about cold laser therapy or any other available non-invasive complementary technique that might be beneficial for your situation, contact Dr. McDowell or a staff member at McDowell Family Chiropractic at 619-670-7700 or online.