Did you know cold laser therapy has been used for over 40 years? It’s a non-invasive method that uses low-intensity light waves. This approach helps in healing without heat. Treatment sessions are short, lasting just a few minutes, yet they bring big benefits for many conditions.

People often wonder, what does cold therapy laser do. They’re surprised to learn it helps with a lot of things. Low-power laser therapy boosts cell functions, improves blood flow, and releases endorphins. These are natural pain relievers. The FDA has approved it, so doctors and dentists use it for cold laser therapy for pain relief and cold laser therapy for inflammation. It’s great for sports injuries, skin rejuvenation, and managing chronic pain.

Key Takeaways

• Cold laser therapy involves low-intensity light that does not heat tissues.
• Session durations are typically brief but can offer significant results.
• Used for pain relief, inflammation reduction, and tissue repair.
• FDA-approved for numerous conditions, excluding cancerous lesions.
• Multiple sessions may be necessary to evaluate effectiveness, averaging around 16 treatments in one month.

Understanding Cold Laser Therapy

Cold laser therapy, also known as low-level laser therapy (LLLT), uses low-level light to help tissues heal. It’s a non-invasive and painless method. The therapy targets affected areas with red and near-infrared light to start the healing process.

The therapy uses wavelengths from 600 to 950 nanometers. This range allows for healing in both surface and deeper tissues. Wavelengths from 600 to 700 nm work on surface tissues. Wavelengths from 780 to 950 nm penetrate deeper, reaching muscles and tissues.

This therapy boosts cellular energy by increasing ATP production. ATP is the main energy source for cells. It helps cells regenerate and heal faster. The therapy also improves cellular detoxification and regenerative abilities.

Cold laser therapy is great for treating arthritis, tendonitis, and other musculoskeletal issues. It can help reduce pain and improve function in about 50-70% of patients with peripheral neuropathy. It also speeds up wound healing, reducing recovery times by 30-50%.

Most people start feeling pain relief after three to five sessions. However, those with chronic conditions might need up to 20 sessions. Each session is quick, lasting just a few minutes.

Even though insurance doesn’t cover it, cold laser therapy is safe. It has a low risk of side effects, under 1%. Many people find it a good alternative for pain relief and healing.

Benefits of Cold Laser Therapy

Cold laser therapy, also known as Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) or Photobiomodulation (PBM), offers many benefits. It provides effective pain relief without surgery. This therapy helps with pain in fibromyalgia, carpal tunnel syndrome, and rheumatoid arthritis by reducing inflammation and aiding in tissue repair.

It’s great for speeding up tissue healing. This makes it a top choice for wounds and ulcers, especially in diabetes cases. Athletes, including Olympic and major league teams, use it for pain management and to recover faster than with traditional methods.

Cold laser therapy also boosts blood flow in muscles, ligaments, and joints. This improves circulation and helps remove toxins. It increases collagen and elastin, which are important for skin health. This is good for treating acne, psoriasis, and dermatitis.

Patients see better nerve function and pain relief with cold laser therapy. It blocks nerve signals for quick pain relief. It also helps with cellular detoxification and regenerative processes by boosting ATP production.

The therapy uses wavelengths between 600 and 950 nanometers (nm) to target soft tissues. It’s good for muscle strains, tendonitis, bursitis, and neck and back pain. Its non-invasive nature cuts down recovery times and reduces medication needs, appealing to those looking for holistic healing.

A typical session costs between $75 to $100, and insurance might not cover it. Yet, many patients feel pain relief after three to five sessions. Sometimes, up to 20 treatments are needed for the best results. Despite mixed study results, cold laser therapy for tissue healing is seen as a promising option for many musculoskeletal issues and hard-to-heal wounds.

Applications of Cold Laser Therapy

Cold laser therapy is used in many medical fields. It’s especially popular in sports medicine to help athletes recover faster. It’s great for treating injuries like sprains and strains, and even chronic conditions like bursitis and tennis elbow.

In dentistry, it helps with mouth inflammation and healing ulcers. Dermatologists use it to reduce pain and speed up skin healing. Pain management clinics also use it to help those with chronic pain.

This therapy is a needle-free alternative to acupuncture. It’s also being studied for treating brain injuries, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s. This shows it has a wide range of uses.

Comparing cold laser therapy versus traditional treatments shows big benefits. Traditional treatments often mean surgery and long recovery times. Cold laser therapy, on the other hand, has less downtime and can show results in just a few sessions.

However, the cost can be a problem. In the U.S., each session can cost between $30 to $200. Most people need at least eight sessions, making it around $300. This can make it hard for some to try it, especially in rural areas.

Despite the cost, cold laser therapy is a comfortable treatment. Sessions are short, lasting from a few minutes to half an hour. It’s best to talk to a healthcare provider before starting, especially if other treatments haven’t worked.

Conclusion

Cold laser therapy is a safe, non-invasive way to treat many medical issues. It has become more popular because of its proven effectiveness. It helps with joint pain, nerve pain, and muscle injuries by reducing pain and improving movement.

It’s especially good for conditions like osteoarthritis, neck pain, and low back pain. This therapy works by boosting ATP production, which is key for cell health and growth. It helps heal soft tissue injuries and has anti-inflammatory effects.

It also increases blood flow, bringing oxygen and nutrients to tissues. This improves health and reduces swelling. Most people don’t have side effects, and they can go back to their daily activities right after treatment.

Studies like those by Cao et al. (2015) and Grigorisadis et al. (2012) show it reduces pain and improves function. Regular treatments help manage long-term conditions. This leads to lasting pain relief, better mobility, and a higher quality of life. As technology improves, cold laser therapy will become even more important in healthcare.

Make an appointment at your primary care doctor with Nevy Health by calling 480.833.0302.