Cold Laser Therapy: Procedure, Use, 9 Pros/Cons

Do you suffer from pain that just won’t go away, even after you’ve done cleanses, special diets, and exercises? Cold laser therapy is a leading-edge health technology to decrease pain that you may want to try!

Low level laser therapy (LLLT), also called cold laser therapy, is a non-invasive, nonpharmacological pain control treatment option that uses low power lasers to treat medical conditions and reduce pain.

The name “cold” laser therapy does not actually refer to a cold therapy laser, but rather is to contrast a “hot” laser that is used for cutting tissue in laser surgery.

Similarly, the “low” in low-level laser therapy is in contrast to high-power surgical lasers.

Cold laser therapy has been shown in research to be helpful in treating injuries, musculoskeletal pain, inflammation, and chronic pain, as well as speeding up recovery from difficult to heal wounds.

It has been used by physical therapists, chiropractors and other medical professionals for decades to treat a wide range of conditions from sports injuries to arthritis.

In this article we will look at what cold laser therapy is, the procedure involved, when to use cold laser therapy, potential benefits and risks associated with it, plus how you can get access to this type of treatment if appropriate for your condition.

How Cold Laser Therapy Works

Cold laser therapy works by stimulating cells in the injured area and allowing them to repair themselves. Cold laser therapy devices emit light energy (photons) that penetrates the skin up to 5 cm deep into the body, reaching muscle tissue and damaged cells.

Once inside the body, these photons interact with cell membranes, cytoplasm, and mitochondria to create a photochemical reaction. This stimulates increased levels of ATP (the chemical energy that powers cells) and other physiological responses in the body.

The result of this stimulation is improved cellular regeneration, reduced inflammation, faster wound healing processes, and pain relief.

There is also an increase in blood flow to the injured tissue, which accelerates the healing process.

There are low level laser therapy (LLLT) colors, or specific wavelengths, that are used for pain management and to promote healing:

Red
Infrared (near-infrared light)
Violet (blue)
Green

What Does Cold Laser Therapy Treat?

Cold laser therapy is used to treat a wide range of conditions, including:

• Arthritis

• Chronic pain

• Sports injuries

• Back and neck pain

• Carpal tunnel syndrome

• Tendonitis

• Plantar fasciitis

• Fibromyalgia

• TMJ disorders

Research continues to explore ways in which cold laser therapy may be applied.

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Cold Laser Therapy for Knee Pain

Cold laser therapy is an effective treatment option for knee pain, such as from knee osteoarthritis. Its ability to reduce inflammation and stimulate tissue healing helps relieve many types of knee pain, including joint stiffness, tendonitis, and arthritis.

The procedure is usually done by a healthcare professional in their office or clinic and involves holding the cold laser device over the affected area for several minutes. Studies have shown that after just one treatment, people experience improved range of motion in the joint and decreased pain.

Pros of Cold Laser Therapy for Knee Pain

• Non-invasive

• May improve knee function

• No downtime or recovery time

• Safe and effective treatment option for knee pain, including knee osteoarthritis

Cons of Cold Laser Therapy for Knee Pain

• Costly (depending on where you live)

• Some insurance plans may not cover the treatment.

• Potentially limited effectiveness in severe cases of arthritis

• May not be suitable for everyone, such as pregnant women or people with certain skin conditions.

What a Cold Laser Therapy Treatment Session is Like

A low level laser therapy (LLLT) session is offered in the office of a qualified practitioner, such as a chiropractor, physical therapist, or medical doctor. Depending on the type of laser device being used, you may need to wear special goggles.

The laser may be a handheld device, or a free-standing motorized laser. Either way, it will be positioned over the treatment area where you want pain reduction or to repair injured tissues.

Sessions with low level lasers lasts 5-15 minutes. During this time, the laser light not only helps relieve pain, but also supports chemical changes that help grow new blood vessels.

Does Cold Laser Therapy Work?

Cold laser therapy has been proven to be an effective treatment for pain relief and improved range of motion in the joint. Studies have shown that after just one treatment, people experience improved range of motion in the joint and decreased pain. The results may vary from person to person depending on the condition being treated.

Although cold laser therapy is generally safe, it may not be suitable for everyone. Pregnant women or people with certain health conditions, such as skin conditions should consult their doctor before undergoing the treatment.

Pros And Cons Of Cold Laser Therapy

Pros:
• Non-invasive procedure
• Promotes regeneration of joints
• Pain management without side effects
• Calms inflamed tissue
• Improved range of motion
• Treatment of multiple conditions

Cons:
• Expensive treatment option (not covered by most insurance plans)
• Not suitable for all medical conditions or injuries
• Results vary from person to person and depend on the targeted area

Other Treatments: Red Light Therapy

You can get similar positive results using red light therapy panels, such as those offered by Mito Red Light.

Both LLLT and red light therapy are types of photobiomodulation therapy, meaning that they work because of the interaction of light with your tissues.

Red light therapy panels also often include near-infrared LEDs, furthering their benefits.

Unlike LLLT, which for best results require professional-grade laser equipment, red light therapy panels are affordable and suitable for home-use. This makes them easy to incorporate into your lifestyle, so that you can benefit for years to come!

Use the code joyhealthzen5 to get a 5% discount on any Mito Red Light product!

Conclusion

Cold laser therapy is a safe and effective technology for pain management. It has been used for decades in clinics, and it continues to be researched for various applications, such as for weight loss, gut health, and brain health. While the best cold laser therapy devices are still exclusive to doctor’s offices, you can get similar benefits at home from products such as red light therapy panels. If you are interested in trying LLLT, seek professional medical advice to see if it is right for you, and get an optimal treatment protocol for your needs.

Frequently asked questions

Cold laser treatments may help reduce musculoskeletal pain caused by nerve fiber or lymph node irritation, and other conditions. Cold laser treatments are great when your condition is challenging and your symptoms are chronic.

No, cold laser therapy and red light therapy are two different treatments. Cold laser therapy uses low-energy lasers to penetrate the skin and target cells, while red light therapy emits infrared light that penetrates the skin’s surface to stimulate collagen production. Both therapies have been found to be effective in treating various conditions. However, cold laser is more specific in targeting cells and relieving pain, while red light therapy is mainly used for skin rejuvenation.

Cold laser therapy is generally safe with no known side effects. However, it is important to note that there is limited research on the long-term effects of cold laser treatments and more studies are needed to assess their efficacy and safety. In rare cases, people may experience minor skin irritation or redness in the treated area after the procedure.

The difference between laser and cold laser is that conventional lasers use high-intensity light to cut, burn or remove tissue, while cold lasers use low-level light energy to stimulate tissues. Cold laser therapy penetrates the skin at a lower level than conventional lasers, making it effective at treating conditions such as joint pain and arthritis without damaging nearby tissue.

The number of sessions required for cold laser therapy varies from person to person and depends on the condition being treated. Generally, between four and eight treatment sessions are recommended. The length of each session typically ranges from 5 minutes to an hour. It is important to follow the instructions of your doctor or therapist regarding how often and long you should receive cold laser therapy.

Cold laser therapy is not a permanent solution for pain relief. The effects of each session typically last for several days to weeks, and then the symptoms may return. To maintain the results of cold laser therapy, multiple sessions may be necessary over time.

Yes, cold laser therapy has been known to reduce inflammation in the affected area. By activating cells and increasing circulation, cold laser therapy can help reduce swelling and improve mobility in an inflamed joint or muscle. It is important to keep in mind that results may vary from person to person.

Still have questions?

If you cannot find an answer to your question in our FAQ, ask in the comments!

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