High-dose laser therapy is a type of treatment that employs light energy to promote pain relief, tissue healing, and reduced inflammation.
Although the effects of light on live cells was first observed in the late 19th century, the medical applications of this type of energy are relatively new. Recent research suggests that treatments like cold laser therapy can have a therapeutic effect if applied property, which is one of the reasons we provide this alternative to our patients.
Below, we’ll go over cold laser therapy, how it works, and go over the ideal candidate description for this treatment.
What is Cold Laser Therapy?
Cold laser therapy is a form of treatment where light energy is used to promote tissue healing and repair while reducing inflammation and discomfort at the same time. This treatment is applied through a handheld device for several minutes. The light emitted from the device passes through the epidermis, dermis, and subcutaneous tissue layers, eventually stimulating the target area to produce a photochemical reaction inside of the body.
Tissue damage and inflammation happen for a number of reasons including health conditions and physical traumas. Cold laser therapy is an effective treatment alternative that can help repair tissue damage and manage chronic inflammation caused by accidents or other health conditions.
How Does Cold Laser Therapy Work?
Cold laser therapy is used to promote tissue healing and repair in different areas around the body. This type of treatment employs red light and infrared light energy, both of which penetrate our skin to reach muscles, tendons, cartilage, and other structural elements.
The cells in the targeted area absorb the light energy from the laser which in turn causes them to reduce inflammation and kickstart the healing process.
Like other types of light, infrared energy and red light are made of photons. Depending on the type of light, photons travel in distinct wave patterns and at specific speeds. The wave pattern and speed of each light is known as the wavelength and frequency, both of which affect how the body responds to different types of energy.
When damaged tendons, muscles, and structural tissues are exposed to infrared and red light, our cells absorb this type of energy and encourage a photochemical process that results in enhanced DNA and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production.
Both ATP and DNA are necessary for the production of additional compounds that keep cell membranes healthy, functional and active, thus reducing inflammation as well as discomfort while also supporting the body’s ability to repair itself.
What Does Cold Laser Therapy Help?
While this treatment has FDA approval for physical therapy applications, cold laser therapy is viewed as an alternative treatment and is generally used to alleviate inflammation-related joint ailments, arthritis episodes, pain, and knee issues, as well as other structural tissue problems.
There are many different biochemical processes triggered by cold laser therapy that results in the reduction of pain and inflammation.
In simple terms, red and infrared light can help reduce inflammation by stimulating the chromophores, which are parts of our cells that absorb light energy. The chromophores are located inside of the mitochondria and when stimulated by light energy they produce ATP, which results in stronger cell membranes, increased energy at a cellular level, enhanced cellular reproduction, pain relief, and accelerated cell recovery.
Additionally, this chain of biochemical reactions can also help create new blood vessels, regulate temperature, and promote healthy lymphatic system function, all of which help reduce inflammation.
As for pain management, light therapy has also been shown to increase beta-endorphins as well as nitric oxide production. These two compounds are responsible for promoting pain relief and enhancing the amount of oxygen your cells absorb. Furthermore, patients may also experience a balancing of nutrient concentration and neural pathway signaling after cold laser therapies, both of which can contribute to a decrease in perceived pain.
Cold laser therapy is still rather new to the medical scene, so the full extent of its benefits are still being researched. As cold laser therapy becomes more widespread, more and more benefits will surely come to light!
Who Should Use Cold Laser Therapy?
Cold laser therapy is ideal for patients who are suffering from chronic pain, numbness, aching, and other symptoms that are commonly related to inflammation. This non-invasive treatment was designed to treat joints, muscles, and other structural areas, so it’s ideal for athletes and people of all ages.
Individuals struggling with chronic knee pain, arthritis, and other conditions that may be managed through cold laser therapy should strongly consider setting up an appointment and scheduling a session.
If you have a condition that you think would benefit from cold laser therapy, but you have questions, give Olympic Spine and Support a call today.
Schedule a Free Consultation Today
Here at Olympic Spine and Support, we have knowledgeable staff and therapists who are passionate about helping patients heal. We know the debilitating effect that certain ailments can have on a person’s life and our team is passionate about helping you regain full mobility, which is one of the reasons why we offer cold laser therapy to outpatients.
If you’d like to learn more about cold therapy treatments, contact Olympic Spine and Support today to schedule your free consultation.
