Cold laser therapy is a viable option to help patients with pain management issues. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), approximately 20.9% of U.S. adults experience some form of chronic pain.
If you’re curious about laser therapy’s effectiveness, there are some key things to consider.
Read on for more information and insight into cold laser therapy, its benefits, treatment considerations, and more.
What is Cold Laser Therapy?
Before we cover the pros and cons, let’s discuss the definition of cold laser therapy or low-level laser therapy. This non-invasive form of treatment uses a special device to deliver low-intensity light to the body to reduce pain and heal damaged tissue.
At The Spine Center, we use the Erchonia FX 405 Pain Laser which targets specific areas of the body to help with chronic pain conditions. After several sessions (which vary per patient), many people experience long-lasting relief. There’s no need for needles, incisions, or long periods of downtime with our laser therapy.
The cold laser therapy process takes just 15 minutes per session, and it’s a modern, cost-effective alternative to other more intense and costly treatment options available today. Low-level light pulses are sent into the skin, which triggers chemical changes to help promote healing. Not only is this treatment effective for most people, but it’s also painless, too.
Who Benefits
You’re likely wondering if cold laser therapy is the right choice for you. If you’re dealing with any of the following conditions, this treatment can be quite beneficial.
- Arthritis
- Back Pain and/or neck pain
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Chronic Inflammation
- Fibromyalgia
- Migraines and Headaches (in some cases)
- Muscle Tears
- Neuropathy (Nerve Pain)
- Osteoarthritis
- Plantar Fasciitis
- Post-Surgical Pain
- Post-Traumatic Injuries
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Sciatica
- Sports Injuries, strains, sprains
If you were injured in an auto accident or you’re dealing with sports-related injuries. this innovative form of laser therapy could be a great fit. People with nerve pain, sciatica, and a myriad of other painful conditions may also see incredible benefits.
Cold Laser Benefits
There are many benefits to receiving cold laser therapy treatment for those dealing with pain and a wide range of other conditions. First, it has been shown to relieve inflammation and can help to reduce inflammation caused by conditions like rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
Cold laser therapy also helps people dealing with acute or chronic pain. It may help to treat a variety of conditions ranging from tennis elbow to fibromyalgia and carpal tunnel syndrome.
Skin rejuvenation is another benefit of cold laser therapy. It can be utilized to treat an array of skin issues, including burns, acne scarring, and even foot fungus. Some wounds related to diabetes may also see faster, improved healing with cold laser therapy.
Those dealing with sports injuries, sciatica, post-surgical pain, or trauma-induced pain may also benefit from this form of laser therapy. Researchers are also studying its use for other ailments like spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and even Parkinson’s disease.
Aside from what cold laser therapy treats, the process is non-invasive, requires no medication, and is virtually painless. You may feel a slight warming sensation or some mild tingling near the area being treated. However, cold laser therapy patients reap the benefits without going under the knife or having to take prescription medications to relieve their pain.
Pros and Cons of Cold Laser Therapy
As with any form of therapy or medical treatment, there are some positive aspects as well as some drawbacks. Here are some pros and cons regarding cold laser therapy to help you decide if it’s the right choice for you.
Pros
- A practitioner uses a special device that is applied to the skin superficially, so the entire process is painless and non-invasive
- People with chronic pain get relief rather quickly
- Most sessions are about 15 minutes each and are cost-effective
- There are little to no side effects whatsoever
- Cold laser therapy can heal the skin and help with tissue repair and regeneration
Cons
- Most patients must have multiple sessions before they get results
- Some people may need to have more than one session per week
- Some insurance companies won’t cover cold laser therapy
- Pregnant women, cancer patients, and those with possible cancerous lesions are not suited for cold laser therapy
- Special glasses must be worn at all times to prevent eye damage
Laser Therapy Effectiveness
Most patient outcomes are positive for those receiving cold laser therapy. Success rates may range from 85-90% for people with acute and chronic pain. Laser therapy stimulates nerve regeneration, reduces inflammation, and relaxes muscles, so many patients feel relief after just one or two treatments.
Cold or low-level laser therapy has been shown to accelerate the wound healing process. It’s also used in dentistry to reduce swelling and slow down the deterioration of periodontal tissue.
Over several treatments, laser therapy can restore muscle function by regenerating muscle fibers. it can also provide long-lasting results for skin resurfacing to reduce or completely remove scarring, stretch marks, and more.
The FX 405 laser has been shown to produce incredible results for most patients thanks to new technology. It uses a scientifically proven method that turbocharges the body’s natural healing abilities.
It’s important to note that the cause of your pain may impact your results. Those with more severe conditions or other underlying conditions may not get the full benefits, or they may need to attend more sessions until they finally get relief.
The suitability of laser therapy may also depend on the individual patient’s health. For example, people with certain autoimmune disorders like lupus may not be suitable candidates.
Say Goodbye to Pain
If you’re dealing with acute or chronic pain or any of the other conditions we’ve listed here, cold laser therapy might be right for you. This effective, non-invasive, pain-free procedure can change your life for the better and give you the long-term relief you’ve been looking for.
Don’t let chronic pain control your life. Get the relief you deserve from the caring, experienced team at The Spine Center by contacting us today to schedule your appointment.